Constipation. It is a growing epidemic in our modern, fast-paced life, with packaged food diet. Where do you turn when constipation strikes? Many people choose laxatives as they are easily obtained at your local drug store. Unfortunately, laxative use and misuse can lead to several side effects that can be life changing for those who take them.
Laxatives can be very effective for occasional constipation, and, when taken over a day or two to obtain relief, they are completely safe. Because most laxatives are a natural irritant, they stimulate the colon wall to contract. However, frequent laxative use may result in a decrease in the colon’s ability to contract due to muscle loss and decreased nerve response. Dependence can also occur, and the colon becomes unable to function well without the stimulus of a laxative.
So, is there another option? Yes! Colon hydrotherapy!
Colon hydrotherapy helps promote the function of the colon by introducing pure, filtered, temperature-controlled water into the colon to soften and loosen waste. Then, the natural wave-like motion of the colon muscles (called peristalsis) results in a bowel movement. Whereas laxatives cause the colon muscle to become dependent, colon hydrotherapy increases muscle tone causing an improvement in colon function. Using only water, colon hydrotherapy is very safe and effective without the harsh effects of stimulants on the body.
Overuse of laxatives can cause other side effects such as dehydration, alternating between diarrhea and constipation, inability to produce enough digestive enzymes, gas, bloating, nausea and cramping. Colon hydrotherapy, although it may produce some cramping during a session, usually relieves these effects. Since one of the large intestine’s jobs is reabsorption, the colon is hydrated during a colon hydrotherapy session. Gas and bloating usually lessen as the stagnant stool is removed from the colon and clients feel light and empty. Colon hydrotherapy prevents the cycle of diarrhea and constipation because the colon isn’t forced to evacuate stool violently. It tones the muscles, allowing the stool to move through the colon naturally.
The beauty of colon hydrotherapy is its ability to clean out stool higher in the colon where an enema or laxatives cannot reach. Since water can soften the stool and help it break apart so it can be easily removed from the colon, there are no hard pieces of stool left in the colon. Hard pieces of stool can become stuck and, when laxatives are used, dehydration can develop and cause further constipation and ineffective cleaning of the colon.
The next time constipation strikes, whether you are dealing with short-term or chronic constipation, consider a safe, natural relief that works with the body and may help you to get back on track with your bowel health.