Large+Intestine

• 10 foot long, • Fx: 1. Absorbs 1 liter of H2O/day, electrolytes, and some vitamin synthesis • 2. Environment for microbial fermentation of soluble fibers, starch and undigested carbs. • 3. Anaerobic colonic fermentation produces short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These are a main source of energy for colonic epithelial cells. The SCFA and amines make the stool slightly acidic and provide absorptive buffers for toxins. • 4. Moves waste at 5cm/hour. BTT (Bowel transit time) increased BTT will cause diverticuli, allergies, abn (abnormal) gut flora, pre-cancerous lesions. (Highest fiber consuming countries have no colon cancer. No diverticulitis, Crohn’s, or UC and less heart disease.)

• More LAB: • -Charcoal test: 6 caps after dinner observe stools for dark color. • -Urinary indican test – Evaluates aromatic amine meaning increased absorption, -increased with toxic bowels from constipation, putrefaction and dysbiosis. (Tyrosine and tryptophan will increase indican levels in the urine. • -Normal bowel transit time: 17 hours. Delayed -> hemorrhoids, increased cancer –colon, diverticuli