Katy Lowe, Master Herbalist & Life Coach
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"There there, just let it all out..."

Ok...well you normally hear that statement when you are upset and wanting to feel better, but I have to tell you, not emliminating properly can really feel uncomfortable in ways we've all probably dealt with from time to time.  Who needs it??

There are lots of symptoms that a Colon is holding on to more than it needs to.  Bad breath, gas,  bad body odor, acne, digestive problems, infections of the kidney, prostate, bladder, liver and gallbladder, excess mucus in the head, lungs, and throat, chronic sickness with all types of disorders. Lack of energy can be one of the first signs of constipation and toxicity. Our bowels should be moving 2 to 3 times daily. That is the way they are designed. Every time you eat/ chew your food, the muscles that control the bowel or large intestine begin to contract in preparation for the bowels to move. If for whatever reason (usually inadequate fiber) the bowels cannot eliminate, then problems can begin. Waste in the colon is stored and reabsorbed rather than being eliminated. There are varying levels and severity of constipation. I encourage each of you to do what is necessary to improve the health of your bowel - sooner rather than later.  Why not feel better NOW?

What You Can Do:


Prevention is often said to be the best medicine. Eat a proper diet, which includes abundant amounts of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds. Spring is a great time of year to start the fresh fruits and veggies...speaking of which I just ate an entire pint of strawberries for a snack.  YUM.  Chew your food thoroughly. Eat slowly. Avoid or cut way back red meat and poultry. Meat takes such a long time to digest, and pass through so keep that in mind.  Eat fish a couple times per week. Drink plenty of water. Eating meals that contain both hot and cold foods will get the digestive juices flowing and help the bowels to move. Dehydration is probably the most common cause of constipation. Exercise -move daily. Exercise will help to strengthen and tone the digestive tract. Do not resist the urge to go to  the bathroom when you need to. Tobacco and caffeine have a paralyzing effect on the colon and encourage constipation. Coffee also destroys the friendly bacteria in the large intestine. (Some acidophilus or even that yogurt Activia helps if you are a moderate coffee drinker)  Alcohol tends to produce constipation and increased intestinal mucus. Juices such as prune juice are often beneficial to help the lower bowel.

You don't have to be a fanatic about it, but don't ignore the fact that you don't go like you should.  Even using the Colon Cleanse a couple times a week or when you know you've eaten poorly for a few days is a start to keeping 'stuff' from building up.