It can be most embarassing. You think you want to release gas but what actually comes out of your rectum is a combination of toxic fluids and other forms of waste. This is but one of the many discomforts of the inflammatory diseases of the colon such as ulcerative colitis, amoebic colitis and vacillary dysentry. The cause of these diseases are for the most part unknown, however, they are linked to depression and anxiety.

Symptoms in the early stages of these diseases include cramping and pain in the lower abdomen pain, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding.

Instead of being absorbed by the body, water and minerals are rapidly expelled through the lower digestive tract.

This can cause dehydration or anaemia.

It goes almost without saying then, that everyone, especially those over thirty-five needs to be careful of what they eat.

Eating properly today will save you a world of discomfort and embarassment tomorrow.

Men, please stop going to the rum bar on an empty stomach. This is just not good for your colon.

Mixing alcohol and milk is just a silly myth that cannot help you.

You need food, and as I said last week, fibre to ensure the proper working of this vital organ.

Going hungry all day and eating one heavy meal is not good enough. You need to nourish your body with other fluids throughout the day.

Proper rest, exercise and emotional wellness are all critical factors for a healthy colon which will in turn remove waste from the body.

Last week we looked at herbs that are good for the colon this week we’ll talk about some of the dietary supplements.

Vitamin A, E and B Complex. These heal infection, elminate poison in the body and restore and strengthen the body respectively.

Vitamin K. When extracted from nuts like almonds, pecans and macadamias and grains by a process, known as coldpressing this vitamin restores broken down tissues and elminates poisons from the body.

Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. Calcium calms the nerves which in turn support a healthy colon. Iron elminates anaemaia and magnesium aids in the proper elmination of faeces.

Next week we’ll talk about friendly bacteria and other elements which are necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive tract.

Buckston Harrison is well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resides in Sheffield, Westmoreland.