Elimination is one of those things that most people don’t like to talk about, but it’s an important part of keeping our bodies healthy. So, today we’re going to take a closer look at what constitutes healthy elimination, and what you can do if you’re not sure whether your eliminations are up to par. Let’s get started!
When it comes to bowel movements, have you ever wondered: “Is this normal?” I mean, it’s not something that we generally talk about. Most people have no idea what is considered healthy. We just know what is normal for us, and therefore, that’s what becomes “normal”.
Here’s the goal right up front: you must have one to two daily bowel movements, well-formed, easy to pass, and leaves you feeling like you have completely evacuated. We’re looking for a consistency slightly firmer than soft serve ice cream. Your colon is about three feet long. If you could get a 12” to 18” stool to pass, you’re doing quite well.
Benefits of having good digestive health, function and movement
We are 1 million cells of us and 100 trillion cells of not us. “Not us” means microbes Inside of our bodies that outnumber us significantly. It is in our best interest to keep them balanced and unagitated.
Also, having a healthy digestive system balances our moods. Many of the neurotransmitters for our brain are made in our digestive tract. We will have enhanced immunity. Our digestive system is our number one defense for our immunity, Consequently. we will have better health because the system will be able to extract the vitamins and minerals from the food that we eat more efficiently and feed all the other systems.
Indicators of bad gut health
If you struggle with the following:
- bad breath
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- feeling heavy after eating
- Diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- Pain
Or if you have a GI (Gastrointestinal) diagnosis like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s diverticulosis
- GERD
- Heartburn
If you’re taking any acid-blocking medication, that’s a sure sign that your digestive system needs some help.
Top three foods that help improve digestive function.
Honestly, there are so many fruits and vegetables in mother nature’s pantry that are very helpful at providing essential minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. I’m going to highlight three of my favorites and the first is:
Celery juice.
Yes. Sending celery through the juicer helps to flush toxins and debris from the intestinal tract Celery raises hydrochloric acid production and helps to alkalinize the digestive system, which then helps to cleanse and repair the digestive lining. Celery is filled with deeply hydrating electrolytes that feed and nourish digestive cells.
Kiwi fruit.
It’s a fantastic little fruit at helps to alleviate digestive distress. Everything from gas and bloating to acid reflux and abdominal pain. Kiwi fruit also helps to boost hydrochloric acid production thereby blocking the growth of unwanted bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungus, and mold.
Ground flax seeds.
Add them to your morning shakes or your oatmeal. It is a perfect blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. They’re great for improving bowel tone. Flax has particularly high lignans (a large group of phenolic compounds found in plants, particularly seeds). Flax has a larger supply of lignans than any other grain nut or seed.
They’re also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. They helped us squelch free radical damage caused by the omega-six fatty acids commonly found in the standard American diet.
What can we do in case of a bad gut health?
Our body has an amazing ability to heal when given the proper support. Start by incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. Initially, high fiber foods can cause gas if your system is not used to having them. You want to take some digestive bitters, which are herbs that are bitter to help diminish gas and bloating. As you incorporate more plants into your meals.
Three Types of Anti Constipation Agents: an Overview
The first are astringents. Triphala is an Ayurvedic formula, made of three herbs that help to improve bowel tone. It’s wonderful at helping move and gets the colon jump-started. Schisandra is also a great astringent. Schisandra is best known for its use as a medicinal herb, however, it also has astringent properties. The herb is native to East Asia and exhibits biological and pharmacological effects predominantly due to lignans.
Group number two are osmotics. Magnesium, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), MiraLAX, Docusate sodium and prune juice are specific examples. This help pulls water into the bowel and hydrates it. This can be helpful for people who are experiencing constipation or who need to increase their intake of fluids. Osmotics work by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
The third group is what I call pushers. These include over-the-counter laxatives, herbal bitters, aloe, castor oil, Smooth Move Tea, Cascara Sagrada and Swiss Kriss. Long-term use of these can cause bowel dependency. It is good to use these in combination with some of the other therapies that were mentioned and dietary changes. When making a choice, it’s best to choose things that have food value. These are things that go more towards drugs have significantly less food value for your body.
Now, what does all of this mean for you? It means that if you want to have great health and a great life, you need to focus on your digestive health. You can do this by incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet and eliminating things that are bad for your digestion. If you’re not sure where to start or would like some help getting started, we’d be happy to chat with you about our free discovery call. During this call, we’ll discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them. We hope to hear from you soon!
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
