What is the Intestine?

The intestine is part of a canal that extends from the stomach to the anus. It is made up of two parts: the large intestine and the small intestine. The small intestine is the longest, while the large intestine is shorter and stockier.

The large intestine contains several different types of bacteria which handle molecules that the the human body isn't able to breakdown otherwise. This bacteria also produces intestinal gases. The large intestine's main job deals with absorbing water from digested material, and reabsorbing sodium and other nutrients which may have escaped primary digestion.

There are several different diseases that can attack our intestines:

*Colitis - Inflammation of the large intestine.

*Crohn's disease - Inflammatory bowel disease.

*Gastroenteritis - Inflammation of the intestines. The most common disease of the intestines.

*Ileitis - Inflammation of the ileum.

*Enteroviruses - Named by their transmission-route through the intestine.

*Coeliac disease - A common form of malabsorption.

*Ileus - Blockage of the intestines.

*Appendicitis - Inflammation of the vermiform appendix located at the cecum.

In addition to these diseases, the intestines may also plagued by several disorders:

*Diverticular disease - Occurs when pouches form on the intestinal wall and become inflamed.

*Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - The most common disorder of the intestine.

*Endometriosis - Similar symptoms to IBS.

*Bowel twist or "bowel strangulation" - A rare condition which can lead to bowel infarction and death.

As with any other part of our bodies, it's important that our intestines are looked after and monitored for any irregularities. Many conditions due to intestinal diseases and disorders can be treated well if they're caught early enough.

Be sure to visit the Colon Cleansing Forum at http://www.ColonCleansingForum.com for reviews on the best colon cleansers. Registration is free.

Colitis - Treatment for Irritation
Colitis is a sharp or constant irritation of the casing lining the colon - our large intestine or bowel. They cause swelling ...

AMP for Diverticulitis
The diet which needs to be followed by the patient of Diverticulosis depends on the kind of sevior condition of the patient. ...

Symptoms of IBS
IBS is a disorder affecting approximately 20% of the population. In its mildest cases, IBS can frustrate patients and cause ...

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a syndrome that relates to a group of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of irritable bowe...

Diet That Works For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that can be characterized with several symptoms. Hence, it is very important to reach...

Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohns disease is one of many Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), and causes inflammation in the deep layers of the intestinal...

What Are Food Allergies, Intolerances And Sensitivities?
Food allergies are due to IgE antibodies made for specific foods that an individual has for some reason developed because the...

Hiatal Hernia, Acid Reflux, GERD, Heartburn: The Causes And The Symptoms
CausesHiatal hernia can be caused by a number of things, often unique to each sufferer. One common cause, however, can be des...

What You Should Know About Ulcers
Eating is a pleasure to most people. The experience of tasting salty, sweet and spicy foods is a treat for the taste buds. Bu...

H Pylori Ulcer Clarified
Size is not a factor in the world of bacteria. Many bacteria are responsible for making all of humanity sick, but it is one b...

Children and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition normally associated with adults. Sadly, many children also suffer the effects of acid reflux. Thi...

Acid Reflux - The Silent Killer?
You may not be familiar with the term acid reflux even though you've probably suffered from it countless times during your li...

Complications of Acid Reflux and How to Avoid Them
One illness caused by acid reflux is Barrett's Esophagus. It occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus actually gets chang...

Is Clostridium the Latest Super-Bug?
In 2007 the news was filled with reports about MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the scary skin-eating bacte...

Choosing an Acid Reflux Medication That Works
If you suffer from acid reflux disease finding the treatment that controls your symptoms is very important. Fortunately there...

These Are Some Of The Causes Of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are stone like masses that build up in the kidneys to form larger and harder stones. They are believed to be fo...

Five Common Illnesses in Newborns - Symptoms and Treatment
Every new parent hopes that their child's health will be free of all health complications, but a number of illnesses have bee...

Ulcers - Medical Treatments and Alternative Therapies
Drug TherapyA number of different medications are used to treat ulcers. Antacids reduce the acidity of digestive juices, alle...