Children’s book Author Taro Gomi once comically said, “Everyone poops.” True. But not equally. So what does that mean from a wellness stand-point?
I want to talk today about a subject that may not be the best dinner conversation, but certainly it is a conversation you want to have with yourself on your road to better health. That conversation has to do with…well yes…poo.
Feel free to have a reaction, now let’s move on assuming we all have “pooed” before or known someone who has…
Going Number 2 might be a subject matter that we shy away from even with our doctors and family members, but part of my work as a Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach requires that I delve into this important issue with my clients on a regular basis.
Constipation or Chronic Constipation is a complaint I often hear from my clients and even though it may not seem like it, it is a big indicator that your health is less than what it should be. Nearly 90% of the American population suffers from improper digestion, a good portion of that can be attributed to SAD (Standard American Diet); which includes lots of meat, dairy, processed foods, preservatives, sweeteners, that our body has great trouble breaking down.
So what do you get? Bloating, gas, stomach cramping, acid reflux, infrequent bowel movements are the usual culprits.
Constipation goes a lot deeper than simply not going to the bathroom regularly; it literally shows that your body is not functioning properly. In the most basic terms — What goes “in” — Must come “out”. When you are putting a lot “in” without producing any output relative to it then something is broken somewhere in the machine.
Anyone who has been around a newborn or had one of their own knows that babies typically have at least two to five bowel movements in a 24hour period. That’s why new parents go through diapers like those bad boys are going out of style. As babies our digestive track is brand new and in its most natural state. And yet as adults, we somehow think that having fewer bowel movements is ok or normal when it’s anything but.
Having anything less than 2 to even 3 complete bowel movements a day is actually Constipation.
The Mayo Clinic defines Constipation as “having fewer than three bowel movements a week.” Unfortunately most of the medical community doesn’t have long-term solutions or discuss the consequences to your health of having poor digestive health.
Our digestive system or GI tract is the 28 ft between our mouth and anus and is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube. It is essentially the center of our bodies, and not surprisingly it is also quite central to our good health or lack of it.
The digestive system is literally responsible for supplying our body, tissues, organs and cells with all the nutrients we need to stay healthy, to stay alive.
Everyone knows the quote “You are what you eat” but what most nutritionists know is more accurately “You are what you properly eliminate” and also “You are what nutrients you assimilate” from the foods you eat.
If your body is not assimilating and absorbing the nutrients from your foods you are literally eating a hollow feast.
So what are some straight forward ways to “get things a-moving”?
To begin, you are going to want to ditch the processed foods and anything with preservatives. Anything that comes out of a box and doesn’t spoil or have an expiration date is something you want to steer clear of.
You should increase the amounts of unprocessed, organic foods you are eating. This should include lots of dark leafy green vegetables and fruits.
A good idea is to begin your day with a green juice, drink more water (the recommended amount is 8-12 glasses per day) or you can start your day with an apple. Apples are a natural laxative. I will include a super easy recipe below for a baked apple; which is a favorite of mine.
You can begin each day with a hot cup of lemon water. By squeezing half a lemon (which also aids with achieving your body’s Alkaline levels) to a cup of room-temperature or hot water first thing in the morning will enhance digestion and help get your pipes moving merrily along.
Then there is Kombucha — a drink that can be found at your local health food market. Kombucha contains natural probiotics that assist in bringing balance to the flora of your digestive tract. In a nutshell, it’s the good bacteria and helps to improve digestion. Another talent of Kombucha is that it detoxifies and eliminates toxins and heavy metals.
In closing, if you’re Constipated your body is basically building a little toxic factory and your body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function healthfully. So, roll up your sleeves, apply the solutions I discussed above and clean out that sucker!
A BAKED APPLE RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 6 large baking apples
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Vegan Butter
Preparation:
Wash and core apples, then remove a 1 inch strip of peel around the middle of each apple; place in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
Combine honey, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl; fill the center of each apple and dot with 1/2 teaspoon of the Vegan Butter.
Add just enough water to baking dish to cover the bottom of the dish; bake, uncovered, at 350 ° for about 30 minutes, or until apples are tender. Baste with juices occasionally.
Serve the apples warm. Enjoy!
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That I am not on anyone else’s life timeline and that my life is unfolding exactly as it should and when I am truly ready for it.
What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
My ability to love and nurture those around me. I have always had a big heart and I love sharing my heart with those who matter most such as my family, my friends, my boyfriend.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
Anytime I am able to share my work as an artist, actress and writer with people. It is especially moving when it is meaningful for them.
We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I am very open to the world which some would say is good, others would say I need to be more protective of that vulnerability.
“I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!)
Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?
Willingness to keep my heart open to the world, to new experiences, people and joys.
