Digestive Disturbances

Do digestive disturbances rule your life? Nothing is worse than a stomach issue that leaves you feeling bloated, uncomfortable, constipated, or gassy. Approximately 60-70 million Americans experience these problems every day.

While many believe the stomach is the most important part of the digestive system, the colon is actually at the center—and the largest part of the digestive system! Adopting a healthy, daily habit of including a few key nutrients and foods can help you keep your colon healthy!

Yes, this is an embarrassing topic to talk about, but it is arguably one of the most important organs in the body, as the colon helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Constipation and other digestive issues can disrupt our everyday lives, affecting sleep, work, intimacy, and much more. A recent survey conducted by Braun Research showed that:

• More than 25 percent of Americans avoided intimacy due to constipation.
• 41 percent revealed it kept them from a full night sleep.
• 20 percent cancelled plans or a vacation.
• 15 percent stayed home from work.

What are you doing to keep your colon healthy? Watch my segment from The Daily Buzz last week! 

Here are some tips on how to be good to your colon and to help avoid constipation:

1.  Take a probiotic supplement on a regular basis. 

Our digestive tract contains “good” bacteria.  Phillips Colon Health contains the three most studied strains of bacteria to replenish the beneficial bacteria in the colon.  When taken daily with a meal, it helps maintain digestive balance, promote regularity, and helps to defend against occasional constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

2.  Increase fiber naturally.  

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are all great ways to increase fiber in your diet daily. Fiber helps to keep you full longer and helps keep those hunger pains at bay. Studies suggest a fiber-rich diet may contribute to maintaining a consistent digestive tract which helps lead to improved digestive health.

Plum Juice

In a clinical study, Sunsweet’s PlumSmart plum juice was found to help regulate digestion when 8 ounces were consumed daily for two weeks. It’s effective and tastes great!  Not only will you get fiber, but you’ll also get potassium and B-vitamins. PlumSmart comes in regular or light, which has 60 percent fewer calories.  Another option (plus a sweet treat right after a meal) is Sunsweet Ones, individually-wrapped dried plums (prunes) totaling 25 calories each.  

Whole Grains

Whole wheat bread for tortillas, whole grain cereal, quinoa, barley, brown rice, oatmeal, etc. Don’t have time to cook oatmeal?  Got 45 seconds?  That’s all the time it takes for Seneca Farms Oatmeal which comes in a convenient, portable container that is ready in the microwave in 45 seconds—no added milk or water necessary. It’s great for breakfast or a snack in between meals. It’s also an excellent way to introduce oatmeal to kids and on-the-go Moms!

3.  Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Things can’t move through the colon without some fluid to help it along. You’ll know if you’re properly hydrated if your urine is barely yellow. Drink water all day long!