Blog Archives – Page 4 of 11

What’s the Most Gentle Colon Cleanse?

Nobody on this earth, in all sincerity, wants to do an enema. I repeat: nobody wants a shove water up his/her you-know-what.If you’re looking for a colon cleanse, I’ll bet on the house you fit in with this category.Luckily, colon cleanses come in all shapes a sizes, but most of them aren’t gentle. They’re usually pretty rough on your body.

Product mentioned in this post:

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My Gentle Cleanse: Bowel relief with a gentle touch.

If you’re new to colon cleansing, WELCOME!You may need to catch up, so here are plenty of useful sources for colon cleansing:How Your Colon Works The Best Colon Cleansing Methods How Colon Cleansing Helps the SkinGreat. You’re still here, so I assume you’re an expert at colon cleansing :).My Gentle Cleanse, the product in the image below, is the product I’m going to be talking about.In fact, it’s probably the most gentle cleanse available, and it’s 100% natural.

Normally, colon cleanses work by inducing your body to release its contents–to “flush” your colon out in hyperspeed, kind of like when you eat Indian food and you know you can’t handle the spice.But My Gentle Cleanse works a bit differently: it works alongside your body to help it function better. Technically, it helps your body’s peristaltic actions perform more smoothly by feeding your body helpful, natural herbs.(If you need a reminder, peristalsis is the wave-like movements your bowels perform to push items toward the colon–kind of like doing the worm.)

The Ingredients in the Cleanse

These herbs I’m talking about are, of course, 100% natural. They wouldn’t be called herbs otherwise!Cascara Sagrada, a powerful herb that targets the peristaltic action of the colon.Senna Leaf, a leaf that helps in the gentle alleviation of occasional constipation.Fennel Seed, a seed with antioxidant capacities, which can help reduce bloating and flatulence.Dandelion, a widespread plant that helps contribute to digestive health.Aloe Vera, a famous [and miraculous] plant that helps as a soothing aid in occasional constipation.Because–as I’m sure you know by now–that your body craves natural ingredients.What happens when you feed it meat, potatoes, and Twinkies non-stop? Diarrhea, loss of energy, fatigue, poor skin, etc.We, you and I, know damn well that to treat our colon gently, we also need to drink plenty of water.

Doing a colon cleanse without enough water is like descending a waterslide without water: it will be a raw ass-burn.

You know how to treat your body gently:

Eat fruits and vegetables.
Drink plenty of water.
Exercise moderately.

But for a true colon cleanse, sometimes you need some extra help. Why not treat yourself to a gentle colon cleanse?Treat that body.

How to Get Out of Bed [Tutorial]

We are all guilty, at some point in our lives, of thinking we’ve mastered the basics, like brushing our teeth, feeding ourselves, or getting out of bed. Surely we could do all of these blind-folded like an expert, right?No way.Maybe you can “get it done”–but are you waking up efficiently, like a person who trains others how to wake up?

Tutorial #65: How to Get Out of Bed

As with all tutorials, we have to start with a definition. Even if you think you know it, it doesn’t mean you have all the nuances down.We know what a bed is… but what about the phrase “get up”?

Definition

Get up:

[get uhp]

idiom

1. The transition of an object, usu. a body, from the prone to upright position.
Example: “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” -That one commercial.

2. The process of breaking up with your bed.
Example: “I hate having to get up. I hate being an adult.” -Based on true story.

(Want to read more tutorials like this? Get on the list.)Which definition resonated with you?It doesn’t matter: I chose the second one because it’s closest to the heart of all of us.If there’s anything you’ll take from this definition, remember this:

I hate having to get up. I hate being an adult.

We agree, so let’s get on with this informative tutorial.

Step 1. Upon waking, look at your phone immediately and browse social media.

This is the first, sine qua non step in getting up and out of bed, for it requires you to do the opposite: to stay in bed.In order to combat the frigid, frost-biting breeze that exists outside of the covers, you have to stay in the covers.Unfortunately, the experience for you is too common: you only have 1 notification on social media, and it’s Facebook telling you one of your high school friends (whom you never speak to) has a birthday.Just send them a 🎉 icon.K. Phone time’s over. Next step.

