By Shirley Norman
So Pesach is over and you're feeling bloated and uncomfortable. All that refined white flour has clogged your system and you’re downright constipated. Never fear! There are ways of managing this distressing problem: First and foremost my formidable Breakfast-Cleanser: Take a half a cup of High Fibre Bran. Add a half a cup of yoghurt with a high probiotic count e.g. Activia. Mix in 3 to 4 prunes which have been soaked overnight in boiling water. Use the prune juice too! Sprinkle with a tablespoon of crushed linseeds. (They must be crushed to release omega 3 fats.) Eat this breakfast daily and it’s sure to do the trick. Additional measures to combat constipation include drinking at least 6 glasses of water daily (Herbal teas, hot water with lemon, diet cordial added to water are all acceptable and are perhaps more palatable substitutes); regular exercise to help stimulate peristalsis; a diet high in fibre i.e. fruit , veges and wholegrains. Remember to include good fats in your diet - e.g. nuts, seeds, avos, fatty fishes, and olive oil - which will keep your bowels well lubricated. (Low fat or No fat diets are always the rage!) Taking a good probiotic supplement daily on an empty stomach will not only keep the bacteria in your bowel happy, but will also boost your immune system. Follow these dietary principles daily and you're sure to have a long and happy relationship with your colon.
Shirley Norman is a registered dietitian and can be contacted at
shirlm@global.co.zaor on her cell 084-462-3550.