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.