Spring Reset for a Happy Gut
Erin Vanderkooy
50plus Magazine
As we welcome spring, I’m excited to continue our conversation around digestion. Spring is such a great opportunity to reset in a way that is gentle to the system. In winter we want to sleep as much as we can, eat warm, nourishing foods and stay in where it’s cozy. With spring we get more active and eat more fresh foods like salads and raw veggies.
In my last article, we spoke about how our digestion, ie our poop, is such an excellent (and free!) window into our health. Today we’ll look at what to watch for when seeing into this window.
A normal bowel movement is often described as having a toothpaste-like consistency, all one piece, doesn’t float, comes out without straining, and afterward we feel fully eliminated. You may be surprised to learn that it is “normal” to have these kinds of movements as many as three times per day!
If this is not your norm, don’t fret. The following tips can help.
Tips to get moving
- Consume more fiber
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid processed foods and eat more whole, nutrient-dense foods
- Consume probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, olives, apple cider vinegar and fermented cheese
- Add ground flaxseed and/or chia seeds
- Eat more garlic
- Soak dried figs or prunes overnight; drink the water
- Increase exercise
- Evaluate medications
- Colon (stomach) massage following the line of the colon. Learn how by searching “colon massage for constipation” online
- Consider what you might be “holding on to” or not releasing. Stored trauma or emotions are than we imagine
If you are constipated for long periods it is important tospeak with your primary care practitioner.
Erin welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. Contact her at erin@erinvanderkooy.com.