The main functions of the colon are threefold:
- To absorb water and vitamins/electrolytes from indigestible food matter.
- To accept and store food remains that were not digested in the small intestine.
- To eliminate solid waste (feces) from the body.
The colon contains nearly 60 varieties of micro flora or bacteria to aid digestion, promote vital nutrient production, to maintain pH (acid-base) balance, and to prevent proliferation of harmful bacteria.