The Small and Large Intestine

Upon leaving the stomach, food and water enter into the small intestine, where they begin the journey toward the large intestine.

The large intestine is the finale to the digestive process. Components include the appendix, caecum, colon, and rectum. 1

What is the small intestine?

The small intestine is a tube-like organ that measures an average of 6 metres (20 ft). Most of the digestive process is carried out in this part of the gut. 2

What is the role of the small intestine?

The small intestine is also known as the small bowel. It pulls the majority of nutrients from food and delivers them directly into the bloodstream for the greater benefit of the body. 1

What is the large intestine?

The large intestine is a tube-like organ that measures an average of 1.5 metres long (5ft). It is mostly made of muscle and tissue. The large intestine facilitates digestion. 2

What is the role of the large intestine?

The large intestine is also known as the large bowel. It completes the digestive process by absorbing water and any leftover nutrients from food. Here, waste is transformed into stool and expelled through the anus. 1

How can rebalancing your intestinal flora help solve your gut problems?

When consumed regularly, good bacteria, such as Bacillus clausii, can work to restore the balance of the intestinal flora in the gut. A balanced gut lessens the risk of gut disorders such as diarrhoea and bloating. 3

Gut Disorders in Adults

Diarrhea’s Impact on Health

An unbalanced gut has the tendency to leak, and the result is a watery bowel movement. Triggers commonly include viral and bacterial infection, as well as some foods and medications. 4

Antibiotic Effects

Antibiotics affect the gut by inadvertently affecting even the good bacteria. Side effects include abdominal pain and diarrhoea/constipation. 5

Abdominal Pain

A most common gut disorder, abdominal pain can be triggered by an imbalance in intestinal flora. Indigestion and food sensitivity may be expected. 6

Dreaded Dysbiosis

A condition caused by maladaptation within the intestinal microbiota. Dysbiosis may cause anything from foul breath to rectal itching. 7

Gut During Pregnancy

Oestrogen and progesterone affect normal gut function while the body is creating life, and this can cause nausea, constipation, gas retention and discomfort. This may lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora. Consult a healthcare practitioner before using any probiotic. 8

Gut Disorders in Children

Diarrhoea’s Impact on Health

Leaky gut is common in children when the intestinal flora has become unbalanced. This can make them vulnerable to infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea. 9
 

Common Antibiotic Effects

Antibiotics can improve overall health, but may eradicate good bacteria in the process, leading to cramping, nausea, and watery stool. Children are more sensitive to this than adults are. 5

Dealing with Bellyache

Bellyache is a common occurrence in children. There is a wide array of triggers for this condition. Learn how to identify these and how to manage them. 6

LEARN MORE

Stay Informed

Learn more about how different daily triggers could be contributing to intestinal disorders, and how a good probiotic could be the ally you didn't know you needed.

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