One of the first words I learned with more than two syllables was constipation. I had to have been no more than four because I wasn’t yet in kindergarten and I remember having to go to the doctor because “my tummy always hurt” and going to the bathroom hurt so much I was sometimes in tears. Nowadays, when I feel a slight pinch either on my side or non-menstrual cramping, I automatically gear up for a number of natural regimens that will hopefully have me back to normal by bedtime. My lesson is a strange one but it has saved me from being a guinea pig for fly-by-night medications that have side effects worse than the sickness itself.
Growing up, my diet was pretty carb heavy with frozen fish cakes, T.V. dinners and I had an insane love for sweets and dairy products. I even recall having pancakes or corn fritters for dinner. We were not poor – just Southern and maybe a little different at times. In my younger years, I changed home environments often and at first, never felt comfortable. So if I felt even an inch of scrutiny towards me or something I did, my stomach would immediately cramp.
By the time I reached pre-teen years, I went on the Weight Watchers program and gained some confidence after losing a few pounds. I also learned that you could make low-fat versions of things like fruit bars, shakes and other treats. Though I still loved my fried fruit pies and anything else cooked in oil, I was pretty calorie-conscious until the actual teen years hit like a ton of bricks. My trips to the bathroom were normal and I can only count one time that going to the bathroom prevented me from going disco-skating.
Between my teenage hormones, dessert-binges and a love for junk food like most in my age group, I not only put on the pounds I lost years before but found more along the way. My home life took a dramatic turn and once again, I did not feel comfortable in my own skin. I had maybe two eliminations a week, my skin was horrid and my overall disposition sometimes wavered into suicidal territory. In one of my less-than-balanced moments, I went to a conservation camp where there was a common eating space and let’s just say that not everyone has equal kitchen etiquette. This forced to steer clear of any meat that was not cooked before my eyes and I discovered soy milk. I loved the light taste and flavors before I knew about the health benefits. I began to slim down and my labor-intensive days left me with energy to exercise without thought. By this time, my days of painful bowel movements were few and far between. Shortly after leaving, I discovered meditation. At the time, I was tought basic techniques, how chakras can affect the natural functions of one’s body, discovered the teaching of writer Carlos Castaneda and the new age sounds of Zazen.
I began to feel better about myself and having the confidence to take control of my life based on my desires and not those who chose to live vicariously through me; I found the final piece of the puzzle in the place east expected. A co-worker at the time gave me a copy of the Cabbage Soup diet and though I refused to follow the methodical meal plan that accompanied it, I felt like a new woman in less than 48 hours by a very natural (and thorough) cleaning process. I replaced the recommended diet with a regular meal that always included a portion each of a lean meat and vegetable that was not battered and/or fried. With a Whole Foods within walking distance, I was able to maintain a somewhat normal weight and made sure I had at least one elimination a day. I also took advantage of being able to drink 3-4, 16 ounce bottles of water a day which helped to maintain regularity. When I had an elimination, none of them were painful or required medication for anal soreness.
After a while, I began to put it all together. A healthy, balanced meal gives all of the human organs to ability to function as well as have a natural energy. While straying from good eating habits every so often is normal, I feel that taking time to eat right no less than 3-4 days out of the week can regulate any human digestive system. Leave the experimental stuff advertised in the media alone.
