The Key to Optimum Health – Your Colon
Colon health is fundamental to overall well-being. The digestive system is perfectly designed to process and absorb nutrients and dispose of the non-nutritive residue. When the colon is working properly, all the body systems are free to release the processed waste and toxins.
When the colon isn’t working, the intestine becomes a virtual sewer! Wastes begin to back up and solidify, becoming rancid, toxic and impacted on the intestinal walls. Toxins are reabsorbed into the bloodstream, poisoning the systems of the body. The other waste disposal systems – liver, kidneys, lymph, lungs and skin – can also back up, causing additional health stresses.
Today’s typical diet is comprised of over-refined foods, additives, sugar, alcohol and other toxic “foods.” No wonder people think that sluggishness, headaches, mood swings and infrequent bowel movements are normal! And we live with it! A lifetime of poor eating habits can result in an accumulation of fecal material that becomes hard and encrusted, and clogs the colon. The proper absorption of nutrients becomes almost impossible, even if a person has adopted a healthier diet. And the peristaltic action required to move waste through the colon, becomes feeble or non-existent.
Did you know that up to 15 pounds of waste can be lodged in the colon for years?!?!
ALSO you should remember to hydrate yourself.
Our bodies need water even more than they need food.
Water: Major Functions in the Body
- Serves as main component of blood
- Protects and cushions vital organs
- Lubricates joints
- Moistens eyes, mouth and nose
- Hydrates skin
- Regulates body temperature
- Transports nutrients and medicines
- Assists in the removing digestive waste
How much water do we need?
The average adult loses about 2.5 quarts (about 10 cups) of water each day.
Water is the drink of life!
Therefore, drinking approximately 8-12 cps throughout the day is sufficient. Heat, activity, and diet (high protein intake, caffeine, alcohol) can increase your need.
Dehydration: The Warning Signs
- Persistent elevated temperature
- Dry lips and tongue
- Infrequent and dark-colored urine
- Digestive complications
- Dry skin
- Hoarse voice
- Water retention problems
- Muscle or joint soreness
- Poor metabolism of body fat
- Poor muscle tone and size
- Persistent constipation
- Muscle cramps
Don’t Wait for Thirst! When you feel thirsty, you have already lost water.
Sources of water:
- 80% comes from drinking water and other drinks
- 20% comes from food
How can you make sure you get enough?
Check your urine – it should be clear and light-colored.
- Always keep a water bottle with you.
- Take “Water Breaks” throughout the day.
- Drink decaffeinated beverages or plain water with meals.
- Don’t skip the water fountain – always take a sip.
- If you like cold water, keep a water pitcher in the refrigerator for refills.
Remember: Plain water is low in sodium and has no calories, fat or cholesterol.