Detoxification Basics (1)

Detoxification or simply called 'detox', as the name implies, meaning removal of toxins from our body.

The gastrointestinal tract is the organ where digestion and assimilation of nutrients take place.The colon or large bowel is the body's disposal system. It serves as temporary holding tank for what the stomch and small intestine does not digest or assimilate.properly functioning bowels produce painless and effortless bowel movements. it should take about 18-36 hours for food to travel the entire GI tract. (this is known as transit time). poorly functioning colon leads to symptoms such as bloating,constipation, diarrhea, cramping and the dangerous extreme- colorectal cancer

More than 400 different kinds of microrganisms reside in the large and small intestines. the flora of our intestines must be balanced. that is we must have healthy quantities of friendly bacteria (lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bifidus). these bacteria feed on fermentable carbohydrates in our diet to help facilitate good, thorough digestion. Lactobacillus also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, H.pylori, Staphylococcus and candida albicans

The Importance of FIBRE

Fibre keeps toxins from building up in the intestines, thus promoting the proper absorption of important nutrients from food.

Many of us actually taking far from the recommended amount of fibre ie 20-30 grams/day.

Fibre is composed of complex carbohydrates and only found in plant food. it is categorised as either soluble or insoluble. sources of soluble fibre include dried beans, oats, barley, apples, citrus fruits, and potatoes. insoluble fibres may be found in whole grains, wheat bran, cereals, seeds and the skins of many fruits and vegetables. the human body needs both kinds of fibre

Benefits of fibre

• aid in reducing weight
• reduce incidence of cancer
• reduce cholesterol
• helps controlling blood sugar for diabetics

Tips to get more fibre in your diet

• choose uncooked vegetables (ulam-ulaman)
• enjoy the skins and membranes of foods such as apples, potatoes, nuts etc
• choose whole grain cereal or bread
• add more beans to your dishes
• snacks with healthy food such as fresh fruits, banana or dry-roasted nuts