Guest guest Posted April 30, 2007 Report Share Posted April 30, 2007 Good Morning! Colon Health and Constipation Constipation results when food moves too slowly through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. About 80 percent of people suffer from constipation at some time during their lives. Brief periods of constipation are normal. Constipation is usually diagnosed when bowel movements occur fewer than three times per week on an ongoing basis. Other signs of constipation occur when the stool is hard, dry or there is excessive straining. The stool can often be described as " rabbit pellets " or like " toothpaste squeezed from the tube " . Sometimes it is painful to pass. Sometimes the patient does not feel complete after a bowel movement. There is widespread belief that everyone should have a bowel movement at least once each day. There is no " right " number of bowel movements. Each person's body finds its own normal number of bowel movements. It depends on the food you eat, how much you exercise and past history. This kind of thinking has led to the overuse and abuse of laxatives. Constipation can arise from lack of enough fiber and water, inadequate exercise, advanced age, muscle disorders and poor diet. Pre-menstrual and pregnant women can suffer from constipation also but, the most common cause is usually dietary. However, constipation can be a component of irritable bowel syndrome or can result from a wide range of causes, such as a drug side effect or physical immobility. many medications, including pain killers, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and other chiatric medications, blood pressure medication, diuretics, iron supplements, calcium supplements, and aluminum containing antacids can cause or worsen constipation. Constipation can sometimes have an unknown or idiopathic cause. Some people have a good diet, drink plenty of fluid or do not have a disorder, which can cause constipation, yet become constipated. Their bowels are said to be 'underactive'. This is rather common. Most cases occur in women. This condition tends to start during childhood or in early adulthood and persist throughout life. Transit Time is the amount of time it takes for a meal to go from the mouth to the rectum. A healthy transit time is less than 24 hours. Constipation is the result of poor digestive and bowel habits, which slow down the transit time, allowing waste materials to sit longer in the intestines. Stool (waste products) builds up along the wall of the colon preventing healthy absorption of nutrients. Our stool is made up of our body's waste including undigested food, toxic waste from the liver and billions of bacteria. As the stool sits longer in the intestines a metabolic process continues. The intestines continue to absorb water, making the stool harder and fermenting the bacteria. This starts the waste to rot creating toxic by-products, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. This absorption of toxins is a form of self-poisoning, called autointoxication. Symptoms of autointoxication include: headaches, brain fog, depression, obesity, diverticulosis, PMS, bad breath, foul smelling gas, bloating body odor and include some autoimmune diseases. Serious diseases, including colon cancer, can sometimes first appear as bowel blockage leading to acute constipation. Therefore, particularly constipation of recent onset should be diagnosed by a physician. Dietary and other natural approaches should be used by people with constipation only when there is reason to believe no serious underlying condition exists. Constipation Self Test 1. Do you feel fatigued, have low energy or muscles aches? (yes = 1/no = 0) 2. Do you have a bowel movement fewer than 3x/week on an ongoing basis? (yes = 1/no = 0) 3. Do you strain to pass stool? (yes = 1/no = 0) 4. Do you pass dry hard pellets or stool that looks like toothpaste? (yes = 1/no = 0) 5. Do you have an abundance of foul smelling gas? (yes = 1/no = 0) 6. Do you eat 25-30 grams of fiber per day? (yes = 1/no = 0) 7. Are you unable to loss weight even though you eat " healthy " ? (yes = 1/no = 0) 8. Do you take anti-depressants or pain medication? (yes = 1/no = 0) 9. Do you drink 8 glasses of water per day? (yes = 1/no = 0) 10. Do you exercise at least 3x/week? (yes = 1/no = 0) Total Score______ A score of 4 or higher may indicate that you are suffering from poor colon health. Signs of Good Elimination 1. Color: Stool color should be a walnut brown. Given temporary variations with dark green leafy vegetable or beets. 2. Consistency: Stool should be smooth with the consistency of paste. This shows the bowels are well hydrated. The length of stool should be the length of a banana or longer. 3. Frequency: As discussed above, this depends on the individual, but in the natural health community, one movement per day is good, but two-three per day is healthiest! 4. Gas and Odor: A normal amount of gas is the by-product of digestion. An abundance of foul smelling gas indicates poor colon health. 