This week we are going to look at what a favorite of ours, Dr. Oz, has to say about bowel health and fiber. According to Real Age what’s normal varies from person to person and may be as frequent as three times a day or as few as three times a week.
When the system runs right, it processes the food you take in, absorbing the nutrients and energy your body needs and eliminating the waste that you don’t need. Then, whatever is not used moves to the colon, also known as the large intestine or bowel. This is the stage of the process that is most directly related to your regularity.
The digestive system is fairly sensitive and from time to time, things start to move more slowly than usual.
Real Age gives us tips to stay regular:
1. Listen to your body. When you feel a bowel movement coming on, go to the bathroom as soon as you can.
2. Get your fill of fiber. Increase the amount of dietary fiber in your meals by adding whole-grain breads and cereals, raw vegetables, and fruit.
3. Stay hydrated.
4. Don’t skip meals. Eating stimulates the reflex that causes waste to move forward in the bowel.
5. Keep your body moving. Moderate physical exercise, such as walking or swimming, at least four times a week can help maintain regularity.
Visit Real Age and our other resources for more on healthy bowels.