Constipation is a very common problem in the Western world – most of us suffer from it at least occasionally. For many people, sluggish bowels or constipation is a daily occurance. According to doctors, constipation is having a bowel movement less than once a day. But many natural health practitioners explain that the bowels should be emptied 2-3 times per day for optimal health. Anything less than that is considered unhealthy because it means all of the toxins and waste products from your body are held internally for longer than is healthy.
Constipation is caused by a typical Western diet of low-fiber, overly processed foods. In addition, things like caffeine, sugar, corn syrup, alcohol, and other non-foods actually stress your digestive system and slow the function of your digestive organs. The first step to health is to remove these items from your diet.
The next step is to change your diet to match what our bodies are intended to eat – this is the natural constipation cure. Lots of fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods. Experts disagree about whether whole wheat is part of a healthy diet, since so many people have a mild form of gluten sensitivity (gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains). Most whole grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet, and others are all gluten free) are a perfect solution for adding complex carbs and plenty of fiber to your diet.
Another cause of constipation is trying make your body wait until you take care of other things before you have a bowel movement. Resisting the natural urge to use the bathroom can dull your bodies response and slow your digestive system. These, and other lifestyle choices, have lead to most Westerners having very poor digestive and colon health.
Constipation is dangerous to our bodies since it gives the toxins and waste products a chance to be reabsorbed into our bodies instead of being excreted as they should be. Instead, these wastes continue to rot and create toxins. It’s kind of like letting your kitchen garbage can fill up and not emptying it regularly. Pretty gross, isn’t it?
Toxins in your body have to go somewhere. If they are not released in a timely manner, they will be stored in your fatty tissues all over your body. Including in your body fat, brain tissue, and nervous system. These toxins can create disease. Colon cancer is linked to chronic constipation, as are other diseases.
So, listen to your body. Use the bathroom as often as your body tells you it is necessary. Drink lots of water. Not only will it help to flush out toxins from your blood, it will also help to prevent constipation.
Eat lots of fiber. You should aim for at least 35 grams of fiber per day – and more is better as long as you body can tolerate it. Fiber intake is linked to lower cholesterol levels, lower risk of colon and breast cancer, and many other benefits. Fiber also helps you to feel full longer after a meal – helping you to maintain a healthy body weight with less effort.
Get plenty of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. They help to support healthy function throughout your body – including providing lubrication for your bowels.
Finally, if your doctor oks it, a detox diet or colon cleanse diet can help to rid your body of toxins and help you to restore bowel regularity. One good option is the Total Wellness Cleanse. The Total Wellness Cleanse is a 30 day, food-based cleansing program. Click Here!