5. Sink or Float: Healthy stool tends to leave the body easily, is well formed, floats in the water then gently submerges. In some natural medicine beliefs, if the stool floats, this may indicate undigested fat in the colon. Tips for Good Colon Health 1. Peristalsis and Hydration: Peristalsis is the natural waves of contractions produced by the digestive tract in order to move food through the colon. There are many ways to stimulate peristalsis, but the most important way is through hydration. Constipation is often caused by dehydration. Hydration of the colon is key to making peristalsis happen naturally. (see Traditional ) 2. Bulk: The colon requires bulk for it to achieve healthy movement. Optimal intake of fiber is about 25-30 grams per day. The ideal combination of soluble fiber (psyllium husk) and insoluble fiber (flax oil, fiber) helps to absorb water and toxins and adds roughage to bulk up stool and sweep away built up debris in the intestinal tract. 3. Lubrication: is essential for the smooth flow of stool out of the intestines. Essential oils such as flaxseed oil, borage oil and fish oil are ideal. Nutritional Advise Water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups are essential in any healing process. Liquid helps keep the stool soft and easy to pass, so it's important to drink enough fluids. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day. Try not to drink liquids that contain caffeine or alcohol. Although a little caffeine works well as a diuretic, excess caffeine, dependency on caffeine for a bowel movement, as well as alcohol tend to dry out your digestive system. Prunes are one of the best natural remedies for constipation! A simple handful of prunes will make all the difference. Today, prunes actually come in different flavors! You can find them infused with natural cherry, grape and apple essence! Apples contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been proven to have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the activity of free radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals can be a factor in certain cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions such as diabetes and constipation. A diet combined with both insoluble fiber (fiber that doesn't dissolve in water) will keep most people regular. You get fiber from eating lots of vegetables, wheat bran, whole-grain breads and cereals and fruit. Foods high in fiber are fruits such as apples peaches, raspberries and tangerines. Vegetables such as acorn squash, raw broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, black-eyed peas, cooked zucchini, kidney beans and lima beans. Also cooked whole- grain cereal, cold (All-Bran, Total, Bran Flakes), whole-grain cereal, hot (oatmeal, Wheatena) and whole-wheat or 7-grain bread. Juice Therapy is a great way to take advantage of the eliminative and cleansing capacity of the organs. This cleansing capacity is greatly increased and accumulated metabolic waste and toxins are quickly eliminated. It affords a physiological rest to the digestive and assimilative organs. After the juice fasting or juice therapy, the digestion of food and the utilization of nutrients is improved. Powdered psyllium is a quality source of supplemental fiber. Be sure to drink plenty of water, otherwise the fiber will form an obstructing mass, adding to your condition. Start with one rounded tablespoon of the powder stirred well into a glass of water or diluted juice. Acidophilus: The normal, healthy colon contains " friendly " bacteria (85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. Acidophilus aids the digestion and helps to replace the " friendly " intestinal flora. The power of Green Whole Foods is essential for all day energy, greater focus under stress, sense of well-being, strengthened immune system, fewer food cravings and optimum synergistic balance of essential nutrients for total health. Green Whole Foods is a powder that contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, active enzymes, bioflavinoids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients necessary for optimial cellular metabolism, repair and protection! These ingredients contain the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food. They contain almost all of the vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll. Spirulina Blue Green Algae: Spirulina possesses a complete protein richer than steak, abundant organically complex minerals, a wide variety of essential vitamins, and many beneficial enzymes. Spirulina is more than just a food. As with Chlorella it has been shown to be valuable with almost every aspect of health. These necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients. Because of algae's high chlorophyll and high nutritional content it is an excellent part of a cleansing program. Chlorella Green Algae: Chlorella's tough cell wall protects the valuable nucleus inside. When it is harvested it is instantly dried and the cell walls are gently cracked open. The nutrients inside retain full potency. Once in your body, the cracked open cells release their valuable nutrients. Because it is so easy to digest, your cells get the full benefit of this nutritional powerhouse. These necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients. The algae provides intestinal nourishment and has a soothing and healing effect on the mucous lining. It works to detoxify and purify our system. Barley Grass and Wheat Grass: Eating barley and wheat grass is like eating a plate of green vegetables. These cereal grasses, are harvested young and are ecologically grown in nutrient rich soil. They are approximately 25% protein and contains all the essential amino acids, concentrated vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have been shown to increase our overall health by reducing intestinal putrefaction and maintaining healthy blood another important component of cleansing. Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae: This remarkable plant grows 100% organically in the Upper Klamath Lake of Oregon. Blue Green Algae has more protein and chlorophyll by weight than any other plant or animal on earth. Klamath Lake algae is considered to be the most nutrient rich of the algaes. Lecithin: Lecithin is produced naturally and is one of the main substances that digests cholesterol in the human body. Lecithin supports the liver and aids in the metabolism of fat. Lecithin is used to strengthen the heart as it clears the blood vessels of cholesterol. It also useful as part of a weight loss programs to help dissolve fat. Fiber (water-soluble), psyllium, seed husks, or oat bran are suggested. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of fiber supplement at night before bed. Magnesium: The supplement magnesium has been found to aid in the management of symptoms. Taking 200-300 mg of magnesium 2 to 3 times daily has been shown to help. Omega-3 : This fish oil has been shown in many studies, to reduce your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood. By reducing your bad cholesterol, you are helping your body to fight off stress and relieve anxiety, tension and even prevent heart disease! Fish that are high in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help your blood stream. Psyllium Husks: A natural plant source of dietary fiber essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Fiber significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Add protein and carbohydrates to your diet: Incorporate protein into your diet. Protein helps to keep sugar levels stable. You can find protein in nuts, yogurt, beans, fish, chicken, tofu and lentils. What You Should Avoid: Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much white flour and refined sugar, two major constipation causers, means you need more fiber. What you don't eat may be even more important than what you do eat. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, because they tend to worsen constipation. If you can't avoid them, then at least cut down. Reduce Processed and Refined Foods: Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from " instant " foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fat and MSG. Reduce Sugar Intake: Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Yet don't be so fast as to replace the sugar with Stevia the natural sweetener from the Stevia plant. Artificial sweetener can also cause anxiety as well as other health concerns. Reduce Alcohol Intake: In small amounts, alcohol can be good for your heart but too much alcohol is not a good thing for your body and too large of an intake increases your body's need for extra vitamins. The body has a harder time using oxygen. As a result, you can become more sensitive to stress - which in turn can cause constipation. Managing Your Constipation 1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits. 2. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. 3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise. 4. Avoiding drugs, excessive coffee and alcohol. 5. Taking a high potency multiple vitamin and also consider flax, fish or borage oil and mineral supplements. 6. Take nutritional/herbal supplements to promote and enhance colon function. 7. Fasting is one of the best ways to increase elimination of wastes and enhance the healing process of the body. 8. Allow yourself enough time to have a bowel movement. Sometimes we feel so hurried that we don't pay attention to our body's needs. Make sure you don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. 9. Drink plenty of liquids and stay hydrated. 