How to Poop

The first step in any detoxification protocol is to get digestion moving. Exercise, eating habits, age, and health status all affect the number of bowel movements you experience in a given day.

If you are not having at least 1-3 bowel movements per day, this means that you are not properly removing the toxins that are dumped from the rest of the body into the gut to be eliminated in the stool. The optimal stool transit time (the amount of time that is between putting food in the mouth until it comes out the other end) is 18-24 hours. Slow transit time is associated with constipation.

Cause of Constipation:

• Dehydration

• Eating Too Much Fiber Without Enough Water (this can have a constipating effect)

• “Holding it” (the longer a bowel movement is delayed, the harder the stool becomes)

• Improper Breathing

• Infections & Toxicities

• Lack of Physical Movement

• Lack of Dietary Fiber

• Low Vagal Tone

• Nutrient Deficiencies

• Some liquids increase the risk of dehydration (caffeinated sodas, coffee, & alcohol)

• Sudden Change of Routine (traveling, etc.)

• Unchecked Food Sensitivities (gluten, dairy, etc.)

When stressed, the body kicks into “fight-or-flight” mode, utilizing the sympathetic nervous system to overcome the source of stress. If stress is chronic, the parasympathetic nervous system is not able to put the body into “rest-and-digest” mode.

If food sits in the bowels for too long, it can lead to the recirculation of toxins and microbial dysbiosis (favoring overgrowth of harmful bacteria and fungus). Although constipation can be caused by the pathogens and toxicities that are creating the constipation, it is important to have bowel movements daily.

Favorite Products to Relieve Constipation:

• Super Aloe 450 by Orthomolecular Products (very strong)

• Magnesium Citrate (powder or capsule)

• Bowel Mover by Cellcore

• Oxy Powder by True Healing

• Vitamin C Flush

• Fiber

• Smooth Move Tea (you can find this in your grocery store)

Lifestyle Tools:

• Physical activity (rebounding, walking, etc.)

• Deep Belly Breathing Exercises (breathe in for 5 seconds through your nose, hold for 5 sec and breathe out for 5 sec)

• Self-Abdominal or Colon Massages - click here for our ileocecal valve massage guide!

• Relaxing your Body in an Epsom Salt Bath to help your body Absorb Magnesium (as well as relax you)

• Coffee Enemas (talk to your practitioner prior)

• Eat High-Fiber Foods (oats, veggies, fruit, rice, beans, whole-grain bread, cereal [avoid food allergies or intolerances])

• Hydrate: Drink Half your Body Weight in Ounces. Ex. if you weigh 150lb->drink 75oz of water

• Stress and pooping are highly connected. Try to create a calming environment in your bathroom where you have privacy. Avoid rushing (give yourself at least 10 minutes to go to the bathroom).

• When you feel the urge to “go,” do not hold it in.

• A Squatty Potty helps you strain less and empty bowels more completely.