You Are Full of S**t, Literally.
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You Are Full of S**t, Literally.
The rude title is apologized for, although it is true.
It is essential to differentiate between what is accurate and what is a fallacy when it comes to the concept of “poisonous poop.” This is a notion that hypothesizes that a buildup of toxins and fecal waste in the colon can harm one’s health over time.
Toxic feces typically built up in the average person's colon ranges between 5 and 25 pounds, with the exception of the very rare inflammatory condition of toxic megacolon.
At a health conference in 1914, the world's top doctors agreed that toxins reabsorbed from the colon caused a multitude of diseases in every organ of the body.
The condition of auto-intoxication occurs when body-poisoning is sustained by the presence of decaying material in the colon. This process releases toxins which infiltrate the bloodstream and find their way to organs and tissues all over the body, causing extensive damage. The body's healing efforts can only be successful when the intestines are tactfully cared for because the resultant dirtiness of the blood and organs is inevitable.
Thus, toxic poop is often associated with a medical condition called toxic megacolon. This condition occurs when the large intestine is extremely inflamed and swollen.
Toxic megacolon, a medical condition characterized by extreme inflammation and swelling of the large intestine, can be caused by various underlying factors and illnesses. These include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, an infection of the colon (usually C. difficile), colonic ischemia (reduction of blood flow to the colon), and, albeit rarely, colon cancer. Consequently, toxic poop is frequently linked with toxic megacolon.
Intestine and skin:
To effectively treat skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema, it is essential to recognize that they may be indicative of deeper underlying inflammation impacting the body.
Intestinal inflammation generated from toxic waste may impede the skin from generating its necessary antimicrobial peptides that act as a primary form of defense. When this digestive equilibrium is disturbed, the skin can become inflamed, leading to skin ailments and aging.
Notably, promoting a more hospitable gut microbiome could be linked to having a healthier complexion, thus the skin would be better hydrated, more advantageous, and safeguarded.
Skin issues associated with an unhealthy gut include:
1. Erythema nodosum: This red, soft nodular skin problem commonly appears on the legs and arms and is seen more often in women than in men. It affects 3-10% of individuals with IBD.
2. Pyoderma gangrenosum: This skin condition starts as small blistering masses that spread, coalesce and form deep ulcers, usually seen on the shins and ankles, but occasionally on the arms. It can cause pain and scarring, and may become infected.
3. Sweet Syndrome: Characterized by painful skin lesions that first appear as small, soft, red or purple bumps, before spreading into painful masses. They are usually found on the face, neck and upper limbs.
4. Arthritis-gut-related skin disease (BADAS): Also known as intestinal bypass syndrome or blind loop syndrome, this injury commonly occurs on the upper chest and arms. It may also cause bruise-like lesions that resemble erythema nodosum on the feet.
5. Psoriasis: Characterized by a buildup of skin cells causing white or silvery scales on raised red patches of skin. Treatment may include topical corticosteroids or retinoids.
6. Vitiligo: Pigment-producing cells of the skin are destroyed, causing white patches to appear anywhere on the body. Treatments include topical corticosteroids, combination tablets and light therapy such as psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy.
7. Pyoderma - vegetarian pyoderma: This rash results in red pustules that rupture to form raised, scaly patches of skin called plaques. It is commonly found in skin folds of the armpits or groin, and is linked to a similar skin condition in the mouth known as vegetative pustules.
8. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis: Also known as hypersensitivity vasculitis, this inflammation causes small blood vessels to rupture and blood to pool under the skin, typically in the form of purple spots called purpura.
9. Acne: In many cases, cystic acne is related to a gut problem. Cystic acne is a type of painful acne that appears beneath the skin, and can be treated with topical formulations such as retinol and benzoyl peroxide.
