Keeping my digestion up to speed with my eating is a full time job, I swear. I have always struggled with stomach issues and tend to be on the backed up side if you will. New husband-if you’re out there, quit reading NOW. So growing up I adopted the mentality that the more you go the skinnier you’ll be. That was borderline bulimic ideology and I never took to laxatives luckily but as I have gotten older and wiser, I’ve discovered ways to help a sluggish digestive system do it’s job minus harmful side effects.
Before I list my top 6 products, let me recap two things you probably already know, but it won’t hurt to mention. Water is key. I drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces. For example, I weigh 150lbs so I drink around 75 oz. of water a day. My first 32 oz. I drink right out of bed. Go HERE to read about that. This ritual has a number of benefits besides stimulating your body to make a move.
The second thing I’ve learned is that the less quantity I eat, the better I feel. I typically am at my healthiest if I keep my calories within the 1200-1500 range. Bombarding your body with a lot of food (especially if it’s hard to digest) can cause a lot of back up and make you miserable. The body gets overwhelmed and the domino effect of constipation begins. When I was doing Weight Watchers a few years ago I never felt better. I don’t discipline myself to count points or calories anymore but during those days of keeping track, I learned how calories add up and which foods send me over the edge. If you’ve never counted calories or points, I highly recommend you do this for a while-You will be shocked at how easy it is to eat too little or too much and learn so much about your personal eating habits.
One more thing to mention before I get started is that if you have a slow digestive system, very likely red meat and dairy could be hard to digest. I don’t avoid these foods 100% (because, hello-cheese) but I have reduced them in my diet greatly. I also am grain free. This has helped my health on so many levels but especially digestion. You can read about that HERE.
Magnesium:
If you aren’t on a magnesium supplement and suffer from constipation this could be the easiest answer you’ll get. A lack of magnesium can cause many issues within the body but one in particular is constipation. The thing with magnesium is that there are several different types. I believe absorption with magnesium is and issue so THIS if a great supplement. I’m going to do a full post on magnesium in the very near future. It’s pretty life changing. I also have begun to take a magnesium bath about 3x a week.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
ACV helps with so many things. If you aren’t taking it, you should. Go HERE for a yummy way to drink your ACV. Apple cider vinegar is excellent for stimulating detox and it can do wonders for strengthening the gut and revving up digestion. Always by ACV with the “mother” in it. Find it HERE.
Chlorophyll:
I love my green water! The looks I get when I take my green water in public are the best! Chlorophyll aids in digestion and promotes detox. I’ve heard many people claim it gets things moving! Go HERE to learn all about the benefits of chlorophyll. I take THIS chlorophyll and do 2 dropper fulls a day.
Collagen:
I live and die by collagen. It’s just not something I ever want to run out of. I add 2 scoops to my daily smoothie. Collagen helps my nails, hair and skin hugely. I can tell a difference after a few days without it! Collagen helps strengthen fibers therefore if you suspect you have leaky gut, it can actually help rebuild your intestines. Not all collagen is created equal. I find that most brands do not make a difference for me. I take THIS collagen. When I started taking it, I noticed a dramatic difference in how I felt and my nails and skin.
Chia Seeds:
I add chia seeds to my daily smoothie for a boost of fiber. Not only do these seeds keep me full much longer, they also make going much more efficient if you know what I mean. I am very sensitive to fiber and can not take fiber that is synthetic. Psyllium Husks work great for many people and are easy to take since they are in pill form but I bloat like a 5 day old dead body. Uping your fiber can do wonders but remember, if you up your fiber-don’t skimp on the water. You’re just asking for stomach pain, gas and bloat. Trust me on this one. I use THIS brand.
Probiotics:
Getting your gut in check can do wonders for your digestive system. Not to mention just about every other bodily function as well. It is so important to take a good probiotic daily because fighting sugar and processed foods that can throw off your gut balance is a 24-7 job if you’re anything like me-or normal.
I have found the BEST (by far) probiotic that I swear by. My whole family and extended family is on it and in fact, I was just urging my neighbor to try it! With Flourish Probiotic I can tell a huge difference in my health. Not only is my digestive health much better-I can tell a difference in my mood. Did you know that serotonin and dopamine are produced in the gut? Go HERE to read my whole post on Flourish probiotic and HERE to check it out. Did I mention it’s super affordable?
So there you have it-a few safe, affordable and easy ways to relieve constipation and keep things regular. I hope it’s helped. Honestly, each of these suggestions have been life changing for me. Not being able to go is the worst. It’s beyond frustrating and can get crazy uncomfortable real quick. Laxatives are not the answer and will actually constipate you more in the long run. Plus, did you know your body can get addicted to them and make it impossible to go without them? Yikes. I’m not taking that chance.
Do you have any constipation remedies I’ve not mentioned? I’d love to hear them! Also, have you tried a squatty potty? Another life changing purchase. Embarrassing when friends come over, yes-but totally worth the raised eye brows! LOL!
xx, Jenni
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