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Are you defecating smoothly? Or is it even difficult and often constipated in the last 3 days? If so, you may have a longer colon than normal people. A large intestine that is too long is called a redundant intestine. How to tell if you have a long, longer than normal bowel? Previously, consider the following explanation.

Is it dangerous to have a long intestine?

Basically, the large intestine functions to regulate the water content in the digestive waste of food, as well as to prepare the digested leftovers for disposal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the digestion process until the food is excreted into feces takes about 36 hours. But if you have a longer colon, it may take longer than that.

The redundant intestine is the large intestine that is longer than the intestine in other normal people. People who have redundant intestines usually take longer to expel leftovers, and this can lead to constipation, aka chronic constipation. The length of the colon that is owned by normal people is an average of 120 to 150 cm, while in people who have a redundant intestine, the end of the intestine is too long so that sometimes it makes the intestine more tortuous.

Then, how do I know if I have a long intestine?

Some people may have a colon that is longer than normal people and they don't feel any symptoms. However, for some other people who also have too long intestines, various symptoms and signs may appear and be felt, such as flatulence, constipation, constipation, and dry and hard stools.

If this is not treated immediately, then these symptoms will cause other problems for your health, namely hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse or a condition in which the rectum leaves the anus. Not only that, people who have redundant intestines tend to be at risk of experiencing disorders of the large intestine, such as a twisting of the intestine (colonic volvulus) which then causes the remaining food to not be removed and can only be removed by surgery or colonic obstruction.

Sometimes, there is a type of redundant intestine whose length is found in the sigmoid, which is the lower part closest to the rectum. If it is too long and winding on the sigmoid part, the symptoms that will arise are:

Nausea
Gag
Lower abdominal pain
Distended stomach
Bowel obstruction

What causes the large intestine to be too long?

Redundant intestines occur due to heredity as well as genetics. When you have a family member who has a redundant gut, then you are at risk for having it too. Until now, even for some people who have redundant intestines, it is not known what causes it.

Does a large intestine that is too long need to be examined by a doctor?

Not many people know that he has a large intestine that is too long and tortuous. Actually this is not dangerous, however, consult a doctor if at any time you experience severe enough symptoms such as:

Very severe pain in the lower abdomen
Not defecating in three consecutive days
Vomiting brown liquid

How to deal with a long intestine?

Redundant intestines do not actually need special medical treatment, as long as they do not cause serious health problems. However, if you experience severe digestive problems, for example you cannot defecate for days, it is possible that the recommendation given to you is to perform the operation as soon as possible.

How to prevent problems that may arise due to the intestine being too long?

People who have the redundant gut type take a long time to excrete the digested food residue. The remaining food will move longer than in the normal intestine and this causes the person to experience frequent constipation. Therefore, here are tips you can do to prevent constipation from occurring:

Consume more sources of fiber, such as vegetables, fruit and wheat. Foods like this will help improve digestion so that the remaining food is quickly excreted by the intestines. At least eat foods that are high in fiber as much as 20 to 25 grams - if your calorie needs in a day are 2000 calories.
Drink lots of water. Water can also make food waste in the intestines softer and softer, making it easier for food debris to move through the rectum and anus.