Why Constipation Is Toxic To Your Health

I know it’s embarrassing to talk about constipation, but how else can you get the help you need to get “unplugged” and be rid of the bloating, cramps and gas that are just some of the painful side-effects of this toxic situation?

We’ve all been there. And I’m sure we can all agree that there’s nothing much worse than the feeling you get when you’re holding your guts in pain because nothing is moving in there, even though you keep running to the bathroom trying for at least a little relief! But all this bloating and cramps and flatulence is more than irritating.

It’s a symptom of a bigger problem with your digestive system. And it all goes back to the colon.

The colon – another topic most people are too embarrassed to talk about, or only mention in whispered tones – is a breeding ground for both good and bad bacteria.

When too much fermentation and putrefaction is produced in the colon by neglecting to keep it in good condition, it is necessary for the waste to be expelled from the body. And that’s exactly why your colon is well-equipped with a very efficient system of elimination.

But there’s a big “if” here – the colon only does what it needs to do if it is in good working order. In a healthy colon environment, the good bacteria will control the bad. But in an unhealthy environment, the bad bacteria rule.

Chronic constipation is unhealthy because toxins are formed and absorbed when waste remains in the intestines. If you consistently find yourself constipated, there are a few things you should and should not do in order to alleviate your discomfort.

Here are the do’s:
•    Eat your main meal early in the day;
•    Drink lots of filtered water – 8 to 10 glasses a day;
•    Chew your food 20-30 times per mouthful and follow food-combining rules;
•    Make a habit of moving your bowels at a certain time each day;
•    While having a bowel movement, use a footstool to elevate your feet;
•    Take hot and cold sitz baths to stimulate abdominal organs;
•    Make sure you get enough sleep;
•    Set time aside each day to relax quietly;
•    Banish those negative thoughts – think positive!

Here are the don’ts:
•    Never eat when you are upset – it’s not good for your digestion;
•    Never overeat;
•    Don’t drink liquids with meals;
•    Don’t take pharmaceutical laxatives;
•    Never put off going to the bathroom;
•    Don’t give in to stress and worry;
•    Don’t suppress your feelings – see above!

The first step in combating constipation is to understand your body cycles. While our bodies consist of complex systems that seem to enjoy throwing us for a loop, there are many constants that we can use to our advantage when working to create a smooth, flowing rhythm in how things work.

So if you want to move things along in the bathroom, there are three cycles you need to be aware of:

Cycle 1: This occurs from the early morning hours through lunchtime (4 a.m. to 12 p.m.). Considering all of the toxins that we come in contact with every day, this cycle should be considered extremely important, because it works to detoxify our bodies and restore the delicate internal balance.

Ideally, cleansing foods should be eaten during this cycle to avoid introducing more toxins into the mix. A good rule of thumb is to keep breakfast light every day, consuming fresh fruits, vegetables and squeezed fruit juices, herbal teas, sprout drinks, nut milk, or seed milk in place of heavy starches and proteins.

Cycle 2: This important cycle hits around lunchtime and lasts until 8 p.m. If you’re feeling low on energy, protein is an excellent way to give yourself a boost at lunch. Combine your protein with vegetables, or eat vegetables plus a starch. Ideally, lunch should be eaten before 2 p.m., with four-hour intervals between meals.

But if you find yourself hungry in the afternoon, spirulina, and high-quality green powder and chlorella are excellent for curbing appetite and increasing energy.

Cycle 3: This is your body’s time for resting and repairing itself, getting ready for another hard day’s work. To help your body out, it’s a good idea if you refrain from eating within three hours of your bedtime. Light snacks are fine if you find yourself hungry, especially things such as seeds, fruits, broths, herb teas and whole food supplements.

While understanding your body cycles is extremely helpful in planning your meals etc. to maintain optimal body functions, performing an occasional cleanse can jump-start your body and keep it running smoothly.

That’s why I’m high on chlorophyll. Found in green foods such as alfalfa, wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina and blue-green algae, chlorophyll cleanses and heals the digestive tract. Also important are fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and miso, because they replenish the friendly bacteria needed for a healthy colon.

Also helpful:

•    A glass of lemon and hot water in the morning helps promote normal bowel function;
•    Sauerkraut contains choline, which activates peristaltic movement;
•    Foods rich in magnesium, such as dark green leafy vegetables and figs, draw water into the stools, increasing their volume and softness.