I am almost always amazed when clients tell me how constipated they are, and I mean seriously constipated. Some have a bowel movement every five days, others ten and these scenarios have been continuing for a years. They feel sluggish, uncomfortable and not very sexy.
Every remedy has been tried from laxatives to soaked prunes in uneven numbers to fibrogel with no lasting results. However, many don’t think that their current diet or lifestyle has any role to play and I can obviously not wait to show them the light.
Let’s start at the beginning. Over the next few weeks I will be focusing on bowel health. Loving your tummy should be on the top of your list of priorities for optimal health.
If you haven’t heard this before, I will say it again….CHEW, CHEW, CHEW you food. I would like to see that you are the person annoying the waiter because you are eating so slowly and he is giving you the evil eye, waiting to clear the table. You’ll have the last laugh and will probably also be the last to reach for the Rennies after the meal – well, hopefully not at all!
Digestion of carbohydrates starts in the mouth. Good lubrication and masticated food is essential to combine digestive enzymes with the food in order for effective digestion and absorption of nutrients to take place. Further enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and the liver to continue the process, but it is so much easier if the food is already well liquidised. Needles to say that waste material will also be passed much easier through the bowels.
Food which remains undigested can irritate the large bowel and cause other problems.
Remember…. your tummy doesn’t have teeth and don’t forget to choo, choo, choo your food.
Next week I will continue with advice on different types of fibre and why it is such an important ingredient for loving your tummy effectively.
Nutrition Redefined 