Anyone who pays close attention to their body and how it reacts to foods know the difference between feeling "light as a feather" and feeling "bogged down." Once again, this is in reference to bowel movements. A person with regular bowel movements tend to feel lighter, clothes fit better, and general mood is more positive. The bowels have more of an effect on overall health than some people realize.
To get the system into a regular routine, use fiber instead of laxatives. Laxatives may help temporarily but if overused will cause weakness in the bowels. Laxatives don't help the bowels move waste through the system naturally, they have more of a quick flushing action which confuses the natural contracting rhythm of the gut.
There are quite a few fibers on the market that are good for bowel movement regulation. Personal preference usually determines the decision. There are psyllium hull powder capsules that are taken orally, go through the system and expand in the intestines and colon. The psyllium, derived from seeds, works like a scrubbing sponge in soaking up toxins and will help push waste out of the body naturally. It is essential to drink plenty of water if taking psyllium.
Ground flax seed, rich in soluble fiber, can be taken in combination with psyllium hull powder. The flax seed has a large number of vitamins and minerals, and contains nutritious fats. It has been known for its positive cardiovascular, colon, immunity, and healthy skin properties too.
Another unique fiber that combines organic kamut grass leaf powder, slippery elm, and FOS is the Green Sweep. It is a powder which is mixed in water, V8, or other juice, and taken daily to create just the right consistency of stool. It has vitamins and minerals, the antioxidant-rich chlorophyll and is pleasant to drink (at least I think so).
So, get your bowels in natural working order with a fiber product like the ones listed above. Wouldn't you prefer the "light as a feather" feeling rather than "that bogged down feeling?"
Showing posts with label Green Sweep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Sweep. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
High Fi---ber
This is definately not the most pleasant topic to talk about but may be one of the most important. There's a general saying that goes, "What goes in must come out," so make sure its high fiber foods with plenty of nutrients. Bowel movements tell a person a lot about their health. There are specific signs to look for in a bowel movement to know if it is healthy.
Frequency of bowel movements is number one. There are discrepancies in how often a person should have a bowel movement among healthcare professionals, but at least know that once a day would be healthier than once a week. It's all about the elimination of waste. The sooner the waste is eliminated from the body the better.
Color of the stool is important. A medium brown is the proper color. If the stool is dark, this means it has been in the intestines for longer than necessary and some of the byproduct gets absorbed into the system. Pale stool could be due to a decrease in bile output, affected by an infection, gallstones, or other illness, or from too much undigested fat in the diet.
Size and consistency of stool reveals much about an individuals diet. Large, hard stools, or constipation, means lack of fiber and water to help loosen waste. Constipation increases anxiety if stool is large and hard in consistency because it can be painful. It is fairly common for people with infrequent bowel movements to develop hemorrhoids and fissures that can add to the pain. A consistent, long term high fiber diet is the best solution to ease constipation and its effects.
And the last sign pertains to the olfactory organ - smell. All stool will have an odor, however, on occasion a foul smell may emit from the stool. The foul smell tends to be from different foods in the diet, but could also be from an overabundance of bacteria, a parasite, or fungi in the intestinal tract.
Even though this topic is an uncomfortable one, it should be of high importance in a person's health regimen. Pay particular attention to frequency, color, consistency and smell of the stool and adjust your diet accordingly. You'll be much healthier for it.
Frequency of bowel movements is number one. There are discrepancies in how often a person should have a bowel movement among healthcare professionals, but at least know that once a day would be healthier than once a week. It's all about the elimination of waste. The sooner the waste is eliminated from the body the better.
Color of the stool is important. A medium brown is the proper color. If the stool is dark, this means it has been in the intestines for longer than necessary and some of the byproduct gets absorbed into the system. Pale stool could be due to a decrease in bile output, affected by an infection, gallstones, or other illness, or from too much undigested fat in the diet.
Size and consistency of stool reveals much about an individuals diet. Large, hard stools, or constipation, means lack of fiber and water to help loosen waste. Constipation increases anxiety if stool is large and hard in consistency because it can be painful. It is fairly common for people with infrequent bowel movements to develop hemorrhoids and fissures that can add to the pain. A consistent, long term high fiber diet is the best solution to ease constipation and its effects.
And the last sign pertains to the olfactory organ - smell. All stool will have an odor, however, on occasion a foul smell may emit from the stool. The foul smell tends to be from different foods in the diet, but could also be from an overabundance of bacteria, a parasite, or fungi in the intestinal tract.
Even though this topic is an uncomfortable one, it should be of high importance in a person's health regimen. Pay particular attention to frequency, color, consistency and smell of the stool and adjust your diet accordingly. You'll be much healthier for it.
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