The importance of digestion

Mar 2

I know it’s not fancy to talk about the movement but I encounter so many patients who have constipation. One of the best ways to detox the liver is to have good digestion, and more specifically good bowel movements. What does a good bowel movement look like? At least once a day in the morning.

Digestion is a super complex system that starts in your mouth with digestive enzymes, continues in the stomach with more diverse digestive enzymes, and then continues with the bile secretion which is where we connect with liver health. More on the lower part of the digestive system later.

The best way to have a good lower digestive tract is to cultivate a healthy upper digestive tract. What’s the easiest way to do this? It is essential to have a warm breakfast in the morning with some volume (fibers) in it. The morning is the time where the large intestine is at its highest point of efficiency as described In Chinese medicine. So we need to use that time to give it the best chance.

I personally fought the concept of having oatmeal in the morning because I was hard-core about promoting as grain-free of a diet as possible. But even I have learned the value of a simple bowl of oatmeal. Why is oatmeal good for constipation? Oatmeal contains a good amount of insoluble fiber that further aids the smooth digestion process. The fiber content also aids bowel movements and soaks water from the fluids you drink. All this results in the smooth removal of stool through the colon.

Here is a recipe that will work 90% percent of the time on the most resistant constipation.

Joelle’s Steel Cut Oatmeal

For the Oatmeal:

Steelcut Oats Just shy of 1/3 cup
Chia Seeds 1 Large Tablespoon
Raisins 1 Handful
Water 1 2/3 Cups

Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil. Stir often so that oatmeal doesn’t stick to the pan. You can add more water as necessary if it is too thick. Cook for 10 minutes.

To Serve:

Pour cooked oatmeal on top of about 8 1/2 crushed walnuts, plus 3 chopped Brazil nuts( these provide you with selenium for thyroid support). and 4 or 5 cut strawberries or 10 raspberries and finally 1 or two tablespoons of yogurt.