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The large intestine is not what comes to mind as an indicator of strong health. We often think about our heart, lungs, and brain. But the health of our large intestine is central to the health of the rest of the body. It fights diseases, eliminates toxins, and strengthens our mental capacity. However, the lack of nutrients and fiber in processed foods weakens the large intestine, which means we deal with more sickness. The good news is with a macrobiotic diet and lifestyle, the large intestine and gut can become strong again. Let’s get started!

To learn how to incorporate macrobiotics into your life, schedule a time with Denny now!

What Does the Large Intestine Do?

The large intestine creates and absorbs vital nutrients and takes in water. In addition to eliminating waste, toxins, harmful bacteria and microbes from the body.

Location of the Large Intestine

The large intestine is the lower part of the digestive system and connects to the small intestine at or below the waist.

Why is the Large Intestine Essential for Great Health?

The large intestine health is important because it is interconnected to the health of all other organs and organ systems. When the gut is strong and healthy, we feel clear-minded and energetic. That is because it is producing and sending nutrients to the body, eliminating all harmful microbes, and keeping the body balanced.

But when the large intestine is weak, it is unable to effectively detoxify the body of bad bacteria or microbes. Therefore, the bad bacteria and microbes move into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body infecting the other organs and systems. When this happens, the lungs have to take responsibility to eliminate the bad microbes which often results in coughing and feeling congested. On top of it, we frequently deal with headaches, fatigue, and mental fogginess.

What Cause the Large Intestine Health to Decline?

Since modern diet foods lacks any fiber and nutritional value, the large intestine has no vitamins and minerals to supply and deliver to the body. However, there are two main food groups that you need to limit or avoid. This is animal foods and dairy.

Animal foods creates harmful effects on the large intestine health and lungs by reducing the amount of nutrients and minerals that are being absorbed. While dairy disrupts the balance of bacteria environment in the gut.

intestine health

Signs of a Weak Large Intestine

  • Poor bowel movements
  • Skin problems
  • Constantly sick
  • Feeling lazy, unmotivated, and tired
  • Cloudy thinking and forgetfulness
  • Excessive flatulence
  • Trouble with breathing and lung problems

How Do I Heal My Gut?

In order to have a great large intestine health, one needs to eat healthy, balanced foods and practice simple lifestyle habits to build good bacteria and prevent sickness.

Here are the 5 Ways to Improve Your Large Intestine Health:

  • Eat healthy carbohydrates such as vegetables, whole grains, beans, and sea vegetables. Since these foods are high in fiber, they have to go through the entire digestive system allowing for nutrients and minerals to be absorbed by the large intestine.
  • Eat naturally pickled and fermented foods. These foods create probiotics and good bacteria in the large intestine.
  • Sitting down and enjoying while eating without any distractions such as phone, work, or television. Sitting is the best position for the absorption of nutrients and minerals in the large intestine.
  • Chewing food well and eating slowly helps the gut to absorb more nutrients from food.
  • Take a walk outside, do yoga, or other physical activity.

Are you dealing with large intestine problems? Then set up an appointment with Denny Waxman, macrobiotic counselor, to receive dietary and lifestyle guidance. Macrobiotic consultation can be done in-person, Skype, or FaceTime. Make an appointment and feel better today!

For more interesting articles about nutrition, macrobiotics, and living a healthy lifestyle, please visit Denny’s macrobiotic blog.