Sometimes we need reminders – that includes authors of healthy lifestyle blogs.
Yes, even me.
You see, we were wondering why something wasn’t working so well as I bustled around the kitchen this morning – “being all healthy.”
Soaking chia seeds for my sweetheart’s smoothie. Grinding up flax seeds for us both. Sautéing unbreaded okra slices for my gluten-free breakfast bowl. Drinking a glass of water as our first fluids of the day. Vitamins.
All the good things … Except.
Someone was complaining of “death balls” after a trip to the bathroom.
And someone else left the bathroom in happy amazement and relief.
What was the difference between the two of us?
It goes back to that truth-giving, three-legged stool. Take away just one of those legs, and the stool no longer functions.
Regardless of age, the human body needs three things in consistent daily supply for optimal bowel function. Yes, we’re talking about poop – and I’ve done this before HERE – but it bears repeating. Not sorry if this is TMI.
Repeat after me –
MY BODY NEEDS:
- WATER
- FIBER
- EXERCISE
There should be enough water to lighten up the color of urine – which will be darker first thing in the morning. The number of 8-ounce glasses varies depending upon the level of hydration and if there is sweating. Generally, the number is 8 glasses.
Fiber minimums for adults are 21-25 grams for women and 30-38 grams for men. Most of us are dramatically deficient in getting enough fiber. You can read about ramping up fiber in our March 8th post.
Okay. That’s two legs of the stool. Isn’t that enough? No, foodtalk readers, it is not.
Nothing takes the place of exercise.
When I took my walk early yesterday morning at a jauntier pace than usual, and then did a repeat walk in the afternoon, I left the bathroom smiling today.
What with doing taxes at the computer for days and sitting to write a bit more, the walks were less peppy and not as long. The resulting disappointments in the bathroom were predictable.
Duh!
In health-
Deidre
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