Step 2. Stretch slowly, exhale, and stair blankly at the ceiling in despair.

This step, while second, is actually very important. Scientists somewhere in some publication have agreed^? that the process of self-agonizing realization that occurs after waking up is just as much part of your sleep as… sleep is.In fact, just thinking about going back to sleep actually helps you get up, because you realize it’s not going to happen. Ever.You have to clock in at work. You may or may not have kids, and you can’t feed them Fruit Loops for two weeks in a row.Also, your spouse woke up early for a run and is now in better shape than you, which is ridiculous.Anyway, that’s enough despair. Next step.

Step 3. Produce a sound of behemoth-strength: either by yelling, yawning, or grunting.

Usually you’ll only make these sounds during Halloween, but you should be incorporating them into your morning routine.When you belch out such a loud and disturbing sound when getting up, not only will you wake the neighbors, but you’ll also wake yourself up.This logic is flawless. More importantly, it will help remind you that you should definitely go give American Idol a shot.Screaming is optional, but this next step isn’t.

Step 4. Throw the blankets off your bed almost angrily, like that one Olympic sport.

Update: Google’d it. Turns out it’s Shot Putting.

This has nothing to do with sleep deprivation. Nothing. It’s just a logical response to it.Scientists, or people with impressive vocabularies, call this catharsis. It’s pretty much the process of relieving your own stress, and each person has his or her unique method.You might wonder, “Can going back to sleep be my catharsis?” And I say, “You’re damn right it can.”Just kidding–but clearly, getting up is difficult, which is why you have this tutorial.After throwing the covers, you reach the final step.

Step 5. Go back to bed Take a shower (not a bath).

First, taking a bath is a slippery slope. You may fall into the trap of turning that tub of warm, friendly water into a delicate waterbed, and doze off for an extra hour of sleep and finger-wrinkling.But at this point you may sit up swiftly and wonder, “But what if I showered at night?”No, that’s nasty. Shower again.If you’ve followed this tutorial, you have already worked up a sweat.

You’ve had anxiety-induced sweats because you found out only 6 people liked your Instagram pic since you went to bed.
You’ve lain under the hot, sun-warmed sheets while staring at the ceiling.
You’ve done your morning workout Olympic-style by throwing the bed covers all over the room in angst.
You’ve screamed your heart out with your beautifully deep and hoarse morning voice.

It’s time to shower.

Know someone who would benefit from this health tutorial? Tell ’em about it.

7 Simple Ways to Sleep Better

Somedays, you feel like, look like, and act like a zombie; and sometimes you feel like you could run a marathon (well… you dream about doing it).But good sleep does not come to everyone. Maybe when you were a child you slept like a baby (hahah, get it?).Anyway… if you want good sleep every day of the week, make sure you’re not committing any of these sleepy sins.

1. Set your phone out of reach before bed.

The research is crystal clear on blue light, which is the type of light that your cellphone emits. There are several types of light wavelengths in the spectrum, but blue light wavelengths specifically help boost attention, reaction times, and mood, which is great… unless you want to sleep.Keeping that bright monitor a few inches from your face at night (with the lights turned off), only amplifies the blue light effect on your body. It messes up your circadian rhythm, or your “sleep algorithm.”If you’re normal like I am (well, we’re all a bit weird), you put your phone down, turn your head the other way on the pillow, wait 30 seconds, and grab your phone again to scroll through a feed. (But if you involuntary grab your phone that much, maybe you should try a digital detox.)Rinse and repeat.

2. Cool it on the pre-sleep margaritas.

Do you fancy gin at the onset of dusk? Do you enjoy watching the strains of ruby red wine drip down the crystal frame of your glass?Maybe you just drink whatever someone hands you. Maybe you’re straight edge.Regardless of your flavor, alcohol ruins your sleep. Most of the time.For some, alcohol can actually improve their sleeping schedule–but don’t covet them. That’s a small fringe. For those who have heavier dosages of alcohol at night, they might experience disturbances in their sleep in the second half of their nocturnal sleep period.You might find that after a night of “excessive” drinking–this depends on your genetics, and provided you’re of age–you reach groggily to your nightstand, praying for a large glass of water to quench your body that is currently experiencing an internal drought.That means you overdid it.

