Ayurvedic Insight
Issue #40, February 2005
In This Issue
Maintaining a Healthy Colon
by Shannon Mooney
Proper elimination is an important link in the digestive
process and is necessary for overall health. The colon or
large intestine is the final organ through which the food we
eat passes. It is about five feet in length and frames three
sides of the abdominal cavity, beginning at the cecum and
ending at the anus. The large intestine is a sensitive organ
that has several turns and pockets. It very important to
keep the colon toned, clean and moving regularly to ensure
proper elimination.
The main function of the large intestine is the absorption
of water, vitamins and ions. The feces, the solid matter
leftover from digested food, spends between 12-24 hours in
the colon before passing through the rectum.
In Ayurveda, examination of the stool is a diagnostic tool
used to understand the health of the digestive and excretory
systems in the body. If digestion and absorption are
functioning normally, the stool is well-formed, resembling a
soft, ripe banana and it will float in water. In healthy
elimination, bowels should move regularly, at least once
daily without strain or use of laxatives.
If there is improper digestion, the stool sinks and can be
sticky, slimy, contain undigested food particles and have a
bad odor. This is indicative of ama or toxins within the
system. Main causes that damage excretory function are
suppression of the urge to defecate, lack of (or too
much) fiber in the diet, lack of oils in the diet or abuse
of laxatives.
Fiber in the diet is what creates bulk in the stool which
supports the walls of the colon and strengthens the
contractions of a bowel movement. When there is lack of
fiber, the colon narrows, the contractions are more powerful
putting pressure on its walls. This encourages the condition
of diverticulitis where the mucosa or mucus membrane
protrudes through the colon walls.
Diarrhea results when matter rushes through before the large
intestine has a chance to absorb the water. In this
condition, loose stools pass three or more times per day.
Conversely, when remaining food matter stays in the colon
for extended periods of time, the stool becomes hard, dry
and difficult to pass, a condition known as constipation.
Typically, vata predominant people will experience
constipation or have variable movements, fluctuating between
normal elimination, diarrhea and constipation. Pitta
predominant people are more prone to loose stools and can
sometimes experience burning sensations particularly after
eating spicy foods. An excess of pitta dosha will give the
stool a yellow or orange color. Kapha individuals have slow
and sluggish elimination tendencies, but their stools are
generally well-formed and can be slightly oily.
Ayurveda offers treatment depending on the cause and
condition. Sat Isabgol (Psyllium) is used to add bulk to
the stool. In cases of diarrhea, astringent herbs are
recommended. In cases of extreme constipation senna, rhubarb
root or castor oil are used. To help tonify and cleanse the
colon daily, the Ayurvedic formula, Triphala, is recommended
for people of all doshas.
Triphala is a panacea in Ayurveda. It is best known for
its gentle laxative effect for the treatment of mild
constipation and also helps to tonify the digestive tract,
particularly the walls of the colon. It is a balanced
formula, helping to eliminate excess doshas and toxins from
the body and keeping the digestion and excretory systems
functioning smoothly. Triphala works gradually to purify and
rejuvenate the digestive tract, thereby increasing the
body's ability to nourish all vital tissues and organs.
This formula can be taken daily as a tablet or more traditionally in
powder form. The best way to make a Triphala tea is to use 1/4 - 1
teaspoon in a cup of hot water and allow to steep until the powder
settles, then drink. Take triphala first thing in the morning or a half
hour before bedtime, or both. Take Triphala and notice your stool each
day. If there is too much of a laxative effect, decrease the dosage. If
you find making the tea inconvenient or if you find the taste to be too
unpleasant, triphala tablets are a convenient, highly effective
alternative.
Proper elimination is crucial to purifying the body. By
supporting this process with Triphala you can maximize
digestion and elimination while learning more about the
function of the body and moving towards good health.
Recipe: Tridoshic Mashed Potatoes
0 Vata, -Pitta, -Kapha
- 8 new potatoes with skins
- 1/2 c. goat milk, hot
- 1/4 c. (4 T.) ghee
- 1 t. sea salt
- 1 T. fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 t. fresh marjoram, chopped (optional)
Garnish liberally with ghee for Vata.
Put 2-3 quarts of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a
boil (should be enough water to cover the potatoes). While
the water is heating, wash the potatoes, scrubbing well.
When the water has come to a boil, add the potatoes, whole.
Boil until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the water and put
the potatoes in a large bowl. Mash with a fork or potato
masher, stirring in the hot goat milk and ghee as you mash.
Season with salt and herbs as desired. Very good.
Recipe reprinted with permission from Ayurvedic Cooking for
Westerners by Amadea Morningstar, Lotus Press, P.O. Box 325,
Twin Lakes, WI 53181.©1995 All Rights Reserved.
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