The bacteria residing in your colon, collectively known as the gut microbiome, are referred to by various terms, including probiotics, beneficial bacteria, and gut flora. Maintaining a healthy balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is crucial for overall well-being.
Your colon naturally hosts both beneficial and harmful bacteria. The beneficial bacteria play a vital role in maintaining colon health by preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements.
Unfortunately, many individuals exhibit a dominance of harmful bacteria in their colon, often evidenced by prevalent health issues. Neglecting colon health can lead to various health problems later in life.
Several factors contribute to the proliferation of harmful bacteria:
* Exposure to toxins such as pollution, pesticides, and food additives.
* Alcohol consumption.
* Consumption of processed foods.
* Excessive stress and anxiety.
* Insufficient fiber intake.
* Use of birth control pills.
* Dependence on drugstore laxatives.
* Use of drugs and medications.
The beneficial bacteria in your colon comprise hundreds of different species. These bacteria thrive in a slightly acidic environment, ideally with a pH between 5.9 and 6.9. This acidity supports a healthy colon environment.
Your colon provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria, which ferment specific carbohydrates, thus maintaining a slightly acidic environment. This acidity inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Conversely, harmful bacteria flourish in an alkaline environment, with an optimal pH between 7.1 and 7.9.
Key beneficial bacteria found in the colon include Acidophilus and Bifidus. The ascending colon, located on the right side of your abdomen, contains the highest concentration of bacteria, with decreasing amounts found in the transverse and descending colon. Minimal bacteria are present in the sigmoid and rectum.
When beneficial bacteria dominate, they help prevent the spread of disease-causing organisms such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Specific organisms include Shigella, Salmonella, viruses, protozoa, Staph, Herpes, and Campylobacter.
Beneficial bacteria prevent these organisms from multiplying and entering the bloodstream and other organs through antibiotic-like secretions and lactic acid production, which maintain an acidic environment.
Beneficial bacteria thrive on carbohydrates. However, efficient digestion can limit the amount of carbohydrates reaching the colon, potentially reducing the population of beneficial bacteria and allowing harmful bacteria to become dominant.
To maintain a healthy population of beneficial bacteria, it is essential to nourish them. If some beneficial bacteria remain in your colon, feeding them can help them multiply. However, if no beneficial bacteria are present, simply consuming specific carbohydrate foods will not be sufficient to re-establish them. In such cases, a flora enema may be necessary.
David Webster, in his book *Acidophilus and Colon Health* (1999), states that indicators of a healthy colon flora include soft, well-formed stools with an amber color, minimal odor, and the ability to float in water. Conversely, dry, dark brown stools that are too solid or too loose, especially with a putrid odor, indicate a putrefactive, alkaline-producing colon flora. Chronic constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome can often be alleviated by restoring and maintaining a slightly acidic pH in the colon.
Webster’s research suggests that feeding the remaining beneficial bacteria with edible lactose whey can rejuvenate them. Consuming 2-5 tablespoons or more of lactose in a cup of distilled water daily for 30 days may allow enough lactose to reach the colon and nourish the beneficial bacteria. After this period, stool examination can help determine if the beneficial bacteria have been reactivated.