General Lifestyle Tips to Aid Colon Health

• Slowly increase the intake of high fiber foods particularly from raw fruits & vegetables.

• Eliminate processed grain products from the diet.  Switch to whole grains and consider sprouted grain, wheat-free and/or gluten-free options.

• Reduce or eliminate animal products from the diet [these contain no fiber; dairy products also promote mucous secretion, each increases likeliness of constipation.]

• Drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces in pure water each day. If urine is still dark in color increase this amount further. Caffeine & other substances found in soft drinks, tea, & coffee are dehydrating so these should be avoided. If you choose to drink these add an additional equal amount of pure water for what is consumed.

• Add WaterMax or fresh lemon juice to water to help mineralize the water [be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after drinking lemon water].

• Exercise increases peristalses. Regular exercise can improve eliminations.

• Take an effective probiotic to encourage a healthy colon environment.

• Consume freshly extracted vegetable juices and/or Barley Max

Additional specific tips for relieving constipation

• Eat a couple of apples per day.

• Drink hot lemon water first thing in the morning and in the evening before bed.

• Drink a glass of water every ten minutes for half an hour to relieve constipation.

• Eat prunes and/or figs.

• Taking a vigorous walk often relieves constipation.

• Take FiberCleanse or psyllium hulls. If constipation has been a long term problem take a small dose [1/4 or ½ of recommended amount] initially and increase amount slowly. Fiber will help to clean the colon, improving colon health but increasing fiber intake too quickly can slow things down initially to be most effective you must start slowly and build up to recommended dosage.

• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can be useful to calm the nervous system. This may help in situation where an overactive nervous system is involved, which can slow digestion and overall bowel function.

• Using a ‘Chi Machine’ may be beneficial.
• Balance the pH of the body. Acidosis may be a problem.

• Consider a colon cleansing regimen [see 7 day cleanse info sheet] or take FiberCleanse for a specified time period.

• Consider colonic therapy &/or cleansing enemas

What about laxatives?

Because constipation is such a problem in our country there are many laxative products on the market. Laxatives are four basic types of bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic agents & stimulants. Bulk-forming agents are the only laxatives that are safe for long term use. These increase the bulk & water content of the stools making eliminations easier. The most common bulking agent in supplemental form is psyllium hulls. A healthy food source is ground flax seed which also contains many additional health promoting nutrients. Psyllium hulls or ground flax seed can be taken on a daily basis. All other forms of laxatives [other than bulking agents] should not be taken regularly. Stool softeners inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins & may cause additional health concerns if taken regularly. Osmotic agents are drugs that can cause dependency [sorbitol, milk of magnesia, citrate of magnesia, & Epsom salts etc.] Stimulants increase peristalsis by irritating the intestinal wall. Long term use can cause the intestinal wall to change color. It is not recommended that these be taken on a daily basis. Cascara sagrada & senna are two natural herbal stimulants that are commonly used for constipation. Although these are more natural than drugs [drugs can also cause additional problems] they should also only be taken occasionally or on a short term basis.

For further information read Colon Health: The Key to a Vibrant Life by Dr. Norman Walker & Prescription for Natural Healing [Constipation; Enemas; Cleansing; Fasting];