Flow, interrupted

REGULAR bowel movement is the comfortable passage (without straining) of well-formed stools (neither too hard, nor too soft) once every day or every two to three days without the use of laxatives, or other interventions.

Bowel function is unique and varies from individual to individual. Some people move their bowels three times a day, others three times a week. But there are many who suffer from difficult bowel movement and become constipated.

For most of us, constipation is commonly caused by a lack of fibre in the diet. For others, it may result from repeatedly ignoring the urge to go and holding the stool in.

People who ignore the urge may eventually stop feeling it, which can lead to constipation.

Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy.

Children may postpone a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play.

Generally, there are six factors leading to constipation:

» Not enough liquids

Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Without adequate fluid intake, stool becomes hard and constipation is more likely to occur.

» Lack of exercise

Exercise and movement stimulate bowel activity and helps to maintain colon muscle tone. Lack of it can lead to constipation.

» Medications

Pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminium, antidepressants, iron supplements and diuretics can slow the passage of bowel movements.

» Irritable bowel syndrome

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon, have irregular bowel movements. Constipation and diarrhoea often alternate, and abdominal cramping, gassiness, and bloating are common complaints.

» Changes in life or routine

During pregnancy, women may be constipated due to hormonal changes or the heavy uterus compressing the intestine. Ageing may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, travelling sometimes disrupts bowel movement due to a change in diet and not drinking enough water.

» Abuse of laxatives

Serious abuse of stimulant laxatives, especially among older adults who are preoccupied with having a daily bowel movement, can lead to constipation and other complications.

Laxatives are usually prescribed by doctors only after considering the patient’s medical history, medications he/she may be taking, and other health conditions the patient may have.

Doctors prescribe laxatives either to solve a medical symptom or to prepare for a medical exam such as a colonoscopy. However, it does not solve the root cause of the problem.

Laxatives can promote depen-dency especially when used long term. It can also cause imbalances in bodily fluids that may lead to other complications.

Over time, stimulant laxatives can damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with its natural ability to contract.

Six muscular actions play a part in fluid absorption, particle cohesion, stool formation, stool transit, and stool passage (defecation). If these muscles become weak, stool transit is slowed.

The colon can become insensitive, intestinal motivity can slow, normal processes fail, and chronic constipation can develop.

Excessive use may lead to abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, headaches, dehydration, weight loss and even damage to other organs.

Other reported side effects are confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, belching, cramping, diarrhoea and nausea.

When it comes to choosing a detoxification product, one should avoid those with harsh laxatives such as senna leaves, cascara sagrada and ‘ma huang’.

Use of senna and sennosides come with a higher risk of water loss, which could easily be misconstrued as weight loss.

There are easier ways to get your bowel moving regularly. Moderate exercise is helpful for maintaining regularity and good health. Also respond when nature calls as quickly as possible.

If you are not getting the urge, try going to the toilet 45 minutes after every meal. Get comfortable and gently massage your abdomen with your palm in a circular motion to encourage flow.

The gentler way

Taking a daily serving of TruDtox botanical tea blend can help promote regularity. TruDtox aids the body’s natural ability to cleanse itself of toxins. Consistency is the key to regularity.

TruDtox is an alternative that is not addictive. It contains no chemicals, no stimulants, not even senna. Just an organic blend of botanicals to help you achieve regularity naturally.

There is nothing to make you run to the bathroom and nothing that will interfere with medications. TruDtox works gently, naturally and gradually, over time to help rejuvenate your detoxification organs, without promoting dependency.

TruDtox was also voted Watsons Best New Detox Tea 2007, within two months of its official product launch. This Swiss-formulated comprehensive fusion of organically-cultivated herbs, floras and teas has impressed users with its gentle yet effective detoxifying results.

A natural-tasting herbal blend, it works as a gentle, non-laxative daily flush to eliminate accumulated sludge, toxins, waste and gasses out of your body for a cleaner, lighter and healthier you!

You only need to brew the teabag for half an hour to enjoy the beverage like your usual morning cuppa – something busy people with hectic lifestyles will appreciate.

TruDtox is available at all leading pharmacies nationwide at RM29.50 for a pack of five teabags or RM53 for a pack of nine+one teabags. For details, call 03-6157 2388 or email enquiry@livelife.com.my . This article was brought to you by LiveLife.