Tori's Journey: Natural Hair and Weight Loss: Colon Health and How it Effects Weight Loss

Im always looking for ways to lose weight and be healthy at the same time. I starting searching Youtube for extra dieting help or as I like to call it A LIFESTYLE CHANGE boost. I came across this video that was uploaded by ImpatientDieter. What caught my eye was the message underneath the video which stated:

"Want to lose 5 to 20 pounds? Well, that's what the average person is carrying around right now in the form of waste in their colon. YUCK! Those of you who go days on end without a "movement," are doing damage to every system in your body... and you're on the road to doing a bad Elvis Presley impression. Not to mention, Colon Cancer is the 2nd leading killer cancer for Americans. We definitely need to get serious about our colon health!"

Im all about healthy bodies and healthy minds! I looked at this video and it explained the importance of colon health and how it could effect your overall being. For example, she says it could also clear up pimples, help out asthma, decrease fatigue and help out with poor concentration. So I decided that at some point I would concentrate on my colon health. Not only for my weight loss but to help my overall health. I found Rite Aid Brand Fiber Tablets for Weight Management (( They were buy one get one free! Im a sucker for a sale )) and decided to try it! I have lost about 4 pounds and my face has actually cleared up and I am less tired then I usually am!

I have decided to put up some facts from some websites about how the colon works and what it could help you in your weight loss journey and overall health. Enjoy!!!

P.S. I think it is important to always think about your health first and always consult a doctor before doing any sort of weight loss regimen.

The Function Of The Colon

What is the role of the colon in your digestive system? The colon’s main role is to convert about three pints of liquid waste it receives per day into solid waste and prepares it for its exit from body through the anus. The colon, therefore, coordinates closely with the rectum, that part just above the anus, to make bowels smooth and easy. A normal person needs to maintain colon health in order to pass solid stool in a normal way. That means about 150 grams of stool every day, depending on how often a person does his bowel movements.
One of the most common disorders affecting the colon and the rectum is constipation. When a person suffers from constipation, his bowel appears normal when in fact it is not functioning well. In constipation, the stools are hard, small, difficult and infrequent.
There are several causes for constipation. The list includes a diet that lacks fiber, lack of oral fluid, the habit of delaying the bowel movement, and slow movement in the large intestine.
If you suffer from constipation, you may exert more effort to pass stools, creating other problems like cracks in the tissue lining of the anus and haemorrhoids. To treat constipation, you will be advised to add more fiber in your diet. If that doesn’t work, you will be told to take laxatives.
((Source: http://colonhealth.com/))

Benefits of a high-fiber diet

A high-fiber diet has many benefits, which include:

Normalizes bowel movements. Dietary fiber increases the weight and size of your stool and softens it. A bulky stool is easier to pass, decreasing your chance of constipation. If you have loose, watery stools, fiber may also help to solidify the stool because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool. For some, fiber may provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome.
Helps maintain bowel integrity and health. A high-fiber diet may lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids, and small pouches in your colon (diverticular disease). Some fiber is fermented in the colon. Researchers are looking at how this may play a role in preventing diseases of the colon.
Lowers blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed and oat bran may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels. Epidemiologic studies have shown that increased fiber in the diet can reduce blood pressure and inflammation, which is also protective to heart health.
Helps control blood sugar levels. Fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can slow the absorption of sugar, which for people with diabetes can help improve blood sugar levels. A diet that includes insoluble fiber has been associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Aids in weight loss. High-fiber foods generally require more chewing time, which gives your body time to register when you're no longer hungry, so you're less likely to overeat. Also, a high-fiber diet tends to make a meal feel larger and linger longer, so you stay full for a greater amount of time. And high-fiber diets also tend to be less "energy dense," which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food.
Uncertain effect on colorectal cancer. Evidence that dietary fiber reduces colorectal cancer is mixed — some studies show benefit, some show nothing and some suggest increased risk. If you're concerned about preventing colorectal cancer, adopt or stick with a colon cancer screening regimen. Regular testing for and removal of colon polyps can prevent colon cancer.