Colon Health and Screenings

The first step to better colon health is good hygiene which actually begins outside of our bodies. One common cause for some toxins entering the intestinal tract comes from having a nasal drip from some kind of sinus infection or cold which can introduce toxins to the intestinal tract. Another issue of course is washing our hands before we eat, any germ that is on our hands can be introduced to our intestinal tract.

In regards to the intestinal tract itself one of the biggest causes for illness is the build up of undigested food in the small intestine. While a small amount of undigested food is normal, when there is a large amount of undigested food the danger of it becoming a breeding ground for bacteria increases tremendously.

The next step in the process is the colon which removes water from the intestinal contents coming from the small intestine. If the colon is healthy it will only absorb water but if not it will absorb toxins as well. Feces is the result of this process and consists of about one third solids while the rest is water. Bacteria make up about a third of the dry weight. There should be a bowel movement every 24 hours.

For someone suffering from intestinal toxemia the result will be diarrhea because the toxins irritate the intestines and the body is doing its best to get rid of them.

There are three main types of toxins that may be in the intestinal tract, the first of which is putrefaction caused by protein spoilage which can result in the formation of organic toxins such as guanidine and histamine. The next is rancidity from the spoilage of fats which can occur in the intestine or come from rancid fats that are ingested. Fermentation comes from the production of gas by bacterial action primarily from carbohydrates.

One of the most common causes of absorption problems in the intestine is from the improper digestion of gluten which is found in wheat. Some people do not digest it well. Gluten, by the way, is what gives wallpaper paste its adhesive quality. That isn’t exactly the kind of thing you want in your digestive tract.

Milk can also cause the same problem in individuals who have a problem digesting it. Casein, the protein from milk is also used to make adhesives and has a similar effect as that of gluten. To find out if you have a problem with these just abstain from eating them for a couple of weeks.

According to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Caroloina (BCBSNC) a Colon Cancer Screening or a Colonoscopy may be appropriate for any nonsymptomatic individual who is:

1. At least 50 years of age, or
2. Less than 50 years of age and at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer according to the most recently published colorectal cancer screening guidelines of the American Cancer Society or guidelines adopted by the North Carolina Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control. According to the American Cancer Society Guidelines on Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer (refer to CA Cancer J Clin 2006;56;16) for average-risk women and men ages 50 and older, the following tests are recommended options for colorectal cancer screening:
   • Fecal Occult Blood Test or Fecal immunochemical Test (FOBT or FIT and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy)
   • FOBT or FIT annually and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. Flexible sigmoidoscopy
     together with FOBT or FIT is preferred compared with FOBT or FIT or flexible sigmoidoscopy alone.
   • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - Every 5 years;
   • Fecal Occult Blood Test or Fecal Immunochemical Test- Annually;
   • Colonoscopy - Every 10 years;
   • Double Contrast Barium Enema - Every 5 years.

Based on the American Cancer Society Guidelines on Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer (refer to CA Cancer J Clin 2006;56;16-17), patients at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer include:
Women or men at increased risk:

• People with a single, small (less than 1 cm) adenoma. 3 - 6 years after the initial polypectomy, recommend colonoscopy. If the exam is normal, the patient can thereafter be screened as per average risk guidelines.
• People with a large (1 cm +) adenoma, multiple adenomas, or adenomas with high-grade dysplasia or villous change. Within 3 years after the initial polypectomy, recommend colonoscopy. If normal, repeat examination in 3 years; if normal then, the patient can thereafter be screened as per standard guidelines for the risk category.
• Either colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, in any first-degree relative before age 60, or in two or more first-degree relatives at any age (if not a hereditary syndrome). Age 40, or 10 years before the youngest case in the immediate family, recommend colonoscopy every 5 - 10 years. Colorectal cancer in relatives more distant than first-degree does not increase risk substantially above the average risk group
• People with a diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or those people who are at risk for HNPCC should have a colonoscopy every one-two years. It is recommended that screening should begin at the age of 20 - 25 years old or 10 years prior to the youngest family member diagnosed with colon cancer, whichever comes first.