Overview
The colon or the large intestine is mainly involved in the re-absorption of water and salts such as sodium and chloride from the undigested food substances. No major nutrients are neither formed nor absorbed in the colon. The small bowel and stomach are the organs where majority of digestion and absorption process occurs in our body. However, disorders of the colon may affect the absorption processes in the stomach and the small intestines and thereby result in certain nutritional deficiencies. Such colon disorders may include infectious conditions of the colon, inflammatory disorders of the colon or colon cancers. The early detection of the colon disorders and prompt treatment can relieve most of the symptoms associated with it. Malnutrition is generally corrected once the disorders of the colon resolves. However, supplementation may be required in some cases when adequate results are not achieved.
Some Causes Of Malnutrition
The colon is affected by numerous disorders that cause nutritional deficiency
Infection and Inflammation
Infections of the colon caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria are generally associated with diarrhea. Such infections often result from the consumption of contaminated food or other fluids. The infectious micro-organisms can often disrupt the normal functioning of the colon along with that of the stomach and small intestines. The absorption of food is affected and the digestion process also goes haywire owing to altered bowel habits and other associated symptoms. Bleeding from the rectum is also commonly noted in some severe infections. Diarrhea is generally associated with increased loss of body fluids and nutrients to a certain extent.
Inflammatory disorders of the colon are a group of disorders that are commonly associated with inflammation of the cells and tissues of the colon and at times that of the small intestine and stomach also. Inflammatory bowel disease is a common inflammatory disorder which includes conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both these disorders are associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramping, diarrhea and malnutrition. Other symptoms and signs include fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, loss of body fluids and nutrients. Another factor noted with such inflammatory disorders is bleeding from the rectum. In moderate to severe cases of inflammatory disorders of the colon, increased bleeding may lead to deficiency of iron in the body resulting in iron deficiency anemia. The altered bowel habits, increased diarrhea and decreased food intake all together result in the occurrence of malnutrition.
Cancer and Cancer Therapies
Cancer of the colon is many a time associated with nutritional disorders. This may be due to the loss of appetite, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum or altered absorption of nutrients. In some cases wherein the cancer has spread widely, the entire colon may have to be removed. This disrupts the normal digestive process wherein the re-absorption of water and salts may occur at a much lower level than with the presence of colon. In some advanced cases of colon cancer, the nearby structures such as parts of the small bowel may also need to be surgically removed. The employment of therapeutic procedures such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy also has an effect on the normal health of the individual and the absorption process.
Some Beneficial Tips To Prevent Malnutrition:
- Stop habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption as they tend to increase the chances developing colon disorders
- Follow healthy food practices; have a balanced diet, eat enough fruits and vegetables, avoid junk foods
- Approach a doctor early in cases of diarrhea, appearance of blood in the stool to prevent complications
- Exercise regularly to stay fit
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