Today Dr. Devin talks about healthy bowel habits, why they are important, and how to improve your success in the bathroom. A healthy colon helps boost immunity and decrease inflammation! Welcome to Dr. Devin’s Wellness Wednesday Workshop where my goal is to help you maintain or improve your active lifestyle. We will answer these questions today:

1. What are some health issues associated with an unhealthy gut?
2. Which 2 stools are normal?
3. What does a #6 or #7 indicate?
4. How often should you have a bowel movement?
5. If your bowel movements are extremely smelly, what could that indicate?
6. What are the factors that can improve bowel movements?

(Answers below the video 😉)

Answers

1.  Neurological disease, autoimmune disease, and chronic inflammation
2. 3 & 4 are normal.
3. Inflammation – either autoimmune disease or leaky gut syndrome.
4. 1-3 times per day.
   1. You eat 2-3 times per day so you need to eliminate the toxic byproducts the same number of times.
5. Malabsorption, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or pancreatitis.
6. Ways to improve bowel movements
   1. Increase fiber
      1. Under 50 years old
         1. Women – 25 grams minimum/day
         2. Men – 38 grams/day
      2. Over 50 years old
         1. Women – 21 grams/day
         2. Men – 30 grams/day
      3. Great sources of fiber
         1. Broccoli
         2. Beans
         3. Lentils
         4. Chia seeds
         5. Split peas
   2. Improve your eating habits
      1. Chew slowly and thoroughly
      2. Stop when full
      3. Intermittent fasting
      4. Food journal
   3. Reduce stress
      1. Deep breathing
      2. Meditation
   4. Reduce caffeine or alcohol
      1. They dehydrate the colon
   5. Water
      1. Half body weight in ounces/day
   6. Exercise
      1. 30 minutes/day
   7. Eat Fermented foods
      1. Sauerkraut
      2. Real pickles
      3. Kefir
      4. Probiotics and prebiotic
   8. Go when you feel the urge
      1. Try to go 30 to 60 minutes after eating when intestines
         are awake
   9. Avoid medications
      1. Laxatives, stool softeners, and anti-diarrhea medications can help short term but make things worse over time
      2. Magnesium is better
         1. If you develop loose stools – cut back
   10. Change pooping position
       1. Use a stool like the squatty potty
       2. Squatting unkinks colon
   11. Chiropractic
   12. Young Living Essential Oils
       1. Peppermint
       2.  Caraway
       3.  Di-Gize
       4.  Fennel
       5.  Anise
       6.  Basil
       7. Bergamot

Join us next time so we can continue helping you maintain or improve your active lifestyle. Until then, contact me at 704-827-6560 or chiro@atkinsonfamilychiro.com