Question 1

how long does it take food to get to the stomach. to the small intestine. to the large intestine n back out?

Accepted Answer

Variable: To the stomach: 15 seconds. To the small intestine: 60 minutes to several hours. To the large intestine and evacuation: 24-72 hours but all of the above is variable and depends on what you eat, your state of hydration, meds you take, your habits, age, health,  and other factors.

Question 2

can an anatomical abnormality in the large intestine cause a delay in transit of food , and can this delay over time cause kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes, no: It is possible to have an anatomic variant or a tumor in the large intestine which could slow transit or cause constipation. It is important to have a colonoscopy at age 50 to assess for possible polyps or tumors. However, a partial blockage of the large intestine does not cause kidney disease. If you have not yet had your colonoscopy, get it right away. Good luck.

Question 3

what can i do to keep my large intestine in good condition?

Accepted Answer

Healthy Diet: A diet that is high in fiber, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables can help keep your colon healthy.  It is very important to have a colonoscopy when you reach age 50 to screen for colon cancer (which is very treatable if caught early) or younger if there is a history of colon cancer or colon polyps in your family.  Avoid habitual laxative use, and get regular exercise.  Your body will thank you!

Question 4

what can happen if the large intestine isn't functioning properly?

Accepted Answer

Colon dysfunction: The colon's primary function is absorption of water (mostly right colon) & storage of solid waste (mostly left colon). Continence of stool relies primarily on rectal tone & sensation. An inflammed colon or one that is too active may result in diarrhea, whereas a sluggish colon may contribute to constipation. Fecal incontinence reflects rectal/anal disturbance (see my earlier healthtap entries).

Question 5

how can i relax my irritable large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If spasm then Levsin if constpation then MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) type meds to start.

Question 6

diverticulitis.  sigmoidectomy 2014.  just had another bout.  dr. says may have to remove large intestine.  logical? i can't find much online.

Accepted Answer

General Surgery: You should consult a physician in General Surgery/Colon and Rectal Surgery at an academic medical center designated as a tertiary care medical center. Diverticulitis is treated with bowel rest, nasogastric suction, and antibiotics, however, the level of infection may be grave, and in certain cases a resection may be necessary. An expert opinion is a reasonable course of action.

Question 7

what does the large intestine do?

Accepted Answer

Absorb water: Stool as it leaves the small intestine is very liquid. As it travels through the colon, water is absorbed from it so that it is more formed by the time it reaches the rectum.

Question 8

where is the large intestine located ?

Accepted Answer

Abdomen: The large intestine or colon is in the abdominal cavity. It begins in the right lower area of your belly. It goes up under your right rib cage near the liver. It then goes across the top of belly to are under left rib cage. It then descend tho left lower belly. The it rises a little and moves back and to the middle and then descends down to the rectum and anus.

Question 9

what is absorbed in the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Large intestine: The large intestine primarily absorbs water from the stool mixture, associated with ions, nutrients, and vitamins produced by the gut bacteria. By absorbing the water, it changes the stool from liquid to its final  solid form. Hope that helps.

Question 10

what are consequences if large intestine is removed?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea/dehydration: The large intestine has two primary functions: 1) storage of stool and 2) absorption of water. When food leaves the small intestine, it is liquid. By the time it leaves the large intestine, it is solid. Therefore, remove the large intestine and have frequent liquid stools. This condition can lead to dehydration. Some patients require medicines to slow intestine transit; some need IV fluids.

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Doctor answers about:

Why does my food go through my large intestine too fast

A member asked:

How long does it take food to get to the stomach. to the small intestine. to the large intestine n back out?

A member asked:

Can an anatomical abnormality in the large intestine cause a delay in transit of food , and can this delay over time cause kidney disease?

A member asked:

What can i do to keep my large intestine in good condition?

A member asked:

What can happen if the large intestine isn't functioning properly?

A member asked:

How can i relax my irritable large intestine?

A member asked:

Diverticulitis. sigmoidectomy 2014. just had another bout. dr. says may have to remove large intestine. logical? i can't find much online.

A member asked:

What does the large intestine do?

A member asked:

Where is the large intestine located ?

A member asked:

What is absorbed in the large intestine?

A member asked:

What are consequences if large intestine is removed?

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