Sluggish...Get Things Moving

This is not a topic most will openly discuss around the water cooler at work. Some may feel it's more appropriate  whispered in the halls of hospitals and behind closed bathroom doors .So it's no wonder so many Americans suffer with constipation (4 million of us, to be exact). Our diet of meat and processed food (fast foods too) contains little fiber. Most of us are lucky if we’re getting in half of the 30 grams of fiber that we should each day. Without that bulk in our diet, it can make movements...well, practically immovable.

The human digestive tract was designed for unprocessed plant foods that are loaded with dietary fiber: beans, leafy greens, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables and whole grains. High levels of dietary fiber increase both the frequency and quantity of movements, decreasing the transit time of stools, as well as the absorption of toxins from the stool.

Drink at least eight to twelve 8-oz. glasses of clean water per day. Hard, dry stools are a classic sign of dehydration. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water when you wake up and possibly throughout the day,especially for hardcore soft drink and coffee drinkers.

There are plenty of delicious foods you can prepare to keep you regular and eliminate that bloated feeling.
Bran muffins,baked fish, brown rice, wheat bread, healthy greens; collard, kale and mixed. Fruits are always a plus. Granola bars, nuts and dried fruits can help soothe your intestinal flow. Oatmeal works wonders and it's heart healthy. Many of us would rather take stool softeners or laxatives, but in return can be harsh on your body and possibly become dependent on stimulants.

As a supplement to a healthy, high-fiber diet, bran and prunes are particularly effective in relieving constipation. Whole prunes and prune juice possess good laxative effects. Eight ounces is usually an effective dose. A similar amount of aloe vera juice is also helpful. I recommend Alo!. alodrink.com 

Vitamin C rich foods can help as well, as they help with food and nutrient absorption.  Try parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts, as they’re all great sources of vitamin C.  

It's a bit short,but informative. A better body a better you!.