Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (164 page)

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is difficulty in moving the bowels. A proper functioning bowel should empty out regularly, approximately twice daily, without effort. Difficult bowel movements such as sitting on the toilet for ages, trying to force something out, or dropping little “rabbit pellets” are signs that you may be constipated, and that your liver is most certainly congested. Blocked bowels can be the start of a litany of serious, sometimes irreparable, health problems, but most bowel problems can be eliminated if treated in time.

CAUSES MAY INCLUDE

Poor diet.

Lack of fiber.

Lack of exercise.

Not enough water.

Internal toxemia.

Imbalance of good and bad bacteria.

Action plan

The following plan should help to get things moving.

EAT/DRINK

Foods to get things moving include soaked figs and prunes, soaked flax seeds, ground flax, flax seed oil, olive oil, brown rice, oats, apples, grated raw carrot, or pumpkin and pine nuts.

Start the day with a mango smoothie.

Cauliflower, cabbage, sauerkraut, brussels sprouts, broccoli, sprouted seeds, raw shelled hemp seeds, which are liver strengtheners.

Dark green mineral-rich leafy vegetables.

At least half a gallon of still water or other fluids daily. Your fluid intake should
consist of mostly still spring water, some herbal teas, vegetable juices, and perhaps pure fruit juices now and again.

AVOID