Constipated?
Yes, we're talking about it! Being "regular" means having 2-3 bowel movements a day. If not, you're constipated, and toxins aren't able to exit your body as efficiently as they should. Many "dis-eases" come from toxicity, so being regular is a great way to support overall health.
If you're experiencing constipation, read on to learn some of the best things that you can do to get things moving.
Stay properly hydrated with pure water. The goal should be about half of your weight in ounces of water a day. However, larger individuals should be careful, because it is possible to drink too much water. Most people do well with 8-10, 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Start every morning with a full glass of water - ideally 8-12 ounces. (My water bottle is on my nightstand so it's easy to do that immediately after waking). The reason it's important to drink water right when you wake up is because when you sleep, you detoxify. So you're helping to flush those toxins out of the body. After the initial 8-12 ounces, focus on getting about 4 ounces every 30 minutes, adjusted to your individual needs. You get more benefit from drinking smaller amounts of water more often throughout your day. It's okay to limit your water intake the last hour or two before bed, to avoid waking at night.
Fiber! Fiber-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes create a roughage that can help stimulate a bowel movement.
Walking is another great way to get things moving. Even a 10 minute walk after meals can be very helpful.
Castor oil packs are excellent for many reasons, 1 being healthier bowel movements. You can read about them on my blog here: https://www.pleasantwellnessmi.com/post/castor-oil-packs
Digestive Enzymes have been the biggest game-changer for many of my clients. I test each client to see what their individual needs are, and recommend an enzyme formula accordingly.
Take time to slow down and chew your food well. Digestion begins in the mouth, and eating quickly bypasses that first, important step.
Smooth Move tea is something that can be helpful as well. Starting with a small cup after dinner can make for an easier bowel movement the following morning.
Sometimes probiotics can be helpful, however, this is another area where I test to see if the client actually needs it. You can start with probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables.
If you're doing all of these things and still aren't regular, there are other things that could be going on. Poor mitochondrial function, a sluggish liver or improper bile flow are all possibilities. If you'd like to make an appointment, you can use the link below. I will listen and help you get to the root of what's going on.
For informational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your health.
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