I have written often about the importance of gut health.  A part of good gut health is a healthy bowel and intestines. As I wrote last week, problems with constipation and bowel elimination are extremely common. This can often be because of poor eating habits however it can also be caused by food intolerances, an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the bowel, stress and sometimes dehydration.

Constipation causes discomfort, such as bloating and cramping, however more importantly we need to be mindful if we don’t eliminate the toxins from our bowel every day, we may be setting ourselves up for some major health problems.  

For many chronic sufferers of constipation, the easy solution is to supplement with laxatives.  Long term use of laxatives can however cause the bowel to become lazy and therein lies another problem.  

As always, the best option is to give your bowel and intestines the nutrients needed to help resolve these problems.  Last week I wrote about psyllium husks helping with regular bowel motions. However sometimes supplementing with a complete bowel food may be more effective helping to assist in cleansing, toning, stimulating, healing and re-colonising your bowel and intestines, to return those organs to fully functioning organs.

A supplement formula which I particularly like and have found has worked extremely well for our customers does exactly that. In fact, many customers have returned to tell us it is the only formula which has helped them after suffering chronic constipation for many years. It is not harsh like a laxative however it does promote bowel movement and at the same time it is thought to heal the intestinal mucosa, strengthen the blood vessels in the bowel as well as the peristalsis motion of the bowel. Unlike laxatives, this formula can be taken long term however most people will find, as it supports and improves the function of the bowel, the dosage may be lessened.  The formula is intended to encourage repair to a healthy bowel and intestines, in time it should not be needed.

As this formula is a complete bowel food, it is appropriate for those suffering from IBS.  It is also safe for children over 2yrs. Since it isn’t a laxative, it will take a few days to work.  Some find one day, others up to four days.

So, what is in this amazing complete bowel food you might ask? It is a combination of the following:

• Slippery Elm Powder is a wonderful ingredient which helps to sooth irritated mucous membranes, and at the same time repair the digestive tract and feed the good bacteria in the large intestine.

• Marshmallow Root also has amazing healing properties, soothing the mucous membranes and calming inflammation.

• Barley Grass and Wheat Grass help nourish good bacteria as well help alkalise the gut, encouraging better digestion.

• Rosehips are not only a high source of Vitamin C but also helps with constipation.

• Citrus and Bioflavonoids increases the effect of Vitamin C in the body, strengthening capillaries.

• Ginger assists in alleviating wind, cramping, indigestion and diarrhea as well as increasing production of digestive fluids and saliva.

• Linseed and Psyllium are both soluble fibres which help promote bowel movement. 

• Signature blend of friendly bacteria including Lactobacillus; Acidophillus, Bifidus Plantarum, Delbrueckli, Casei, Bulgaricus, Caucasicus Fermenti, Bevis, Helveticus, Leichmannii, Lactis, Sporogens. Saccharomyces; Boulardi & Cerevisae.

This formula was developed over a period of 10 years by a naturopath who became frustrated with the products offered on the market at the time.  It is a unique product and achieving very positive results for many.

For more information call in to see Bev and the team at Go Vita your Health Shop in North St in Batemans Bay or call on 0244729737.  Don’t forget to tune into Bev every Wednesday on 2EC at 12.30pm on Go Get Healthy.