10. Hives: These red and often itchy rashes can appear anywhere on the body.
Fecal Impaction can cause immense discomfort in the body as a result of the built-up pressure from undigested waste in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms associated with the pressure may include lower-back pain, constipation, stomach aches, exhaustion, severe inflammation of the colon, distension of the abdomen, raising of body temperature, faster heartbeat, dehydration, irritability, and changes in mood. If not addressed properly, toxic megacolon may lead to life-threatening complications such as colonic perforation, bleeding, sepsis, and shock.
Colonics and other methods of stool removal from the colon can be dangerous as they can cause the depletion of valuable microorganisms, as well as dehydration. Most people do not need to use such harsh cleansing techniques, as the feces passed during these treatments would have been released naturally during the next bowel movement.
Subsequent issues, like a disruption of healthy digestion, interference with immune system functioning, infections, anal fissures, imbalanced electrolytes and dehydration, can occur if the cleansing is not completed properly.
Excessive cleansing of the colon is not recommended for detoxification.
The most effective techniques for maintaining healthy digestion, in addition to a clean colon, are consuming nutrient-dense foods, drinking enough water, managing stress and staying active. Furthermore, to replace the lost microbes, consume quality probiotics and prebiotics.
Influence of intestinal microbes on digestion
Gut microbes are essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system and for other critical bodily processes, such as boosting immunity. These friendly microbes help us to break down food, absorb its nutrients and manage the growth of harmful organisms, which can help reduce bloating and gas.
The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, and a healthy digestive system requires a balanced microbiome. Research studies have demonstrated that colon cleansing leads to an abrupt and dramatic alteration of the intestinal flora. Increasing the microbial diversity in the gut can be achieved through the consumption of a variety of vegetable fibers, fasting, polyphenols (present in nuts, berries, etc.), and fermented vegetables.
Poor diet, excessive sugar intake, antibiotics, alcohol, genetically modified foods, and artificial sweeteners can all reduce gut diversity, as can obesity and high levels of stress. Eating well and adopting healthy lifestyle choices should be your first line of defense against any issues that colon cleansing products are used for. Note that colonic irrigations can deplete not only healthy gut microbes, but also electrolytes. In order to restore balance and prevent further digestive issues, electrolytes must be replaced with advantageous gut flora.
While colon cleansing can be employed as a short-term solution for digestive troubles or constipation, it does not provide a safe and healthy long-term answer.
If you go fewer than three times per week when you use the bathroom, that is known as constipation. To maintain regular bowel movements, it is important to eat a healthy diet with plenty of plant fibers and stay hydrated. Try to go daily, or at least twice daily, for the best results.
If drinking water and eating more plant fiber does not work, an herbal laxative might help.
Your doctor may also suggest remedies such as probiotics, purified salts, hydrochloric acid, and pancreatic enzymes based upon the underlying cause of the constipation. Before using any type of medication, talk to your medical provider, especially if your constipation is chronic or severe.
Ways to cleanse your colon
Maintaining gut health can be achieved through practices such as a healthy ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and home remedies to address parasites.
Additionally, probiotics, prebiotics, reducing stress, detoxing with purified salt, exercising, and colon cleansing can all improve colon health. Probiotics contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which when taken, can reduce issues with constipation. Prebiotics, which are indigestible carbohydrates found in many vegetables, nuts, and berries, encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. Stress, which can trigger IBS, is best managed with stress management practices.
A ketogenic diet, which omits high-sugar containing foods, can promote colon health. Intermittent fasting, which involves eating only a few times a day, can prevent overwhelming the digestive system. Natural laxatives, such as senna, cascara sagrada, psyllium, castor oil, and magnesium, can help to ease constipation.
Regular hydration is important to maintain electrolyte balance and to avoid dehydration and overhydration. Adding exercise to your daily routine can also improve gut flora.
Lastly, a colon cleanse once a month can help maintain general health, but should be done in moderation if one has a more serious condition like toxic megacolon.
Additional Resources:
1. https://draxe.com/health/toxic-poop/
2. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health/youre-full-crap-literally