James Allred

Most people do not understand the functions or purpose of the Large Intestine. If you think the Colon is limited to defecation only, please consider these other very important perspectives.

Chyme is food in a semi liquid state that enters the large Intestine from the Small Intestine through the Ileo-cecal Sphincter, sometimes mistakenly called a valve which technically it is not, nor is it a one-way-door.

The mucosa consists of simple columnar epithelium, areolar connective tissue and smooth muscle.

The epithelium contains mostly absorptive cells that function primarily in water absorption. Water in the Chyme is absorbed by the Large Intestine and returns that material to a more solid consistency.

Goblet cells secrete a beneficial mucus which lubricates the feces to pass easily and is essential for proper bowel function and complete elimination.

In the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria may be free-living or attached to mucus, mucosa surface, food particles or digestive residues. The attached bacteria produce microcolonies, leading to the development of biofilms.

The Large Intestine serves in the last stages of digestion with a slightly acidic pH of 5.6~6.9. Microbial bacteria ferment any remaining carbohydrates and convert remaining proteins to amino acids.

Several vitamins needed for normal metabolism are bacterial products that are absorbed in the Large Intestine; some B vitamins, especially B₇, Vitamin K and electrolytes.

The remaining carbohydrates and proteins in the Large Intestine may release ammonia, carbon dioxide, indole, phenol and skatole, all of which are toxins and considered normal without threat.

The Large Intestine eliminates these by defecation or via the hepatic portal system of the liver where they are denatured into less toxic compounds which can be excreted primarily through the kidneys.

If the pH of the Large Intestine has become too alkaline, this may be associated with an imbalance and/or proliferation of intestinal floras. These pathogens influence the process of putrefaction and may be expressed by a variety of symptoms.