The Art of Preventing Gut Problems
Lesson Seven
Welcome to week two. Let’s investigate your stools.
First of all, it’s worth pointing out that bowel movements tend to vary from person to person. What’s normal for you might be abnormal for the person next to you.
As a rough guide, you should pass stools somewhere between once every three days and three times a day. But you might be surprised to know that one in seven people are constipated. Many without realising it. Here are a few telltale signs of constipation.
• Opening your bowels less than three times a week.
• Having to strain to open your bowels on more than a quarter of occasions.
• Or passing a hard or pellet-like stool on more than a quarter of occasions.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
By eating more fibre you can maintain a healthy digestive system.
Why not start tomorrow with this gut-friendly breakfast? Takes a bit of preparation. But worth the effort.
Ingredients
2 bowls half filled with good quality, sugar free muesli
About 700ml (1 1/4pints) apple juice
1 small carton plain, full-fat, bio yoghurt
150g (5oz) fresh blueberries
Method
1. Pour the juice onto the muesli – it should almost drown it – then stir in the yoghurt. Cover and leave overnight in the fridge
2. In the morning, wash the blueberries and serve the muesli with the blueberries piled on top.
