Saturday, August 27, 2016

8 Steps to a Healthier Digestive System

Did you know that your 'poo' says a LOT about the health of your mind and body?
 The axis around which our digestive system operates is the command center for most of our bodily operations, including the absorption of nutrients, waste removal and the mind-body connection. 
An unhealthy gut can lead to an increase in allergies, auto-immune issues, and even anxiety. With our 'pill for every ill' mentality, many many people are dealing with an unhealthy gut and don't even realize it because they're confusing the symptoms with the root problem.
 Take care of your digestive system and your body will often have the proper tools and environment to correct itself.
 How do you do so?
1. reduce processed foods and alcohol
2. ensure that your gut is receiving active probiotic cultures regularly
3. check your poops for color and consistency daily
4. DRINK WATER; eliminate waste completely with fun tools like the Squatty Potty
5. increase your magnesium
6. avoid using artificial laxatives and all antiobiotics except in exceptional need
7. exercise daily
8. eat a clean(er) diet.

Cheat Sheet for the Chart Below:

Type 1-2: Associated with Constipation
Type 1: Stool is characterized by hard, separate lumps often difficult to excrete. If you have a pet rabbit perhaps you will understand this comparison.
Type 2: Very lumpy but otherwise formed stool.
Type 3-4: Normal
Type 3: Comparable to a sausage with slight cracks on the surface.
Type 4: The ideal poop; Described as soft, smooth and snake-like in appearance.
Type 5-7: Associated with Diarrhea
Type 5: Soft, separate and easily passed stool.
Type 6: Described as mushy stool with ragged edges attributed by excess liquid.
Type 7: Stool not containing any solids but instead is entirely liquid.