10. Consider clearing your mind and " let go of what you are holding on to " . Herbal Remedies Burdock is a tonic herbs and have been used in the treatment of skin conditions. Burdock is an herb that boosts immunity and purifies the blood. It's a traditional liver tonic and a mild, natural diuretic. Burdock's laxative and diuretic properties help remove toxins from the system. The Chinese utilize it against tumors, inflammation, fungal and bacterial infections. It is often recommended for dry, scaly skin. You can take burdock in capsule form (follow the directions) or make a acne fighting tea. Burdock root tincture may be taken in 2–4 ml amounts per day. Dried root preparations in a capsule or tablet can be used at 1–2 grams three times per day. Cascara Sagrada: Supports the colon, stomach, liver gallbladder and pancreas and is considered one of the very best and safest laxatives in the plant kingdom. Has an antibiotic effect on harmful bacteria in the intestine. Promotes peristalsis and tones relaxed digestive system muscles. Dandelion is a leading remedy for detoxing the liver. It stimulates the flow of bile, a fluid that aids fat digestion, which is why it's used for liver and gallbladder disorders. Dandelion has scientifically documented potent diuretic properties. It relieves constipation and eases bloating and swelling. Dandelion should be used for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. For it's liver benefits, dandelion is helpful for detoxing. Hawthorne Berry may help strengthen the heart, help increase blood flow, encourage healthy blood pressure levels and maintain healthy arteries. Useful for anemia, and circulatory disorders, high cholesterol and lowered immunity. High in Vitamins B & C, it is also used as a kidney tonic. Often used as a digestive aid. Milk Thistle is the great liver detoxer! The importance of milk thistle in cleansing your liver, may decrease your chances of developing cirrhosis, chronic fatigue, PMS, and cancer. The fruits, leaves, and seeds in any form, contain some of the most potent liver protecting substances known. Protects the kidneys and is good for adrenal disorders, bowel disorders, and weakened immune systems. Plantain Herb: Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk-forming laxative. It comes from a shrub-like herb called plantain that grows worldwide. There are many species of plantain that can each produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds. The plantain herb that produces psyllium seed is not the same plant as edible plantains, which is a staple in Caribbean and South American diets. Psyllium husk is derived from these odorless, tasteless seeds. Senna Pods are milder than the leaves since the do not contain the resin. It is the resin in the senna leaves that causes griping in your colon. It is the chemicals anthraquinones that provide its strong action on your colon walls. Senna is the second best herb to use for chronic constipation because it creates strong peristaltic action. It is not healthy to use it for a long time, since its action moves fecal matter through your colon quickly. This quick action prevents absorption of nutrients by your colon depriving you of necessary minerals and vitamins. Use senna only in amounts that produce the required bowel movement and stool softness to relieve your constipation. Start with small amounts and increase your amount slowly. Caution: Only use senna for a short time, 1- 1½ weeks. Senna leaves may cause some cramping. Do not drink senna if you have any type of colon disease, stomach pain, diarrhea, or are pregnant. Tamarind is the only important spice of African origin. Today, it is a much-valued food ingredient in many Asian or Latin American recipes. The sour and fruity taste of tamarind merges well with the heat of chillies and gives many South Indian dishes their hot and sour character as well as their dark color. The fruit pulp is digestive, antiflatulent, cooling, laxative and antiseptic. It's seeds are also astringent. Pulp of the ripe fruit is beneficial in the treatment of bilious vomiting, flatulence and indigestion. It is also useful in curing constipation. Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic Indian herbal compound used for constipation and poor bowel tone and is designed to support the body's natural cleansing process. It is one of Ayurveda's most important herbal formulas for thousands of years. Triphala is a balanced blend of three Indian Herbal Fruits: Harada, Amla, Behada. This combination of fruits is unique because the astringent qualities of the fruits serve to tonify the colon therefore promoting internal cleansing naturally. This is highly recommended for anyone doing a detox program. Andrew Pacholyk, MS,L.Ac Peacefulmind.com Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2007 Report Share Posted May 1, 2007 This was really good information. Thanks a lot !! , " yogiguruji " <yogiguruji wrote: > > Good Morning! > > Colon Health and Constipation > > Constipation results when food moves too slowly through the > gastrointestinal (GI) tract. About 80 percent of people suffer from > constipation at some time during their lives. Brief periods of > constipation are normal. Constipation is usually diagnosed when bowel > movements occur fewer than three times per week on an ongoing basis. > Other signs of constipation occur when the stool is hard, dry or > there is excessive straining. The stool can often be described > as " rabbit pellets " or like " toothpaste squeezed from the tube " . > Sometimes it is painful to pass. Sometimes the patient does not feel > complete after a bowel movement. > > There is widespread belief that everyone should have a bowel movement > at least once each day. There is no " right " number of