Testing bowel transit time tests how long it takes from the time you eat a food until it comes out the other end. Buy charcoal tablets at a drug or health food store and take about 1,000mg. Depending on the particular product, this can be two to four capsules. Note exactly when you took the charcoal. When you see darkened stool (charcoal turns the stool black), calculate how many hours since you took the charcoal tablets. That is your transit time. You can also do the test with beets. Eating three or four beets will turn stool a deep garnet red.
The Results:
- Less than 12 hours: this usually indicates that you are not absorbing all the nutrients you should from your food. You may have malabsorption problems.
- 12-24 hours is optimal. 👍
- More than 24 hours: this indicates that wastes are sitting inside your colon too long. Poor transit time greatly increases the risk of colon disease. Substances that were supposed to be eliminated get absorbed back into the bloodstream, and they can interfere with and irritate your system. Take action now: increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables and legumes. Drink lots of water every day. Get 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week.
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