The alimentary canal and the accessory organs make up the digestive system.  The alimentary canal or digestive tube consists of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon and rectum.  The accessory organs are the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gall bladder, and the pancreas.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food to glean nutrients important to the body for energy, growth, and repair. There are two processes involved in breaking down food. The first one is mastication (churning or grinding: chewing of food) and secondly the chemical process (e.g. action of enzymes). Chemical digestion starts in the mouth, through the onset of saliva. The major processing area in the body for digesting food is located in the stomach and the small intestine.

The mouth mixes the food with salivary secretions; that onset by mastication and taste. The food is swallowed (deglutition) down to the esophagus; that delivers the food into the stomach. Upon arrival at the stomach the food is greeted by enzymes secreted from various organs that orchestrate the breaking down of food proteins. In addition to the important enzymes, powerful stomach acids (hydrochloric acid or HCI*) is needed to further complete the process.
*Hydrochloric acid decreases by age 35 and continues to decrease.

The stomach is primarily responsible for preparing the food that contains only certain compounds of valuable proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats; for complete digestion by the small intestine. The small intestine extracts nutrients from the food compounds delivered from the stomach. The nutrients are then absorbed into the blood stream for distributed to all body tissues.

In order for the food to be properly digested and assimilated it is critical that a proper balance of micoorganisms, digestive juices and enzymes are present in the digestive tract.

Some digestive disorders: Indigestion, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), constipation, jaundice, gall stones, flatulence (gas in stomach and bowels)

The third division of the small intestine; the ileum extends to the large intestine or the colon. The colon is where excess food that the body doesn't need or can't digest is turned into waste. The waste is absorbed by indigestible food fiber; called feces and is eliminated or expelled from the anus.

I have outlined the intestinal system: large intestine or colon as its own category for educational purposes, though it is part of the digestive system.

Intestinal System: Large Intestine or Colon

• cecum
• colon
• rectum
• anal canal

It is important that the large intestine or colon's function explained separately as the colon performs many of the body's life sustaining functions. Any cleanliness of the tissue of the body depends what is found in the bowel .
The colon, (commonly referred to as the large intestine); is a segment of the large intestine from the cecum to the rectum. The colon is only 5 feet long and about 2 ½ inches in diameter; is divided into four parts:

• ascending
• transverse
• descending
• Sigmoid flexure
  

The unusable or undigested wastes delivered from the ileum is converted into a liquid form that flows from the small intestine into the colon. It looks watery, and contains mineral salts. In the colon the watery substance, once again, is processed for absorption back into the body; leaving only a semisolid waste residue that contains mostly fiber, water, bacteria; as well as indigestible cellulose material, dead dells, and other waste materials. Smooth muscular walls of the colon contract to move the final waste product. This takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours or longer, depending greatly on the dietary intake and the amount of roughage present.

Disturbances of the colon are: internal constipation (lowers the body's resistance to disease, taxes other organs of the body), colon cancer, Diverticulosis, colitis and ileitis.

Abnormal nutrition, ignoring call to eliminate, lack of physical activity, emotional and mental stress, poisons (e.g. tobacco, coffee, teas, alcohol, sugar, environment), medications (e.g. antibiotics eliminate intestinal flora) and lack of water disturbs proper intestinal function. The most important substances for intestinal health is fibre and water. A balance of healthy flora microorganisms are essential for the composting of any undigested food particles and prepare waste for elimination. If not done, a toxic breeding ground can be created for parasite, intestinal worms, molds and fungi.

The relationship of health of the body and health of the intestinal tract are parallel. Never before has it been so important to detoxify the colon in order to bring back peace, balance and harmony to the body.

External Resources

Colon Cleansing

KEY PRODUCTS

• Protein Digestive Aid - Suitable for individuals with insufficient production of Hydrochloric Acid. Works well if individuals have difficulty digesting meat or many food intolerances.
• Digestive Enzymes - Suitable for individuals with insufficient production of Hydrochloric Acid (HCI) or insufficient bile flow, a heavy meat eater, a gallbladder removed, or over the age of 35.
• Garden Essence - Contains no Hydorchloric Acid (HCI). Used if individual are under the age of 35 and may be suitable for individuals over the age of 35 if they do not consume large amounts of meat or if they are vegetarians.
• LIV-GD with Milk Thistle LIV-GD - Restores healthy liver function and protects the liver against the damage caused by free radicals and pollutants.
• LIV-A - Restores normal liver function, stimulate bile flow and enhance digestive and detoxifying functions. Used as a key product and a support product.

SUPPORT PRODUCTS

• AG-C Chinese Herbal - Dispels Earth
• Aloe Vera Juice- 97.35% pure. - Also available as a Gel used in personal and beauty care.
• Catnip & Fennel
• ULC-R+ - Supports the body in its fight against H. Pylori bacteria.
• Marshmallow & Pepsin
• Papaya Mint Tablets - Can be used as a tasty breath mint, good for ease of heartburn.
• Protease Plus - Maximizes digestion, by breaking down proteins and amino acids.
• Stomach Comfort - Relieves heartburn, comforts the stomach., due to indigestion or gas.
• Ginger - Good prevention, due to nausea from stomach upset or motion sickness.
• Yeast Fungual Detox
• LIV-C Chinese Herbal - Reduces Wood - Supports the liver; and relieves its nervous tension. Promotes liver toxin removal.

Colon

KEY PRODUCTS

• Bod-E Klenz - RISK ALERT: Read Label Carefully.
• Citrus Clean Start - Good start for beginners. Herbal bowel cleansing system.
• Tiao He Pak - A 10 day herbal cleanse. See individual Product Fact Sheet for further details. RISK ALERT: Program NOT recommended for children. DO NOT consume Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolia) or Dang gui (Angelica sinensis) during pregnancy or while nursing.
• LBS II - Herbal Laxative - RISK ALERT: Read label carefully
• Psyllium Hulls (Bulk & Capsules) Psyllium Hulls - RISK ALERT: Read label carefully.
• Para Pak-Free your body from parasites. - RISK ALERT: Read label carefully.
• Acidophilus Bifidobacterium - Probiotics - Replenish your friendly bacteria. LABEL ALERT: Keep refrigerated or frozen.
• Bifidophilus Flora Force - Helps to maintain vaginal and urinary tract health. Helps promote production of B-complex vitamins and vitamin K in the intestinal tract. LABEL ALERT: Keep refrigerated or frozen.

SUPPORT PRODUCTS

• Artemisia/Wormwood Combination - Artemisia/ Wormwood - Used for ridding the body of any parasite infections.
• Black Walnut - Also available Black Walnut Extract. RISK ALERT: Read Label Carefully Herbal
• Herbal Pumpkin - Contains pumpkin seeds and black walnut to strengthen intestinal system against parasite infestation. RISK ALERT: Read Label Carefully
• LOCLO-High Soluable Fibre/Sodium Free/Potassium Free - Special blend of dietary fibre that binds excess bile acids and dietary cholesterol.
• Slippery Elm
• UC3-J - support for the lower bowel.
• BWL BLD - Aids digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GI). Therapeutic use only.
• Hydrated Bentonite - Absorbs the body's toxins for quicker elimination. LABEL ALERT: Refrigerate after opening.