Scoop on Poop

If there is anything that the new Oprah Winfrey Network programme Ask Oprah's All Stars has taught us, it is that America is obsessed with poop.

It is true that keeping an eye on the substance that comes out of the other end of your mouth tells you a lot about your overall health.

Sometimes the battle to see the substance is the problem and as we sit on the toilet, squeezing every muscle we've got, like a body builder at a competition, the discomfort can make us regret every bad thing we ever said.

Constipation is very uncomfortable, but the good news is that it is treatable and managing your diet to include certain food can go a long way in making sure you remain happy inside and outside the bathroom. Here are a few to include and why.

1. Raw Fruit. Bananas contain high amounts of potassium and fructooligosaccharide. These compounds will help keep your intestinal tract healthy by restoring electrolytes and healthy bacteria that aid digestion. Apples contain lots of pectin that stimulate bowel movement. Melons have lots of fiber. Good for cleaning the intestinal tract.

2. Prunes. Prunes are high in potassium, fiber and iron, which is why older people tend to have a bag of them somewhere in the house. Keep a few on hand for emergencies.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar. This must-have ingredient is the staple for any cook's kitchen. It is high in potassium and must be ingested in its raw form for the beneficial living nutrients and bacteria to do their work. Some studies have also show that it may normalize blood pressure.

4. Aloe Vera. Aloe vera can be seen written on the containers of many cosmetic products. The reason is that aloe vera gel contains up to 75 known nutrients, 20 different minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 plant compounds called phytonutrients, enzymes and water. Pick up aloe vera juice from your local health store and use it for a quick relief for constipation.

5. Cayenne Pepper, Ginger & Tumeric. Cayenne pepper has been shown to stimulate the digestive tract. It is a hot spice, usually red in color and is typically used in food. You will not get the effects of ginger if you just drink packaged ginger tea or the powdered stuff. Fresh ginger helps maintain regular digestion. Tumeric is considered to be the livers spice, helping it detoxify by assisting enzymes flush out dietary carcinogens.

6. Citrus Fruits. Aside from aiding the body in flushing out toxins, providing your body with lots of detoxifying vitamin C, helping in the absorption of iron from your diet, it jolts that digestive tract into action. Eaten raw, one orange will provide you with 15% of your daily recommended fiber.

7. Raw Vegetables. You cannot go wrong with raw veggies. They provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, reduce cholesterol, minerals, to name a few. They are the base of the food pyramid of any health conscious person. Include carrots for pectin, onions to relieve allergies, garlic to flush out toxins and fight stomach cancer, broccoli & cauliflower for fiber and  cabbage to soften the stool.

8. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that fights colon cancer, but also provides vitamins C, A and K, as well as providing fiber. Caution: communities that consume large volumes of tomatoes have also been shown to have high instances of gout. Moderation is the key.

These are just a few of the food types that can bring relief when constipation is a problem. Try to avoid fried food, fatty meat, dairy products, refined and processed food, sugary food, caffeine and carbonated drinks for a happy digestive tract!