My 8 year old daughter came to me today excited that she has been having
2 bowel movements a day every day for 2 weeks. I love how she
understands the importance of this and that she recognizes it's
benefits! This is especially cool because our diet the last week and a half has been somewhat on the less than desirable side.
This is a regular conversation at our house. If someone isn't feeling good, that is the first thing we ask. "Have you pooped today?"
It seems that as a society we are real hush hush about our bowel movements. It's not something you talk about because it is gross. Yes, it is...... especially at the dinner table!
However, when in the conversation about your health, you might want to get comfortable with talking about it! Did you know that 90% of all disease is connected to an unhealthy colon? The biggest sign of an unhealthy colon is constipation!!
Now, knowing this, you will understand that one of the first questions I will always ask is, "How many bowel movements do you have a day? What are they like?" Yes you may feel odd or want to keep it personal, but it is an integral part of getting you healthy and clean :)
The ideal amount of BM's a day is 5. First thing in the morning, after each meal and right before bed. They will feel like you've done nothing but when you see the toilet you will be surprised at what came out!
Good is 3 or more. This means your bowels are functioning pretty well. The other key is how they feel. Is it hard to go? Are they compact, loose or somewhere in between?
ALL of this is important in determining how healthy your colon is, what nutrients you are or AREN'T absorbing and so on.
I don't have that many, how do I have more? Laxatives?
Most people will think that taking a good laxative to have that many BM's will make them healthy. WRONG! All laxatives do is push things through, in an uncomfortable way, and don't do anything to resolve the underlying issue. The WHY.
All our bodies need are the right nutrients and it will correct itself. Here are some things you can do to help your body with the immediate desires and for the long term correcting and healing.
The first are my favorites, then there a couple more links with some more options -
Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel formula - This is one of Dr. Christopher's most famous formula's. It is a gentle and very effective food for the lower bowel. Nourishing it and healing it so it will perform as it was designed. Strengthening the muscles and cleansing the intestinal wall of compacted fecal matter, increasing the absorption of essential nutrients.
http://www.drchristophersherbshop.com/Lower_Bowel.html
goDesana Peppermint Essential Oil - Peppermint is an activator and a stimulator. It will stimulate sluggish bowels and help them get moving. Paired with goDesana Lemon Essential Oil it makes a powerful liver cleanse which increases the production of bile. Bile is essential in healthy bowel movements.
http://www.godesana.com/peppermint.asp?site=hiabundance
Green Vitality Green Smoothie - Fruit first thing in the morning helps the body in it's elimination process. A green smoothie combines the cleansing effects of fruit and the vital nutrients and fibers of greens and seeds. As our food is becoming depleted in nutrients as the years go on, even organic foods, the need for whole food supplementation is increasing for desired health. Green Organics Green Vitality greens has played a major role in increasing the sustainability of my bowels health.
http://www.godesana.com/greenvitality.asp?site=hiabundance
goDesana Dygest essential oil blend - http://www.godesana.com/dygest.asp?site=hiabundance
Dr. Christopher's Quick Colon Cleanse - http://www.drchristophersherbshop.com/Quick_Colon_Cleanse.html
So, Have you pooped today?
