Many of us occasionally experience constipation, but it’s important to learn how to regulate bowel movements without the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. Our Los Angeles colonoscopy doctor has put together five simple tips that can help get your digestive system back on track.
1. Add more natural oils to your diet.
We tend to experience constipation when our digestive tracts are not lubricated properly. They become dried out, which leads to theses blockages and bouts of constipation. Replenishing your body with foods high in natural oils, such as nuts, avocados, and seeds, can help a great deal. Eating more whole grain foods is also a natural remedy. Rice, barley, oatmeal, and quinoa are some of the simplest foods for the body to digest.
2. Avoid eating drier foods.
These foods might include rice cakes, popcorn, granola, and dried fruits. Avoid bread, cereals, and pasta that are high in carbohydrates. While these foods are often considered “healthy” and high in fiber, you may actually be overdoing it. Our Los Angeles colonoscopy doctor suggests eating more naturally moist foods instead, like cooked fruits and vegetables.
3. Use a quality skin oil.
If you are experiencing dry skin, this can also be a significant indicator that your digestive system is also too dry. Oiling the skin is a great way to lubricate and moisturize the body from the outside in. If we use a high-quality skin oil, perhaps one made from sunflowers, we are also far less likely to begin witnessing the appearance of skin blemishes and pimples.
4. Detox the body.
There are a couple of ways to detox the body naturally, helping to rid the digestive system of the ongoing buildup of foods, toxins, and debris that occur over time. One quick method is a juice cleanse, perhaps drinking only freshly squeezed juices that you prepare yourself for a period of one to two days. Fasting one day per week is another detox method. Try to maintain a schedule of the same day each week where you drink only purified water and eat no solid foods.
5. Avoid eating raw food.
Digesting raw food takes a lot of work. The body needs to produce certain enzymes to make this process happen. While raw foods and roughage are generally considered a healthier way of eating, once again you might be overdoing it. We tend to eat more raw foods in the warmer months, and then slack off a bit in the winter and fall. If you are eating large amounts of raw foods year round, then this may be a significant contributing factor to your constipation issues.
About Gi Doctor
Dr. Peyton Berookim is a Los Angeles colonoscopy doctor who emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet for a regular and healthy digestive system. He urges patients to take the time to learn which foods are good or bad for their body. To set up a consultation with Dr. Berookim, click here. For more health-related updates, follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
