SECRET FOR A CLEAN DIGESTIVE TRACT

"Healthy Digestive Tract"

     Fiber is the secret to having a clean digestive tract.  Why fiber?  Fiber keeps your digestive tract regulated and reduces the risk of certain cancers, such as, colon and breast cancer.  As I mention several times in previous postings the digestive tract is 70% of your immune system.  If the tract is off, your body goes through signs letting you know "hey I'm off track".  For example, constipation.

What is constipation?

     I know constipation is a "taboo" word few of you don't want to hear or talk about. But, there is no other way in getting around it.  So deal with it.  If you are one of the few who suffers from this symptom, I know it can be frustrating, painful, and very uncomfortable. 

 

     Constipation occurs when bowl movements are less frequent (#2).  If you are not making #2 two-four times a day or every two days, then this should be a red flag for you.  Going longer than 3 days straight with no bowel movement is way too long.  This action causes the bowel to be hard to pass (hard rock stools) and straining. 

 

Causes of constipation

• Lack of fiber in the diet
• Lack of water intake
• No exercise
• Stress
• Eating high carbs, starches, and dairy products (cheese)
• Overuse of laxatives (*overtime it will weaken the bowel muscles)
• Medications
• Antacid containing calcium or aluminum
• Pregnancy
• Colon cancer



 

Symptoms of constipation

• Abdominal pain
• Bloated/Swollen abdomen 
• Vomiting
• Pain

 

**If you are experiencing constipation for two weeks or more, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.



 Prevention

 

Eat a well balance diet-  increase the fiber foods.

Fruits, vegetables (dark greens) kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, collard greens, dandelion, beet greens, arugula, spinach, cabbage, beans, and whole grains etc.







 

 Different types of fiber
     Soluble fiber attracts water.  It mixes with the water and digestive enzymes by the liver to create a gel.  This slows digestion.  Soluble fiber controls blood sugar and reduces cholesterol.  It is found in oat bran, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, barley, brown rice, some vegetables (carrots) and fruits. (apples & oranges).


Yellow (natural coloring from turmeric) Brown Rice with Juniper Berry

    Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool needed to clean out the colon.  It absorbs water and swells inside your intestine to produce a feeling of fullness.  Insoluble fiber helps food pass quickly through the stomach and intestines to remove waste and toxins the body doesn't need.  Insoluble fiber controls and balance the pH (acidity) in the intestines.  Vegetables, such as, dark green leafy greens and green beans, whole wheat/grain products, wheat bran, corn bran, root vegetable skins, fruit skins, seeds, and nuts are the food sources of insoluble fiber.   



     In conclusion, fiber foods is the "secret" to having a clean digestive tract.  We all need the fiber to help balance out the pH levels in the intestines to avoid colon cancer.  Plus, it helps keep moving the waste out of our system as constantly as possible.  Try a dairy-free probiotic supplement daily (store in fridge).

 Eat the foods to live!