If the colon is functioning in an optimal way, we should have at least one, well-formed, easy-to-pass, bowel movement that leaves us feeling fully evacuated every day. If you are having infrequent, incompletely evacuating, difficult-to-pass, hard or pelleted stool, then you’re likely experiencing constipation.
Why is constipation of concern?
Regular elimination is part of our detoxification system. The liver detoxifies hormones, carcinogens, toxins, and other wastes, and puts these end-products into the bile. Bile is then secreted into the digestive tract, and we eliminate these detoxified end-products from the body via the colon.
When we’re constipated, the stool sits in the digestive tract for longer than it should, and these toxins and hormones can be re-absorbed into the body. Over time, this can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, causing fatigue, hormonal issues (mood swings, PMS, hot flashes, etc.), brain fog, acne, and an overburdened detoxification system.
Constipation can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort. It can cause changes to the types and amounts of flora living in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation in the bowel. Constipation can also cause damage to the colon itself, leading to hemorrhoids, fissures, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
What causes constipation?
When we are constipated, stool sits in the digestive tract for longer than it should, so the colon re-absorbs too much water. This makes the stool dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
The causes of constipation are many, with dehydration, inflammation in the gut, unhealthy gut flora, stress, a low-fibre diet, or an under-functioning thyroid being common factors
Laxative dependence, caused by frequent use of purgative laxatives such as senna or cascara, can also cause constipation. This is because they diminish the colon’s wave-like muscle contractions, called peristalsis, that would normally move stool through the colon to eliminate waste.
HOW IS CONSTIPATION TREATED?
It is always important to identify why we might be experiencing constipation so that we can treat the underlying cause(s).
Start by increasing water to at least 2 litres daily and increasing fibre in the diet by consuming foods like flax, chia, beans, and lentils. Investigating food intolerances and thyroid function may also be useful for treating slow bowel motility.
It is important to support a healthy gut environment, especially if you have experienced chronic constipation. This includes repairing the gut lining, reducing inflammation in the gut, and promoting healthy gut flora.
Although we should always strive to fix the cause(s) of constipation, we may occasionally need additional support to keep our bowels moving regularly.
Healthology GO-LAX effectively relieves occasional constipation. It works by gently drawing water into the bowel to soften stool and hydrate the colon. This helps to make the stool easy to pass without straining or pain.
GO-LAX contains herbs that support the natural peristaltic action of the colon. This helps improve motility to fully evacuate the bowel without causing cramping or urgency. GO-LAX does not contain purgative herbs like senna and cascara, which are more likely to cause laxative dependence.
The healthy elimination of waste is essential to our overall wellness. GO-LAX provides relief from occasional constipation, helping you to have easy-to-pass, completely evacuating bowel movements every day.
