Life in the Colon. Did you know that in "Colon World":

[snagglepuss]

Last edited Sat Jul 6, 2013, 01:25 PM - Edit history (2)

•The health of colon cells, which turn over rapidly, is for the most part dependent upon the bacteria of "Colon World", which in turn is dependent upon the food we give these bacteria.

•Friendly bacteria crowd out the ones that cause disease, such as Salmonella

•Friendly bacteria lower the levels of some toxins, such as ammonia

•Vitamins are constructed (particularly Vitamin K and some B vitamins)

•Special fats, called short-chain fatty acids, are manufactured, most of which are absorbed into the bloodstream, but some are used to feed the cells of the colon.

It is the short-chain fatty acids which are getting the most attention recently. It is difficult to get these in our food, so the body relies on the process going on in "Colon World" to make these fats for us. Evidence is building that they are important in keeping the cells of the colon healthy and preventing such conditions as ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, and diverticular disease. They may also help regulate cholesterol and even, to some extent, insulin responses.


What Types of Fiber Feed the Colon?

The fiber types that are most amenable to fermentation are the soluble ones - gums, pectins, etc, found in such foods as berries, beans, flax seeds, plums, apples, and oats, and in some fiber supplements, such as those using psyllium and guar gum.


snip

Insoluble fiber (found in such foods as vegetables, the bran of grains e.g. wheat bran, nuts, and seeds) isn't available for much fermentation, but it is still important in the colon. Not only does it provide bulk in the stool, its tendency to "speed things along" means that the fermentation will take place all along the length of the colon, including the near the end, where the majority of colon cancer occurs. Without insoluble fiber, most of the fermentation would take place in the top part of the colon, so the colon cells there would get most of the benefit.





http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/nutrition/a/fiberbenefits.htm

[flamingdem]

1. I like them apples

so does my colon!