I was fortunate to meet and attend a lecture this past week by Wesley Jones, M.D. Dr. Jones is a gastroenterologist and a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association. Dr. Jones has more than 30 years of clinical experience and is author of the book Cure Constipation Now, I thought I would share with you some of the useful highlights and insights I have learned that may help you too.

America is a constipated nation. Studies demonstrate that the average GI transit time in America (from when we eat to when we eliminate) is 4 days. In countries where they eat a less processed, more whole foods based diet (less developed countries), transit time is generally 1 day. We are not talking constipation as in, I only go once every four days. This is constipation as in, I’m not eliminating the food I ingest quickly enough and because of that, it ferments and rots in my gut. You wouldn’t carry around a bag full of smelly, rotting, fermenting food with you everywhere you go, so why carry that in your intestines everywhere you go? An optimal bowel movement should be without significant odor and one should average 2-3 bowel movements daily with an approximately foot long stool each time. The level of chronic constipation in America puts us at risk for many of the degenerative diseases we suffer from.

All health starts with a well functioning gut and a backed up gut is a backed up system. The innumerable GI and other diseases we suffer from in this country are often associated with a poorly functioning gastrointestinal system and more specifically, a lack of fiber in our diet. Dr. Jones points out that we have far to little fiber in our diet and unless we increase our fiber intake, we will continue to suffer from the numerous GI and systemic diseases we are now so used to.

The average American consumes 14-17 grams of fiber daily, while the daily recommended amount for women is 25 grams and for men 35 grams. As an example, a study of over 700,000 women shows that an increase in fiber intake of 10 grams/day will decease the risk of developing breast cancer by 7%. The health related benefits of increased fiber intake are numerous, the bottom line being, the greater our fiber intake, the more healthy our gut and we are likely to be. The average daily fiber consumption of one of our nearest relatives, the gorilla, is 200-300gms/day. We’re not even getting 10% of that. A good goal would be 50gms/day.

I can’t take fiber, I don’t tolerate it, is a statement frequently made by those who have tried fiber in the past. What they are really saying is, I tried to advance my fiber intake too quickly and my system couldn’t tolerate it because it has been so dysfunctional for so many years. A major point made in Dr. Jones’ book and in his 3 step program for increasing fiber intake is that one needs to start slowly and work up to increasing and tolerating fiber. One should not (especially those with gut dysfunction) just begin consuming certain types or large amounts of fiber without slowly working up to that amount. The book outlines a great program to slowly advance and increase fiber intake to improve bathroom results and health overall. If you have a well functioning gut, you may advance your intake more quickly.

The program to increase fiber intake is so straightforward and well outlined, that the implementation should be able to be accomplished by anyone. Patience is the key if you have gut issues (which many do). This program won’t be touted in the media or most anywhere. It’s cheap, easy and it works. Many of those types of solutions never see the light of day, no money to be made here, keep moving along and take your drugs for your gut problems…..

This is nothing to be embarrassed about, if you are an American and partake in the standard American diet (SAD diet), that’s just the way it is. Learn about it and do something about it. You’ll be delighted at how much better you feel. Even if you don’t have a problem, try increasing your daily fiber intake and you’ll live a longer healthier life (that is if you’re consistent and make the right choices in your life otherwise). Simple additions like All Bran Bran Buds or SmartBran Cereal (actually tastes pretty good) and Metamucil are all it takes. Read the book and learn how to properly implement the program so that you won’t suffer from ingesting too much fiber too soon.

Happy to bring you the scoop on poop,

Chris

http://www.cureconstipationnow.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Constipation-Now-Doctors-Therapy/dp/0425227553/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

P.S. While we’re talking gut health, why not talk butt health. Below is linked one of the nicest and best home appliances you can purchase for yourself or a loved one (Christmas is coming). It may seem weird but I assure you, if you have one of these, you won’t be disappointed. Not cheap, but worth it! Laugh if you must.

http://bidetking.com/product_info.php?cPath=&products_id=192