Colon and bowel health is essential for maintaining a healthy body. Often considered an embarrassing subject, many people suffer in silence and hesitate to ask for advice. Constipation and gas, although common, are not normal. Colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colons, polyps, and colon cancers plague many people in today's society.

There are many things that contribute to poor bowel health. Conglomerated agricultural operations are growing and harvesting foods that lack basic nutrients and are saturated with pesticides, herbicides, and other poisons. We import wheat and other staples from foreign countries that continue to use even more deadly sprays. Adding to the problem, every day consumers eat tons of processed foods that contain little or no fiber.

Local writer Clint Deaver often expresses concern about the state of our nation's food supply in his column, “Consideration for Every Living Thing.” Warnings are everywhere from the internet to morning talk shows and the FDA doesn't seem to be much help. Americans have become spoiled, for lack of a better word. Why choose a plate of raw veggies or fresh fruit when there's a fast food joint on every corner offering cheesy hamburgers and tasty fries? Where can you even buy a plate of fresh and clean, organic veggies, ready to eat? Remember the lettuce scare a few months back? E coli bacteria contamination is occurring much too often for comfort.

A good diet with lots of water and fiber is the best way to keep the colon and bowels healthy. Fresh veggies, whole grains, and fruit should be consumed throughout the day. Not just one apple or a bowl of oatmeal, but plates piled high with broccoli, greens, carrots, squash, favorite veggies and fruits should be eaten at every meal.

Organic produce is best and worth the extra cost. A local grocery store sells regular celery for 89 cents. Organic celery is more than double that price, but most organic items cost only 50 cents to a dollar more. That extra couple of dollars may keep your family from ingesting unacceptable amounts of poison chemicals.

Poor colon health results in the re-absorption of toxins into the human body. Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements (constipation), cramps, bloody stool, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, mucous, dehydration, fatigue, nausea, depression, irritability, coated tongue, headaches, bad breath, body odor, and sallow complexion.

Many herbs can help protect and heal the colon. Slippery elm reduces inflammation. Chamomile tea soothes and helps repair damage. Rosemary, peppermint, catnip, fennel, and green drinks are also excellent choices for colon health. Milk thistle seed and dandelion extract enhance bile output and soften the stool. Many excellent laxative tea blends are sold at health food stores.

Bowel movements should be regular, frequent, and effortless. Transit time should be less than 12 hours. The stool should float and be almost odorless. Decaying food ferments in the bowel, forms gases, and causes the colon to become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and molds. Enemas containing catnip tea can help cleanse the colon of excess matter.

* Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedies.