"I believe the digestive system is the core of life energy, intuition and longevity." - Nadya Andreeva

I have checked out the article on the 7 happy belly foods, and the photos of some of the foods, such as wild Alaskan salmon, bone broth and lacto-fermented veggies, look delicious. We still have some organic coconut oil left in the kitchen after it has been used for cooking, which I bought some time last year, and I am now using it occasionally for oil pulling or rinsing my mouth in the morning, after having read articles on its health benefits. As for bone broth, I've come to realise too that it is a simple and effective way to improve digestion, and my mother sometimes makes fish bone broth or soup with vegetables for dinner.

I have also come to like kimchi as it is tasty and slightly spicy, as well as appreciate the fact that it has "very high levels of probiotics" and is a potent detoxifier. Like someone commented below the article,  "I've been living in Korea (where kimchi is derived from) for the past year and can tell you %100 that Kimchi has helped with digestion and now I'm an addict! I want Kimchi with EVERYTHING. .... Lastly, some studies show that Kimchi contains compounds that may prevent the growth of cancer! Yay, Kimchi!"

And yes, as I have come to learn about the connection between the gut and the brain, the digestive system is indeed the core of life energy, intuition and longevity. I googled about it , and came across this article that says new research on polyphenols in colourful fruits and vegetables can help microorganisms in our digestive system, and may extend our lifespan, too. 

Non-meat sources of proteins

I learnt that besides soy, other non-meat sources of proteins include nuts and milk (not sure if you are allergic to nuts or lactose tolerant though - perhaps goat milk can be a good substitute).

This website says the following vegetables contain high protein "Beans of all kinds, lentils, asparagus, broccoli, seaweeds; variety is important and quantity." http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_vegetables_contain_high_protein

Eggs and yogurts can be good sources of protein too. http://www.weightlossforall.com/protein_content_from_good_source.htm

"Spinach is an inexpensive vegetable that contains protein and carbohydrates. According to The Daily Plate, 4 cups of spinach contain 3 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of protein. Because spinach contains 20 calories per serving, it may be an effective source of protein and carbohydrates for dieting. Spinach contains 2 g of fiber per serving, which promotes feelings of fullness. In addition, spinach contains vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium, among other nutrients."

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/244164-what-foods-contain-both-protein-carbohydrates/#ixzz1poDyGkxc

Natural remedies for relieving constipation

Constipation may be caused by insufficient intake of water, as well as side effects of drugs or supplements, such as iron supplements.

Some remedies that I have tested and tried to be effective include:
1. Drinking plenty of water, especially in the earlier part of the day (morning and early afternoon)

2. Getting sufficient exercise - walking, and doing abdominal exercises can help strength the muscles necessary to empty the bowel without much straining

3. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques, such as yoga
http://www.ehow.com/video_7642740_yoga-poses-cure-constipation.html


4. Getting sufficient rest and sleep

5.- Reducing intake of meat in meals

6. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly where possible

I learnt that it is important to chew food slowly and thoroughly where possible when eating a meal.

http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/This-Cure-For-Constipation-Will-Amaze-You/388195
"When you chew, your brain sends signals to your stomach and intestines that food is on the way. Your body can prepare itself for everything it will need to properly digest the food you eat. By giving your system a head start, the food you eat is better absorbed and digested. This passes the food more effectively and efficiently through your body. The more nutrients absorbed from the food you eat, the less fat that is absorbed for later use."

7. Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables
eg papayas, guavas, bananas, cucumbers, grapes, green apples (with skin intact)

I also remember that some fruits, such as guava and papaya, can be very effective to help relieve symptoms of constipation. Ripe guavas with soft flesh are especially effective (raw ones can be hard to chew, so should be avoided) - there were times I ate a ripe guava after lunch, and the next day, I experienced bowel movement quite easily. The high fibre content provides roughage for the colon and rectum to release the stool more easily.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100326201705AAzcUkg

I have also checked that guava, cucumber, grapes, apples with green skin intact, papayas and bananas are suitable for people with blood type B. These foods are high in fibre, and helps maintain the health of your digestive system naturally, and without having gluten allergy side effects.

http://weightloss-and-diet-solution.blogspot.com/2011/02/b-blood-type-diet.html

I learnt that eating ripe bananas have other benefits: http://bananasweb.com/health-benefits-of-bananas

Reducing Depression

Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood

Anemia

Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body’s hemoglobin function

Constipation and Diarrhea

Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function. In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes (of which the most important is potassium, contained in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber (hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract.

8. Taking natural supplements, such prune juice, psyllium husk

  http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-psyllium-husk.html
"Psyllium is quickly becoming one of the top recommendations for people using low-carb Atkins-style diets. It is very difficult to get enough fibre in a diet when you eliminate the carbohydrates in cereals, whole grains and fruits. Psyllium capsules are an easy way to take care of this problem. It fills you with fibre, reducing appetite without overstimulating the nervous system; a much healthier approach than formulas containing ephedra such as Herbalife or Metabolife."

 I remember I took the supplement in powder form with water - I would poured one small satchet of psyllium husk into a glass of water, and stir it to mix well with water. Then I would drink it completely. Sometimes I would drink another glass of water after that. There were times the bowel movement occurred shortly, within half an hour. Other times, there was no immediate response, so I simply continued to drink lots of water (8-10 or more glasses of water) during the day, and then tried taking the supplement again the next day, for the bowel to clear naturally on its own. I tried to minimise straining where possible, and let it happen naturally with the help of deep breathing.

I also have managed to remember the brand name of the natural fibre supplement I took last time - it is called Fybogel. http://www.constipationadvice.ie/understanding-constipation/how-fybogel-works.html

I also found some samples of dulcofibre in the kitchen cabinet, which I haven't tried yet. I think it is a new product - I just googled it and found this information. http://www.dulcofibre.com.au/com/au/dulcofibre/FAQ/index.htm

I also remember drinking prune juice which I bought from the supermarket - I used to drink a glass of prune juice every day or every other day, besides drinking plenty of water, and it helps to facilitate a relatively smooth bowel movement - sometimes the day after.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060731074029AAIXVN4

Prune juice is also suitable for people of blood type B. For some reason, the website below discourages people from drinking coconut milk. On the other hand, it lists papaya and banana as beneficial for people of blood type B.
http://curezone.com/ER4YT/fruit.asp

9. Taking probiotics

Here's sharing some information on this Neobiotics probiotics that I have been taking every other day - I find that it is quite effective in maintaining regular bowel movement too.

   

http://www.natural-indigestion-relief.com/probiotics-for-constipation.html

"Yes, probiotics for constipation do work even for chronic constipation and the evidence continues to grow."

Additional resource on probiotics:
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Probiotics-work-out-against-constipation-says-study

According to this medical website:
"The goal of therapy for constipation is one bowel movement every two to three days without straining."