Many parts of the body are involved in weight loss and weight gain. One
of the most neglected and most important is your colon. The colon
receives everything you put in your stomach and separates the good from
the bad. Your health, vitality, weight and even longevity are dependent
on your colon doing a good job.
For your colon to perform it's duties it needs a little help in
the form of dietary fiber. Fiber is recommended in sound weight loss
plans to make you feel fuller, regulate insulin levels (a fat storage
hormone), and to promote proper colon function. Without fiber your
colon slows down and stuff just sits there rather than being pushed
through your body. The longer food stays in your digestive tract, the
more time there is to absorb calories. Staying regular can help absorb
less calories.
A sluggish colon will reduce your metabolic rate as your body is
less supported by proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. You
will also have less energy to do things like exercise if your colon is
not processing food correctly.
Here are some things you can do to improve your colon health for faster weight loss:
* Eat foods high in natural nutrients. Eating organic is best.
* Add fiber to your diet whenever possible.
* Avoid processed foods. As a rule if it comes in a package or box don't eat it. Foods close to their natural state are best.
* Get some exercise. Movement stimulates the colon to do it's job better.
* Lower stress levels. High stress levels disrupt proper colon function. It can also lead to binge eating.
Colon health isn't something often stressed by the healthcare
profession. It's up to you to take responsibility for your health.
Improving your colon health will affect nearly every aspect of your
physical and mental functioning. It will dramatically increase your
chances of successful weight loss too!
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Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The
International Fitness Academy. For more weight loss and fitness ideas
go to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com