bowel > movements. Each person's body finds its own normal number of bowel > movements. It depends on the food you eat, how much you exercise and > past history. This kind of thinking has led to the overuse and abuse > of laxatives. > > Constipation can arise from lack of enough fiber and water, > inadequate exercise, advanced age, muscle disorders and poor diet. > Pre-menstrual and pregnant women can suffer from constipation also > but, the most common cause is usually dietary. However, constipation > can be a component of irritable bowel syndrome or can result from a > wide range of causes, such as a drug side effect or physical > immobility. > > many medications, including pain killers, antidepressants, > tranquilizers, and other chiatric medications, blood pressure > medication, diuretics, iron supplements, calcium supplements, and > aluminum containing antacids can cause or worsen constipation. > > Constipation can sometimes have an unknown or idiopathic cause. Some > people have a good diet, drink plenty of fluid or do not have a > disorder, which can cause constipation, yet become constipated. Their > bowels are said to be 'underactive'. This is rather common. Most > cases occur in women. This condition tends to start during childhood > or in early adulthood and persist throughout life. > > Transit Time is the amount of time it takes for a meal to go from the > mouth to the rectum. A healthy transit time is less than 24 hours. > Constipation is the result of poor digestive and bowel habits, which > slow down the transit time, allowing waste materials to sit longer in > the intestines. Stool (waste products) builds up along the wall of > the colon preventing healthy absorption of nutrients. Our stool is > made up of our body's waste including undigested food, toxic waste > from the liver and billions of bacteria. As the stool sits longer in > the intestines a metabolic process continues. The intestines continue > to absorb water, making the stool harder and fermenting the bacteria. > This starts the waste to rot creating toxic by-products, which are > then absorbed into the bloodstream. This absorption of toxins is a > form of self-poisoning, called autointoxication. > > Symptoms of autointoxication include: headaches, brain fog, > depression, obesity, diverticulosis, PMS, bad breath, foul smelling > gas, bloating body odor and include some autoimmune diseases. > > Serious diseases, including colon cancer, can sometimes first appear > as bowel blockage leading to acute constipation. Therefore, > particularly constipation of recent onset should be diagnosed by a > physician. Dietary and other natural approaches should be used by > people with constipation only when there is reason to believe no > serious underlying condition exists. > > > Constipation Self Test > > 1. Do you feel fatigued, have low energy or muscles aches? (yes = > 1/no = 0) > 2. Do you have a bowel movement fewer than 3x/week on an ongoing > basis? (yes = 1/no = 0) > 3. Do you strain to pass stool? (yes = 1/no = 0) > 4. Do you pass dry hard pellets or stool that looks like toothpaste? > (yes = 1/no = 0) > 5. Do you have an abundance of foul smelling gas? (yes = 1/no = 0) > 6. Do you eat 25-30 grams of fiber per day? (yes = 1/no = 0) > 7. Are you unable to loss weight even though you eat " healthy " ? (yes > = 1/no = 0) > 8. Do you take anti-depressants or pain medication? (yes = 1/no = 0) > 9. Do you drink 8 glasses of water per day? (yes = 1/no = 0) > 10. Do you exercise at least 3x/week? (yes = 1/no = 0) > > > Total Score______ > > A score of 4 or higher may indicate that you are suffering from poor > colon health. > > > Signs of Good Elimination > > 1. Color: Stool color should be a walnut brown. Given temporary > variations with dark green leafy vegetable or beets. > > 2. Consistency: Stool should be smooth with the consistency of paste. > This shows the bowels are well hydrated. The length of stool should > be the length of a banana or longer. > > 3. Frequency: As discussed above, this depends on the individual, but > in the natural health community, one movement per day is good, but > two-three per day is healthiest! > > 4. Gas and Odor: A normal amount of gas is the by-product of > digestion. An abundance of foul smelling gas indicates poor colon > health. > > 5. Sink or Float: Healthy stool tends to leave the body easily, is > well formed, floats in the water then gently submerges. In some > natural medicine beliefs, if the stool floats, this may indicate > undigested fat in the colon. > > > Tips for Good Colon Health > > 1. Peristalsis and Hydration: Peristalsis is the natural waves of > contractions produced by the digestive tract in order to move food > through the colon. There are many ways to stimulate peristalsis, but > the most important way is through hydration. Constipation is often > caused by dehydration. Hydration of the colon is key to making > peristalsis happen naturally. (see Traditional ) > > 2. Bulk: The colon requires bulk for it to achieve healthy movement. > Optimal intake of fiber is about 25-30 grams per day. The ideal > combination of soluble fiber (psyllium husk) and insoluble fiber > (flax oil, fiber) helps to absorb water and toxins and adds roughage > to bulk up stool and sweep away built up debris in the intestinal > tract. > > 3. Lubrication: is essential for the smooth flow of stool out of the > intestines. Essential oils such as flaxseed oil, borage oil and fish > oil are ideal. > > > Nutritional Advise > > Water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear > soups are essential in any healing process. Liquid helps keep the > stool soft and easy to pass, so it's important to drink enough > fluids. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per > day. Try not to drink liquids that contain caffeine or alcohol. > Although a little caffeine works well as a diuretic, excess caffeine, > dependency on caffeine for a bowel movement, as well as alcohol tend > to dry out your digestive system. > > Prunes are one of the best natural remedies for constipation! A > simple handful of prunes will make all the difference. Today, prunes > actually come in different flavors! You can find them infused with > natural cherry, grape and apple essence! > > Apples contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as > phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been > proven to have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the > activity of free radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals > can be a factor in certain cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other > conditions such as diabetes and constipation. > > A diet combined with both insoluble fiber (fiber that doesn't > dissolve in water) will keep most people regular. You get fiber from > eating lots of vegetables, wheat bran, whole-grain breads and cereals > and fruit. > > Foods high in fiber are fruits such as apples peaches, raspberries > and tangerines. Vegetables such as acorn squash, raw broccoli, > brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, black- eyed > peas, cooked zucchini, kidney beans and lima beans. Also cooked whole- > grain cereal, cold (All-Bran, Total, Bran Flakes), whole-grain > cereal, hot (oatmeal, Wheatena) and whole-wheat or 7-grain bread. > > Juice Therapy is a great way to take advantage of the eliminative and > cleansing capacity of the organs. This cleansing capacity is greatly > increased and accumulated metabolic waste and toxins are quickly > eliminated. It affords a physiological rest to the digestive and > assimilative organs. After the juice fasting or juice therapy, the > digestion of food and the utilization of nutrients is improved. > > Powdered psyllium is a quality source of supplemental fiber. Be sure > to drink plenty of water, otherwise the fiber will form an > obstructing mass, adding to your condition. Start with one rounded > tablespoon of the powder stirred well into a glass of water or > diluted juice. > > Acidophilus: The normal, healthy colon contains " friendly " bacteria > (85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly > bacterial flora found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive > system. When these bacteria are not in balance, then the person may > experience bloating, flatulence, constipation, and malabsorption of > nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary supplement may help to > detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. Acidophilus aids > the digestion and helps to replace the " friendly " intestinal flora. > > The power of Green Whole Foods is essential for all day energy, > greater focus under stress, sense of well-being, strengthened immune > system, fewer food cravings and optimum synergistic balance of > essential nutrients for total health. Green Whole Foods is a powder > that contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, active > enzymes, bioflavinoids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients > necessary for optimial cellular metabolism, repair and protection! > These ingredients contain the most powerful combination of nutrients > ever known in any grain, herb or food. They contain almost all of the > vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes necessary for the human > diet, plus chlorophyll. > > Spirulina Blue Green Algae: Spirulina possesses a complete protein > richer than steak, abundant organically complex minerals, a wide > variety of essential vitamins, and many beneficial enzymes. Spirulina > is more than just a food. As with Chlorella it has been shown to be > valuable with almost every aspect of health. These necessities are > bio-available which means that they are easily assimilated throughout > the digestive tract, giving instant access to vital nutrients. > Because of algae's high chlorophyll and high nutritional content it > is an excellent part of a cleansing program. > > Chlorella Green Algae: Chlorella's tough cell wall protects the > valuable nucleus inside. When it is harvested it is instantly dried > and the cell walls are gently cracked open. The nutrients inside > retain full potency. Once in your body, the cracked open cells > release their valuable nutrients. Because it is so easy to digest, > your cells get the full benefit of this nutritional powerhouse. These > necessities are bio-available which means that they are easily > assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving instant access to > vital nutrients. The algae provides intestinal nourishment and has a > soothing and healing effect on the mucous lining. It works to > detoxify and purify our system. > > Barley Grass and Wheat Grass: Eating barley and wheat grass is like > eating a plate of green vegetables. These cereal grasses, are > harvested young and are ecologically grown in nutrient rich soil. > They are approximately 25% protein and contains all the essential > amino acids, concentrated vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have > been shown to increase our overall health by reducing intestinal > putrefaction and maintaining healthy blood another important > component of cleansing. > > > Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae: This remarkable plant grows 100% > organically in the Upper Klamath Lake of Oregon. Blue Green Algae has > more protein and chlorophyll by weight than any other plant or animal > on earth. Klamath Lake algae is considered to be the most nutrient > rich of the algaes. > > Lecithin: Lecithin is produced naturally and is one of the main > substances that digests cholesterol in the human body. Lecithin > supports the liver and aids in the metabolism of fat. Lecithin is > used to strengthen the heart as it clears the blood vessels of > cholesterol. It also useful as part of a weight loss programs to help > dissolve fat. > > Fiber (water-soluble), psyllium, seed husks, or oat bran are > suggested. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of fiber supplement at night before > bed. > > Magnesium: The supplement magnesium has been found to aid in the > management of symptoms. Taking 200-300 mg of magnesium 2 to 3 times > daily has been shown to help. > > Omega-3 : This fish oil has been shown in many studies, to reduce > your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood. > By reducing your bad cholesterol, you are helping your body to fight > off stress and relieve anxiety, tension and even prevent heart > disease! Fish that are high in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help > your blood stream. > > Psyllium Husks: A natural plant source of dietary fiber essential for > the proper functioning of the digestive system. Fiber significantly > lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. > > Add protein and carbohydrates to your diet: Incorporate protein into > your diet. Protein helps to keep sugar levels stable. You can find > protein in nuts, yogurt, beans, fish, chicken, tofu and lentils. > > What You Should Avoid: > > Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, > meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as > instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much > white flour and refined sugar, two major constipation causers, means > you need more fiber. > > What you don't eat may be even more important than what you do eat. > Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, because they tend to worsen > constipation. If you can't avoid them, then at least cut down. > > > Reduce Processed and Refined Foods: > > Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your > body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy > whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from " instant " > foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fat and MSG. > > Reduce Sugar Intake: > > Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Yet don't be > so fast as to replace the sugar with Stevia the natural sweetener > from the Stevia plant. Artificial sweetener can also cause anxiety as > well as other health concerns. > > Reduce Alcohol Intake: > > In small amounts, alcohol can be good for your heart but too much > alcohol is not a good thing for your body and too large of an intake > increases your body's need for extra vitamins. The body has a harder > time using oxygen. As a result, you can become more sensitive to > stress - which in turn can cause constipation. > > > Managing Your Constipation > > 1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits. > > 2. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. > > 3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise. > > 4. Avoiding drugs, excessive coffee and alcohol. > > 5. Taking a high potency multiple vitamin and also consider flax, > fish or borage oil and mineral supplements. > > 6. Take nutritional/herbal supplements to promote and enhance colon > function. > > 7. Fasting is one of the best ways to increase elimination of wastes > and enhance the healing process of the body. > > 8. Allow yourself enough time to have a bowel movement. Sometimes we > feel so hurried that we don't pay attention to our body's needs. Make > sure you don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. > > 9. Drink plenty of liquids and stay hydrated. > > 10. Consider