The Scoop on Poop

The Scoop on Poop

Poop

Yes, I know it’s potty talk, but we all do it and we need to talk about it.  Poop tells us so much of what is going on with our digestive system. It’s a true mirror of our internal terrain. Yes, you heard me right, our fecal matter is a direct reflection of our state of health.  The gastro-intestinal tract and its health have a major impact on digestion, including the absorption of nutrients and in the elimination of waste products.  As you likely know, our bodies function as a whole, requiring synergistic cooperation from many systems & organs.  When one component is not doing its work, increased effort from other systems or components is required.  There are five main elimination routes for waste in our bodies:

  • Skin
  • Bowels
  • Kidneys
  • Lymphatic System
  • Respiratory System

 

Ideal digestion and bowel health would be emptying your bowels as many times a day as you have a meal. One in, one out. If this is not happening, toxins are likely building up throughout your body. Toxins that are not eliminated in a timely manner are reabsorbed in the body and then sent for detoxification a second time by the liver & kidneys.

One of the first steps to get your bowels working regularly is to ensure adequate daily water consumption (generally 8 glasses  or 1/2 of your body weight in ounces per day). The next step towards regularity is adding fiber to your diet. Think of ground flax seeds, chia seeds, nuts, seeds, raw fruits & vegetables, whole grains and legumes.  You can also help ramp up your waste removal systems by sweating, exercising, using infra red saunas & dry skin brushing.

The colon (large intestine) is not really responsible for digestion other than absorbing water & electrolytes (salts) from undigestible food residue. Its main function is to act as a temporary storage unit for waste and to form solid stools for elimination.  The health of your colon is largely dependent on water &  fiber intake as well as housing good bacteria.  If you are looking to support colon health further, build and maintain large colonies of friendly bacteria in your intestinal tract by eating fermented foods (like kefir, sauerkraut or kombuchu) or  supplementing with a good quality probiotic.

Signals That You Need to Be Bowel-minded

  • Bad breath
  • Fatigue
  • Brain Fog
  • Bloating
  • Cramping
  • Gas, belching
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Undigested food particles
  • Your poop doesn’t look like #4 on the Bristol Stool Chart (below)
  • Parasites
  • Gallstones
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis
  • Diverticulitis

Bristol Stool Chart

What Goes in Must Come Out

Cleansing is an important step in maintaining optimal digestion and bowel health. Everyday we think of cleaning the exteriors of our bodies, however we seldom consider cleaning what we don’t see.  It is not uncommon to have pounds of residual metabolic waste stored in our bodies.  At PURE we will customize a cleanse program for you, your situation and your lifestyle. Our approach and plan is custom tailored to your unique bio-chemistry.  See us for more details on how we can help you clean out your garbage shoot.  You owe yourself and your interior a thorough cleaning.

Bowel Friendly Muesli Recipe

In good health & with good transit time,
Sharlene Brewer, Holistic Nutritionist
PURE Natural Health & Wellness

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