Is constipation common? The question a very despondent client asked me a few weeks ago and the simple answer is yes. Anyone who is not emptying their bowels at a minimum of every 36 hours has sluggish bowels.
Ideally, you empty every 18-24 hours. A simple transit test is to eat some corn kernels(without chewing them) and see how long they take to appear in your toilet bowl will give you an indication of the speed of your digestive system.
Constipation is Common, So Why The Secrecy?
Indeed it is not the most glamorous of subjects but we all have to do it. Go and talk to your nutritionist therapist, dietitian, doctor or local health food store. There are always ways to help you through it and nothing to be afraid of in mentioning it. After all, what goes in must come out!
Be aware of the colour, consistency and shape of your stools.
If you notice blood in your stools go to your doctor for a check-up. It is probably nothing serious but better safe than sorry.
A simple exercise to help you ‘get moving’ is to soak a dessert spoon of linseeds in water for 12 hours. It will turn into a gloopy jelly that you either knockback or mix with juice, water or your porridge.
Magnesium, found in plant chlorophyll is a friend of your colon wall to make them relax and promote peristalsis. Juice some greens and add the linseeds to it even better.
There are lots of other gut-friendly aids so don’t despair and be reassured in the knowledge that behind the bathroom door others are thinking exactly the same as you.
Happy health.