Bowel health is foundation of our overall well-being, as it helps in the digestion of the food eaten, absorbs nutrients and uses them to fuel and maintain the body. In fact, 80% of the immune system is in the gut along with the majority of body’s serotonin. This means that if the bowels are unhealthy, then the immune system and hormones don’t function well and you get sick. Simply meaning, if the gut is imbalanced then the immune system doesn’t working properly, serotonin and hormones neither, making it more challenging to stay healthy.

The bowels are where your body gets rid of metabolic waste and toxins. Your bowels make up part of your lower digestive tract and consist of your intestines, rectum and anus (bottom). Your rectum is where stools are stored and the brain sends messages to the rectum when it is full and needs to be emptied. However, with an unhealthy gut, the body will be in a constant struggle to rid itself of toxins. If this occurs, the health issues occur.

Signs of an unhealthy bowel

An unhealthy bowel symptoms show as gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, but it can present itself in other forms as autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS). Other symptoms of poor microbiome are brain fog, poor concentration and memory, headaches, fatigue, chronic pain, trouble sleeping and issues with cravings or bad moods.

Factors which contribute to poor bowel health are:

Stress: This increases intestinal permeability (leaky gut), creating an imbalance of more bad than good bacteria in the bowels.

Poor nutrition: Most people eat processed food and sugar, which can harm the beneficial bacteria in the bowel gut and cause inflammation throughout the body. One must drink enough water, water, milk, soups and juices. Limit caffeine drinks to 2 per day. Eat food high in soluble fiber (pasta, rice, vegetables and fruit). Eat a healthy and varied diet with fruit such as pear, apple and prunes to keep the bowels regular.

Long-term use of antibiotics and antacids – decreases Vitamin B12 within the gut, which is essential in cell production, brain function and energy. They also kill the good bacteria that live in the gut. However, it’s best to consult with your physician before taking them.

Improve and heal your bowel and balance their microbiome managing stress levels, practicing mindfulness, eating healthy, getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night and exercising.

Learn how to empty the bowels without straining Sit on the toilet properly:

  ●   keep your back straight, lean forward.

  ●   rest your forearms on your knees.

  ●   place the knees higher than hips by lifting heels or using a footstool keep your legs apart.

  ●   Mucus and stool on toilet paper without bowel movement may indicate bulging internal hemorrhoids.

  ●   In external hemorrhoids, hard, painful lump and clot are seen under the skin.

Remember, healing and improving your bowel will take time, consistency and dedication. Your microbiome didn’t get unhealthy overnight, so there are no quick solutions to fix it overnight either. Eat healthy and manage stress to get on the road to recovery and optimal bowel health.