Well someone needs to talk about it!
The basis of good health is good bowel movements.
But What Does that Mean?
It isn’t something in every day conversation, well unless you are a Nutritionist!
I remember the start of the bowel movement talks when I was attending nutrition school twenty years ago and now I’m so used to discussing this topic, and it is a topic that needs more education and discussion.
Did You Know?
- The gut (esophagus to the anus known as the GI-Gastrointestinal System) is known as the second brain.
- Good bowel movements are connected with mood.
- The gut contains 100 million neurons.
- 95% of the neurotransmitter serotonin (feel good hormone) is found in the gut.
- The colon is connected to every part of the body.
- Healthy bowel movements consist of 2-3 formed, comfortable bowel movements per day.
- In Canada over one third of doctor visits are constipation related.
- Laxatives are among the top-selling over the counter medicines. In 2016 revenues reached 1.3 billion.
- Dr. Bernard Jensen stated that the bowel has to be cared for first for any effective healing to take place.
In the 50 years I’ve spent helping people to overcome illness, disability and disease, it has become crystal clear that poor bowel management lies at the root of most peoples’ health problems. Bernard Jensen, D.C., PhD, author, world lecturer
Support Tips for Better Poops
- Consume 25-35 grams of fiber a day. It can be tough to get our daily fiber needs in each day, I recommend to augment the daily diet with a fiber supplement
- Drink enough water per day. See post on Easy Calculation for Daily Water Needs
- If you have to go, go. Don’t hold it. Holding it can lead to toxins being reabsorbed into the bloodstream and may also lead to constipation. The colon is muscle.
- Chew your food! chew chew chew, digestion begins in the mouth, the more you chew the more the breakdown of food happens making it easier for the rest of the digestive and intestinal systems.
- Consider adding a Probiotic and especially if you are on any medications to replenish the friendly gut flora. Medications affect the bacteria balance in the body and antibiotics cannot tell the difference between the good and bad guys so they wipe both out, therefore, a good quality probiotic combination will replace the good guys.
- The lining of the bowel is largely made up of Magnesium. When there is low magnesium or deficiency the bowel will be tight. Magnesium is known as the “relaxer”. Magnesium is traditionally helpful with constipation, sleep, muscle cramps and soreness. It is also essential for calcium absorption.
Foods Rich in Fiber and Magnesium
- Foods rich in fibre: whole grains, beans, legumes, seeds, hempseed, ground flax and chia seed, fruits, vegetables, nuts, prunes.
- Foods rich in magnesium: nuts, legumes, seeds, spinach, banana, raisins, lima beans, tuna, brown rice, dark chocolate.
Pooping on-the-go? Purse size saviour!
Tip: A note on chocolate: quality is absolutely key, It is the difference between wreaking havoc on blood sugar or helping you feel good and energized. The best possible chocolate is actually a superfood, raw cacao, it is all about the ingredients. My absolute favorite chocolate is jammed packed with magnesium and other minerals, raw chocolate contains mood boosters and does not leave you feeling crappy after. Best Raw Chocolate Bar Company
In my experience a happy colon is essential for a healthy life.
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Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice and does not replace any medical advice. Please consult your health care provider for health concerns.
