Why are people so interested in their bowels? Most folks
don't obsess about their livers, lungs or kidneys. But ask
any gastroenterologist and you will learn that people are
fascinated with what ends up in the toilet.
They report on whether their stool sinks or floats, whether it is brown or
yellow, hard or soft, and on how often they move their bowels. This is
far more detail than most physicians want to hear.
Many people have been taught that regularity ranks right up there with
cleanliness and godliness.
If they don't visit the bathroom by 9:00 am
every day, they fear dire consequences
could result. What exactly could
go wrong is not specified.
This may explain why "inner cleansing" has renewed its popularity in
recent years. The notion of purging "toxins" from the system was a
nineteenth century approach to healing that fell into disfavor. Now it is
back, in the guise of herbal products that are supposed to reduce the
risk of serious ailments as well as aid in weight loss.
In reality, laxatives can't lead to lasting weight loss. But herbal
cathartics can deplete the body of vital minerals, leading to
life-threatening complications such as heart rhythm disruptions.
Regularity is individual. Some people are perfectly normal with three
bowel movements a day while others have three a week with no
adverse consequences.
On the other hand, constipation can be very distressing. One reader
shared her agony:
"I suffer from spastic colon, have used over-the-counter
harsh
laxatives from childhood and have tried just about every
herbal
laxative known to man. I am on numerous prescription painkillers that
cause constipation, so I'm in a lose-lose situation.
"I would be very grateful for information that could help. I've gone 14
days without relief, and when I do have a movement, it is too painful
to describe. I am desperate for a cure for this problem, but nothing my
doctors have recommended has worked.
"After years of abuse, the bowel lining is damaged, so even when
taking laxatives I have to use suppositories or a Fleet enema to
stimulate the process. The bloating and discomfort are getting to be
more than I can bear."
Laxative abuse can lead to this sort of complication, but the powerful
pain relievers she is taking definitely add to her problem.
One gastroenterologist has recommended sorbitol, which is a sugar
that is not well absorbed and in excess may cause diarrhea. He also
prescribes Propulsid or a new laxative called MiraLax (polyethylene
glycol).
For those who do not suffer such extreme constipation, a home remedy
may be helpful. A reader shared this recipe with us: Mix one cup
applesauce with one cup coarse unprocessed bran and three quarters
cup prune juice. This thick paste should be refrigerated. Take a
tablespoon daily, washed down with eight ounces of water. This should
bring results within a week.
Of course high-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains are essential
for good health, along with eight glasses of water daily. For most
people this is all the "inner cleansing" that is necessary.
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