Colon and Immunity

Relation between the colon and the immunity could be looking strange to some people and it could be odd too for some one. But the relation between the colon and immunity is much closely related whenever it is concerned as the immunity of the person mostly depends on his/her colon health. Let’s dismantle the facts and assertions about how the colon is related to the immunity of the body.

Relation of Colon and Immunity

While most of the immunity depends on the colon, it is required to maintain the colon healthy. These assertions are supported by the figures how the colon cancer is proving to be hazardous to the health and immunity of the person. Colon cancer seems to be the third most commonly diagnosed carcinogenic condition and it is also second foremost in causing the death in United States (both men and women). According to the American Cancer Society about 142,820 people are estimated to diagnose with the colon cancer unveiling the importance about how colon is interrelated to the immunity. Not only concerned with the severe conditions, mild health illness like constipation, hemorrhoids or anal fissure can weaken the body’s immunity to the dead end making the person weak and vulnerable to other health concerns.

Illness Associated with Colon

There are several illness associated with the colon. Most prominent colon illnesses are:

  • Colon cancer
  • Constipation
  • Bowel movement disorders
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Colon polyps
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas

Role of Microbial Flora in the Immunity

The researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health has discovered that the chemicals released by the intestinal (colon) bacteria are responsible for the growth and well-functioning of T-cells (Commonly known to be as Tregs cells) in the colon. They also have known that this microbial flora is working well for a condition known to be as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome). The short chain fatty acids are generated due to the process carried out by the microbial flora. These short chain fatty acids enhances the functioning of the T cells. Besides providing the assistance in immunity, these microbial floras are also responsible for maintaining a symbiotic relation with the host by providing them the necessary vitamins like biotin and the vitamin K.

What to feed the Colon?colon top diet foods

While most of the illness can be observed in the individuals who have poor dieting habits, lifestyle patterns and sedentary, people who lead an active life and follow a specific healthy diet chart have a good immunity against the infections and the conditions. That healthy diet chart includes:

Fiber Foods: Foods that are good in fiber are often recommended by the health care specialists as they support good colon health. Besides provide an ease bowel formation and expulsion. Experts recommend 25 to 30 grams of the fiber to be included in the daily diet.
Probiotic Foods: These fermented foods are useful and can enhance the microbial flora in the guts. Yogurt is well known for its benefits.

Antioxidants for Immunity

The best of immunity can be offered only when the body is supplemented with the antioxidants and the above said foods. Vitamins like A, C, E, phytochemicals, minerals are found in the nuts, seeds, fruits act as the antioxidants that are useful in dealing with the free radicals, molecules that damage the body cells indirectly affecting the immunity.

Though the health world has advanced better than the past, still the research is going on though out the world regarding the relation of colon and enhancing the immunity.

 

References:

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/bacterial-metabolites-regulate-immune-system-function-in-the-colon-and-may-help-reduce-inflammatory-bowel-disease/

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21128315.100-colon-identified-as-a-seat-of-immune-cell-learning.html#.Ui8NlNKnqME

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