Good health hinges on many things, like eating a nutritious, whole foods diet; ensuring optimal digestion and absorption of foods and nutrients; breathing clean fresh air; and minimising environmental toxins wherever possible. However, making sure you are eliminating waste on a daily basis is critical to good health. A bowel movement should occur between 12-24 hours and this frequency of elimination requires the consumption of high fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Fibre is very important in digestion and in the maintenance of a healthy colon. Each day the liver manufactures bile which is crucial in the absorption of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. It is either secreted into the small intestine or stored in the gall bladder. Bile also assists in keeping the stool soft and in the removal of microorganisms in the small intestine. Each day there is approximately 1 litre of bile excreted into the small intestine, and in those with a low fibre diet, approximately 99% of what is excreted in the bile will be reabsorbed. This is extremely important to avoid otherwise the toxins are just recirculated back through the liver and gastrointestinal system, instead of being removed.
Wonder Foods Psyllium fibre is a soluble fibre that is very effective in keeping the bowels moving and ensuring the hepato-recycling doesn’t occur. It is also one of the most economical ways to increase extra fibre in the diet. It comes as a ground down fibre that can be added to smoothies, onto cereal, in casseroles or the like. As it is a soluble fibre, meaning it thickens in fluid to a gel like consistency, it is important to increase water consumption to ensure it flows smoothly through the digestive tract.
