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Appendix
A narrow, worm-shaped, lymphatic tube about 8 cm (3.1 inches) in
length, which opens into the cecum of the large intestine. In the
fetus the appendix contains glands that manufacture hormones and
other important body chemicals. In young adults the appendix participates
in the immune system, providing a place in which white blood cells
mature, and in which antibodies are produced.
Appendicitis
An infection of the appendix, most common between ages 15 and 24.
It's usually caused by a blockage of the large intestine, commonly
resulting from a fiber-deficient diet. The blockage reduces the
flow of fluids, allowing bacteria to grow and to infect the appendix.
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain beginning close to the navel
and migrating toward the right lower abdomen. The pain is worsened
by deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, moving or being touched in
this area. Nausea and vomiting are common. As the illness progresses
you may experience diarrhea, abdominal swelling, mild fever, constipation,
an inability to pass gas, painful urination and blood in the urine.
If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor. The best way to avoid
appendicitis is to eat a fiber-rich diet. (See fiber under nutrition)
Colon
The major section of the large intestine, consisting
of 4 parts...
- Ascending colon:
The first ascending right portion of the colon using peristaltic
waves to push undigested debris upward from the cecum to a location
just under the right lower end of the liver.
- Transverse colon:
The second portion of the colon, pushing its contents across the
anterior abdominal wall, sweeping from left to right traveling
just under the stomach.
- Descending colon:
The third portion of colon, pushing its contents from just near
the spleen to the lower left side of the abdomen.
- Sigmoid colon:
The final S-shaped length of the colon, leaving the body wall,
curving among the coils of small intestine, and emptying into
the rectum.
100,000 Americans die each year from colon cancer.
15% of cancer deaths are due to this disease. It is difficult to
detect and thus very deadly. To avoid it, eat your fiber. Fiber
is plant matter that is not easily digestible in the gut. Examples
of fiber...
- Pectin (complex
sugar found in fruit known to reduce lead poisoning)
- Cellulose (the
material that keeps plant stems rigid)
- Lignins (another
substance that contributes to a plant's skeleton or form)
- Waxes
- Brans
- Germs
- Husks
- Natural gum
There are a number of theories as to why fiber
prevents cancer of the colon. The most popular view is that fiber
retains water, which softens the stools easing their passage through
the large intestine. This rapid transit allows less exposure of
cancer causing agents to the tissue in your gut. This also means,
however, that you have less time to absorb nutrients. So while you
are still growing, don't eat tons of fiber or you could cause
malnutrition. Also if you do increase fiber in your diet, do it
gradually. Increasing it too fast could cause gas and diarrhea.
A good daily dose of fiber is 30 to 40 grams, the same dose as a
typical vegetarian.
In addition to fiber-deficient diets, fat has
been linked to colon cancer as well, so as usual limit your total
fat intake. Fast food that's fried is bad for you.
Eat fiber foods to prevent cancer
and appendicitis! Here's a list of fiber-rich foods in
order of most fiber per serving to least...
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