Poop and Immunity

Please excuse the somewhat personal nature of this email, but the information I am about to share is extremely important for both you and your digestive health.

 

But make no mistake... It's times like this that make taking care of your body and what it naturally does are more important than ever.

 

In the midst of a pandemic...there's a reason that your garbage collector is considered an "essential" employee.

 

Think about it...

 

We may all be trapped in our homes but we're still living, eating, and taking out the trash.

 

What would your life be like if there was no garbage service?

 

Things get pretty stinky pretty quick.

 

First come the flies. Then the maggots. Then the rats….

 

And before long, you’ve got a full-blown infestation.



Now that I’ve got you completely grossed out...consider this.

 

The EXACT SAME THING happens inside your body.Your large intestine (which is also called the "colon" or the "bowel") is your internal waste management system.

 

And just like a garbage truck in the neighborhood, your bowel is in constant motion. That's why it's called a "bowel movement”... and it's supposed to happen at least once per day.

 

When the bowel does not move frequently enough…

 

It leads to an accumulation of stool in the colon which can not only make you uncomfortable, but can also be dangerous.

 

When stool sits in the colon for too long, studies have shown that it causes changes in the "microbiome" which is the community of healthy microorganisms that live in the intestine.

 

"Constipation is a common condition, with a worldwide prevalence... [affecting] 79% of adults..." -State University of New York Study.

 

And that’s just the beginning…

 

You see, those changes in your microbiome have a direct impact on your immune system.

 

The reason why is shocking:

 

70% of the cells that of your immune system reside in the walls of your intestine.

 

So if you’re not pooping every day...your immune system is compromised.

 

And you cannot afford to have a compromised immune system right now. In fact, it can be the difference between life and death.

 

What should my poop look like?

 

Your stool is about 75 percent water. The rest is a fetid combination of fiber, live and dead bacteria, miscellaneous cells and mucus.

 

The Bristol Stool Chart is a handy tool that may help you learn what you're going for. Ideally, your stool should approximate Types 3, 4 and 5, "like a sausage or a snake, smooth and soft" to "soft blobs that pass easily." Type 4 is the Holy Grail!

 

Check out this free app for the Bristol Stool Scale.

 BristolStoolChart_copy1

How do I score a Home Run?

 

If you aren't achieving poo perfection, or if you don't feel right, then consider making a few diet and lifestyle changes.

 

·      Make sure you stay well hydrated with fresh, pure water. Limit caffeine and alcohol-they both dehydrate the colon.

 

·      Remove all sources of gluten from your diet.

 

·      Eat a diet that includes whole foods, rich in fresh, organic vegetables and fruits that provide good nutrients and fiber. Most of your fiber should come from vegetables, not from grains. Shoot for 35 grams of fiber per day. Consider swapping some of the foods in your diet that lack fiber- like meat, cheese, refined carbohydrates, and hydrogenated oils.

 

·      Avoid excess sugar (especially fructose), artificial sweeteners, chemical additives, MSG, and processed foods.

 

·      Maximize a healthy environment in your gut “micoflora”. Try adding naturally fermented foods into your diet, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir (if you tolerate dairy). You can also try supplementing with a good-quality probiotic as well.

 

·      Get plenty of exercise daily. Exercise stimulates the bowels and lymphatic system, which helps to push waste down to your colon, making it easier for you to go. On top of this, exercise also relaxes your mind and reduces stress.

 

·      Prioritize reducing your stress and get a good night’s sleep.

 

What things do you plan to do to make sure you have healthy poop? 

 

Right now, your IMMUNE SYSTEM needs all the help it can get.

 

Ready to accomplish your lifestyle goals in a way that’s empowering and exciting?

 

FREE “Vitality Acceleration Session”.

https://healthychangewithamy.com/pages/health-coaching