The answer to elimination?

When we look at the components for healthy elimination, we know we need water since it hydrates our bodies, including the colon.

by Victoria Bowmann — 

Wouldn’t things be easier if we had one simple answer to the uncomfortable questions related to our most basic bodily function? For any question we pondered? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a person struggles with bowel problems, frequently they hear such advice as, “You need to add more fiber to your diet,” or perhaps, “You just don’t drink enough water.”

When consulting with these clients, I often ask: “What’s the most important fluid you put in your car?” The quick, common answer is gas. Think about it, though. Gas is important as a fuel, but what about oil for lubrication, and transmission fluid or antifreeze mixed with water for the radiator? Let us not overlook brake fluid, power steering fluid or even the convenience of windshield wiper fluid.

It seems that many of our questions have multifaceted answers.

When we look at the components for healthy elimination, we know we need water since it hydrates our bodies, including the colon. In fact, the colon is the original recycling center, as it reabsorbs water to keep us from dehydrating.

We also need oil for lubrication. Olive oil is my suggestion; however, flax seed oil can be more beneficial in severe constipation cases. Of course we need fiber so our GI tracts have something to move through the 22 feet of small intestines and the five feet of large intestines in an average human. Organic vegetables, fruits and whole grains are good forms of fiber.

Last but not least, we need healthy intestinal bacteria to have fully functional gastrointestinal health. When the colon contains good bacteria in sufficient numbers, we manufacture vitamins K and B-12. These bacteria also absorb nutrients which might have been missed by the small intestines, while binding potentially harmful toxins. Like a good compost pile, the bacteria then decomposes the food into fecal material ready for daily elimination.

Even though we might not have a single answer for our question, the overall answer need not be complex or confusing — just multifaceted.

Victoria Bowmann, Ph.D., is a licensed massage practitioner specializing in cleansing and detoxification. She has been in private practice in northeast Phoenix since 1978. 602-971-8392 or  vbowmann@cox.net.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 26, Number 2, April/May 2007.