3. Don’t exercise right before bed.

Everyone and his/her mother has told us for years that exercise is healthy for us in innumerable ways. But did they tell us when we should exercise?Well, it depends on your Netflix schedule, am I right? Yes.Studies have shown that our exercise can directly help our sleep, and can even aid in instances of chronic insomnia.But it matters when we exercise, too.If you exercise too close to the time when you’re readying to doze off, your body may not cooperate best. If the exercises you did were anaerobic or rather vigorous, your body-heat may be too high to settle you down into a staunch slumber.This means… you can exercise earlier, watch Netflix after, and then go to sleep soundly. Sweet!

4. Dim your lights in the evening.

You can do this to be romantic, sure. If it’s just you and the mirror, though… don’t. That’s going to make us all sad for you.Your circadian rhythm responds to light–and this is probably the biggest factor in your body patterns.It’s simple:

If it’s light around you, your body says it’s time to be awake.
If it’s dark, it’s time to assume your oddly gymnastic position in your bed and sleep.

If you don’t have a light dimmer, try to turn off other lights in the house if they bleed into your room. Turn your computer off and, if you’re a hero, your phone. The longer your body has to adapt to a lower light level, the more easily you will transition into shut-eye time.

5. Stop sleeping in a sauna.

It dosen’t matter if you sleep naked or clad in 8 layers: if you’re hot in bed, your sleep will suck.If you’re sweating during sleep, or if you wake up looking like an ogre leaving a swamp, maybe it’s time to ditch some of the layers. Or, if it’s summer, be a minimalist when it comes to your nighttime accoutrement.Whatever you need to do to shed the heat, do so. However, I can’t prescribe nudity for you, so if you’re going nude and someone stumbles upon your bareness: it’s your fault and I’m innocent.

6. Watch the caffeine in the evening.

Most normal people have a caffeine vice: may it be coffee, soda-pop, energy pills, etc. But again, most normal people drink that stuff in the daytime, unless they have a night shift.Caffeine, or any type of similar stimulant, is great for energy (especially when it’s natural energy) but not so friendly toward your sleep when taken at night. A study a few years ago analyzed people consuming caffeine in different time intervals before going to bed.They found that having caffeine even 6 hours before sleep can be disruptive to your sleep schedule.So even if your relatives from London are visiting in the eve, refuse the tea and tell them you’re sick or something. You want sleep, and nothing is splitting up you and your bed.

7. You worry about tomorrow too much.

Can you believe that anxiety can actually affect our sleep? Anxiety affects everything and everyone.A wise one who lived and roamed long ago said something supremely wise about worry:

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Truly, even if something harrowing is happening to you tomorrow (and you’re sure of it…), don’t sweat it.Your sleep–your well-being–is more important than whatever tomorrow holds. So sleep soundly.But don’t let a leg hang off the bed… ’cause… you know. boogeyman.

Are Probiotics Good for a Colon Cleanse?

You’re looking for the best way to cleanse your body, while trying to sift through the dozens of options–like colon cleansing, juicing, enemas, teas, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc.And then you run across this word you’ve seen at least ten times: probiotics.If you think they are bacteria…you’re almost there!

Product mentioned in this post:

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What is a probiotic?

A probiotic is a type of microorganism (a tiny, microscopic organism) that helps your body function in various ways. Its name is of Latin origin, meaning “for life.”These microorganisms aren’t a rarity: they are everywhere in nature. But even though they are bacteria, that doesn’t mean they are “harmful germs.”Despite the word association, people are beginning to favor these bacteria. Data from a 2012 national health survey showed that about 4 million adults had used probiotics in the last 30 days. That’s a lot of people who like bacteria!With that many people interested in probiotics, we must wonder:Are probiotics even good for a colon cleanse?

Yogurt is considered a great source of probiotics.

