One of the most complex pieces of machinery found in our body is our colon.  More than just an inert tube attached to the tail end of our digestive system (our rectum), our colon dutifully performs what no other organ cares to deal with – our bowel movements.  But in addition to that thankless yet necessary job is the fact our colon also directs the balance of fluid and electrolytes in the body and plays host to a crucial ecosystem of bacteria playing a vital role in our health.  Until something goes wrong with this essential organ, many of us fail to appreciate just what our colon means to our health and well-being.