Chapter 1: The Importance of Routine

As I near my sixty-sixth birthday, I've grown to value the comfort of routine. Occasionally, I find myself in need of a little assistance in that area.

Please, keep the enema bag far away from me. What I truly mean is a bit of gentle encouragement, like taking probiotics or fiber supplements—maybe even some Metamucil. There's nothing quite as distressing as needing to sprint to the bathroom at an inconvenient moment.

Let’s be honest; how often have you turned to Mother Nature for assistance? Especially those of us in our golden years know the annoyance of sitting down with a good, old-fashioned newspaper (not your smartphone) only to come up empty-handed.

And if you happen to drop your phone, well, let’s just say a bowl of rice won’t save it.

During a trip to Old Orchard Beach in Maine, I spotted a humorous T-shirt in a shop window that I just had to capture. It served as a reminder of some challenging days, despite my attempts to eat salads and indulge in too much fried shrimp and whole belly clams over the weekend.

What’s a gut to do?

While I could resort to some sweet candy coaxers, that might take hours to work its magic. I don’t have the luxury of time when my body is signaling a need for action.

Typically, a hot cup of coffee is all I require to kickstart my day—if you catch my drift. Unfortunately, it doesn't always do the trick, leaving me with stomach cramps and fervent hopes for an otherwise well-functioning system.

I can almost hear the catchy tunes of KC and The Sunshine Band: “Do a little dance, take a little crap, sit down tonight.”

Now, before you think I’m just rambling, here’s a nugget of wisdom from the National Council on Aging:

“Your body requires water to properly digest food. Without adequate hydration, you may face irregular bowel movements, gas, bloating, and heartburn, all of which can negatively impact your quality of life. Staying well-hydrated can help everything run smoothly. Water assists in breaking down soluble fiber from your diet, keeping digestion on track. Mineral water, particularly those enriched with sodium and magnesium, can be especially beneficial.”

That’s some solid advice. Gen Z and Millennials, take note—you’re not getting any younger!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

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Chapter 2: Hydration is Key

Section 2.1: Daily Routines and Their Impact

Maintaining a daily routine is crucial as we age. It helps ensure our bodies function smoothly, and it's essential to listen to what they need.

Subsection 2.1.1: The Role of Water in Digestion