clearing your mind and " let go of what you are holding > on to " . > > > > Herbal Remedies > > Burdock is a tonic herbs and have been used in the treatment of skin > conditions. Burdock is an herb that boosts immunity and purifies the > blood. It's a traditional liver tonic and a mild, natural diuretic. > Burdock's laxative and diuretic properties help remove toxins from > the system. The Chinese utilize it against tumors, inflammation, > fungal and bacterial infections. It is often recommended for dry, > scaly skin. You can take burdock in capsule form (follow the > directions) or make a acne fighting tea. Burdock root tincture may be > taken in 2–4 ml amounts per day. Dried root preparations in a capsule > or tablet can be used at 1–2 grams three times per day. > > Cascara Sagrada: Supports the colon, stomach, liver gallbladder and > pancreas and is considered one of the very best and safest laxatives > in the plant kingdom. Has an antibiotic effect on harmful bacteria in > the intestine. Promotes peristalsis and tones relaxed digestive > system muscles. > > Dandelion is a leading remedy for detoxing the liver. It stimulates > the flow of bile, a fluid that aids fat digestion, which is why it's > used for liver and gallbladder disorders. Dandelion has > scientifically documented potent diuretic properties. It relieves > constipation and eases bloating and swelling. Dandelion should be > used for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. For it's liver benefits, dandelion > is helpful for detoxing. > > Hawthorne Berry may help strengthen the heart, help increase blood > flow, encourage healthy blood pressure levels and maintain healthy > arteries. Useful for anemia, and circulatory disorders, high > cholesterol and lowered immunity. High in Vitamins B & C, it is also > used as a kidney tonic. Often used as a digestive aid. > > Milk Thistle is the great liver detoxer! The importance of milk > thistle in cleansing your liver, may decrease your chances of > developing cirrhosis, chronic fatigue, PMS, and cancer. The fruits, > leaves, and seeds in any form, contain some of the most potent liver > protecting substances known. Protects the kidneys and is good for > adrenal disorders, bowel disorders, and weakened immune systems. > > Plantain Herb: Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle > bulk-forming laxative. It comes from a shrub-like herb called > plantain that grows worldwide. There are many species of plantain > that can each produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel-coated seeds. The > plantain herb that produces psyllium seed is not the same plant as > edible plantains, which is a staple in Caribbean and South American > diets. Psyllium husk is derived from these odorless, tasteless seeds. > > Senna Pods are milder than the leaves since the do not contain the > resin. It is the resin in the senna leaves that causes griping in > your colon. It is the chemicals anthraquinones that provide its > strong action on your colon walls. Senna is the second best herb to > use for chronic constipation because it creates strong peristaltic > action. It is not healthy to use it for a long time, since its action > moves fecal matter through your colon quickly. This quick action > prevents absorption of nutrients by your colon depriving you of > necessary minerals and vitamins. Use senna only in amounts that > produce the required bowel movement and stool softness to relieve > your constipation. Start with small amounts and increase your amount > slowly. Caution: Only use senna for a short time, 1- 1½ weeks. Senna > leaves may cause some cramping. Do not drink senna if you have any > type of colon disease, stomach pain, diarrhea, or are pregnant. > > Tamarind is the only important spice of African origin. Today, it is > a much-valued food ingredient in many Asian or Latin American > recipes. The sour and fruity taste of tamarind merges well with the > heat of chillies and gives many South Indian dishes their hot and > sour character as well as their dark color. The fruit pulp is > digestive, antiflatulent, cooling, laxative and antiseptic. It's > seeds are also astringent. Pulp of the ripe fruit is beneficial in > the treatment of bilious vomiting, flatulence and indigestion. It is > also useful in curing constipation. > > Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic Indian herbal compound used for > constipation and poor bowel tone and is designed to support the > body's natural cleansing process. It is one of Ayurveda's most > important herbal formulas for thousands of years. Triphala is a > balanced blend of three Indian Herbal Fruits: Harada, Amla, Behada. > This combination of fruits is unique because the astringent qualities > of the fruits serve to tonify the colon therefore promoting internal > cleansing naturally. This is highly recommended for anyone doing a > detox program. > > > Andrew Pacholyk, MS,L.Ac > Peacefulmind.com > Therapies for healing > mind, body, spirit > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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