In the context of a colon cleanse, probiotics are loosely related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While sellers of supplement-based probiotics would never claim they solve IBS, they’ll place a litany of asterisks next to claims to be safe.There has been quite some research on the relation between probiotics and colon cleansing, but scientists say it’s far from conclusive.Let’s sift fact from fiction about probiotics.

What do probiotics do?

Many look to use probiotics to allieviate a host a health problems, such as…

Digestive disorders like diarrhea or IBS
Allergic disorders like eczema or hay fever
Liver disease
The common cold

The full list is far more exhaustive than this one, but regardless of the length, it’s important to note one thing:Not all probiotics are the same.I’ll show you what I mean. Take this hypothetical example of an advertisement:

See the list of links to the different products at the bottom? Those are Google Adword site-link extensions, and they’re intended to give you multiple options when you see an advertisement.The problem is… you don’t know the difference between Probiotics A, B, or D.While realistically, the advertiser would have differentiated each of them with a unique product name, we can’t know which probiotic does what for which problem.In other words, we’re not sure if the problem we’re trying to fix will be solved by A, B, D, or none of them.

Here’s why:

Depending on the probiotic we use (because there are 10x as many probiotics as there are cells in our body), researchers are unsure which does what, and if it does what they think it does.One type of probiotic may do nothing similar for the body that another probiotic does. It’s like saying since a Corvette and a Buggy are both just vehicles for transportation, they’re the same.

Even if the probiotics look the same, have the same source, and are touted to treat the same ailment–they aren’t.We could be [figuratively] washing our car with dish soap.According to the FDA, no probiotics have been approved as demonstrating substantive treatment of any health problems.In other words, the FDA, the grand arbiter of claims, is not giving us a verdict: so don’t get high hopes about probiotics.

How do probiotics respond to the colon?

As mentioned above, probiotic benefits vary from spectrum to spectrum–but do they interact with the colon?In order to answer what probiotics target, we have to learn [briefly] about process of cleansing the colon.If you look at your body’s digestive process, there are five main processes from start to finish:

1. First, you ingest food or liquid through the mouth (obviously).2. Second, the food or liquid travels to the stomach to become digested as chyme.3. Third, the chyme travels through the small intestine for the bulk of its nutrients to be absorbed.4. Fourth, the chyme travels through the large intestine where the water or any liquids are absorbed.5. Last, the chyme, now pretty much a ball of waste, is situated in the colon for ejection.

For a fun, interactive look at the colon process, see it here.Probiotics’ role is located in the gut, the stomach. They are responsible for the “gut micro-biota,” some scientists call the “forgotten organ.”When probiotics are used for a colon cleanse, they target these microbiota, which are responsible–or at least largely contribute to–your gut health.But what determines our gut health?

Your gut health at infancy

When you’re first born (oh the good ol’ days), your intestinal tract was sterile. You were CLEAN.Then, your gut was colonized by maternal and environmental bacteria, and then was populated by feeding and other contacts.

You don’t just get your genes from your mom; you get your gut health.

As you age, and as you come into contact with different bacteria, your gut health can decrease.However, because of the motility of your colon–from the pushing function of peristalsis, from bowel movements, and from the various acids in your stomach–your gut is actually quite bacteria free.Relatively, of course.Some studies have demonstrated a possible link between probiotics and long-term impacts to your colonic microbiota–as scientists have long thought that positive effects on the microbiota were transient (that your microbiota always fully recovered).This means there may be a foundation for the gut health from using probiotics.

Should I take probiotics, then?

That is your choice, but I wouldn’t bet on a significant improvement for your colon.If you are looking for something closer to “gut health,” then there are plenty of free alternatives for probiotics.You can eat…

Yogurt
Miso soup
Kefir (fermented milk)
Sourdough
Kombucha
Dark chocolate

But if you’re looking for colon health or a colon cleanse, we highly recommend one of these two natural cleanses:My Gentle Cleanse, a gentle colon cleanse formula made of natural herbs, designed to help alleviate bowel discomfort and irregularity, or…My Gentle Detox, a gentle, herbal detox made for those who suffer from bowel irregularity and need an extra push to achieve bowel relief.

Sources

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm https://nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2012 http://probiotics.org/amazing-facts/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664199/