Chinese medicine considers the large intestine to be one of the most important parts of the digestive system. After digestion, the feces (stool) are being formed and stored in the large intestine until it is ready to come out of the body. This means that it is a very important job for the bowel to clear the feces regularly. The feces contain lots of toxins not wanted by the body, if the stool cannot be removed regularly the bowel is the first part of the body to get affected. This is why, the most common bowel cancer is in the lower part of the large intestine.

1. Side effects of indigestion
There are two major side effects of Indigestion: 1) Sluggish bowel movement or hard stool. If the stool is stored in the large intestine, longer than it should. The body will reabsorb the extra fluid, making it harder to pass the stool as well as making it very dry. 2) Increase in toxins in the body: If the feces stays in the large intestine longer, the body will reabsorb the toxins within the feces. This may cause damage to both the bowel and the body.

2. What does your large intestine like and dislike?
The large intestine likes to be empty, and dislikes being full. This indicates that the feces should be cleared everyday. To encourage your body to have a bowel movement everyday around the same time. Chinese medicine considers cold (temperature) foods or beverages to affect the circulation and movement through the intestine. It is believed that having warm (temperature) food and beverages helps to improve the circulation and movement through the bowel. Try to avoid eating or drinking foods straight out of the fridge, especially on a cold day.

3. Symptoms of indigestion (sluggish bowel movement)
Bloating, hard or sluggish stool with pungent smell, irregular bowel movement (not everyday), pass smelly wind, lack of energy, insomnia, head aches, vivid dreams, weight gain (hard to lose weight), face and skin gets a rash easily, haemorrhoids (long-term sluggish bowel movement, may cause hemorrhoids), burning or pain sensation after bowel movement.

4. What foods are best for bowel function and movement?
Eggplant, cucumber, celery, spinach, chinese cabbage, white radish, carrots, green tea, peppermint tea, honey, sweet potato, most green vegetables, banana, plums, prunes, tomato, lemon, orange.