I've neglected this thread so I thought I'd take the opportunity to update it with Tony's question. If you digestive system works like a clock, move on to Dave's 10 year saga to build a car that runs.
If not, read on....
Phase One:
Most fit into this category to have a free flowing digestive system.
A balanced whole food diet will suffice. That means you are getting enough fruits, vegetables, and grains to provide enough fiber to keep things moving.
Fibers:
Soluble: Whole Grains/Fruits & Veggies
Whole grains absorb 3 times their weight in water to help with pushing things through.
Pectin in fruits and veggies can hold up to 100 times their weight in water to help with the plumbing.
Insoluble: White Bread/Absorbs no water
We must move to keep the plumbing working. Setting on your ass for a majority of your life can effect your digestive system. Being active will help your regularity.
Water intake is crucial for most. 80-120 ounces a day depending on your lifestyle. Coffee is a diuretic but things fruits and veggies contribute to your water intake.
Phase 2: I personally fit into this category. I've played hell getting my plumbing working properly with a fantastic diet, exersize program, and plenty of water.
A probiotic is helpful. A good start is 25,000,000,000. That's right, billion. That helps balance the good bacteria vs. the bad in the gut. This helps with plumbing but also your immune system.
Oils: Olive Oil, Flaxseed, and other healthy oils help lube the system and generate more bile which helps keep more moisture in our stool.
Magnesium: A trace mineral that is supposed to be in our water. It's filtered out in bottled water and RO. This also helps keep water in our stool. Constipation happens for most due to the fact that the colon removes to much moisture, to quickly. Start with 400 mg a day, than go to 800mg. If you get to crapping through a screen door, you went to far. ha
Cascara Sagrada: Tree bark which is an old Indian herb. This helps you get the urge to go. It promotes the contraction of your colon.
I've tried every single one and they all work. You have to find your magic combination. If you have a normal digestive system, phase one will suffice. If you have a problem. (I believe mine is underproductive bile) then you need phase 2. I'd start with magnesium and more oils. If you have a lifestyle problem that fits in phase 1, you can cover up the problem in phase two. I'd recommend you clean it up before it costs you, big time.
If you are over active, I'd look at reducing your magnesium which could come through a multi vitamin or your oil intake.
Hope this helps fellas. Dinner is ready..