by Laura Hernández

Are you familiar with the consequences of using laxatives to relieve constipation? I am, since I had a dependency on these drugs for 19 years and they almost killed me. Those of us who know firsthand what it is to suffer from chronic constipation have gone through all types of remedies to overcome this challenging condition, including the use of laxatives.

Most laxatives contain chemicals that may cause adverse effects and even worsen the problem by interfering with the digestive process, causing irritation throughout the digestive system.

They are commonly made from stimulants that can be habit forming so the natural ability of the colon to eliminate will be destroyed, causing lazy colon or colon stasis. Also, as 80 percent of our immune system is in our digestive system, we're weakening it, too.

It's very easy to become dependent on laxatives, and it is the result of overuse and abuse that can put our health at risk. Over a long period of time, the colon stops reacting to the usual doses and requires a continued increase of higher and more frequent dosage to produce bowel movement. Long-term, frequent use or higher doses of stimulant laxatives may cause permanent damage to our bodies and are associated with possible carcinogenic risk. Just because laxatives are available OTC doesn't mean that they don't come with side effects. Some of the potential ones are:

Chronic constipation Bloating and gassiness Imbalance of vital nutrients, minerals and vitamins Weakness or unusual tiredness, headaches and mood swings Dehydration Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Physical and psychological dependence Intestinal paralysis Pancreatitis Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

For the treatment of irregular bowel movements or constipation, there are a number of safer and healthier options such as colon hydrotherapy, a completely natural way to remedy this problem. This valuable, free-from-harm and effective procedure helped me overcome my dependency on laxatives and saved my life. Today, colon hydrotherapy is recognized by many doctors, including Dr. Leonard Smith, board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon, who shares, "Seriously ill patients tend to be chronically constipated which results in generalized toxemia. It turns out that colon hydrotherapy is the gentlest and most effective treatment to take care of a sick person's constipation problem." The many benefits of this procedure include:

Relieves constipation Helps restore natural colon movement Relieves symptoms related to constipation and intoxication such as allergies, bad breath, headaches and lower back pain Detoxification Weight loss Better digestion Improved skin appearance Moisturizes colon and body Better absorption of water and minerals Helps regenerate intestinal flora Enhances immune system Generates a sense of physical lightness and emotional well-being

Colon hydrotherapy uses an effective technique to remove old waste from the colon by introducing pure, sterile, temperature-controlled water into the colon, causing contraction of the muscle, resulting in a bowel movement. The treatment is not painful or embarrassing as it is performed in a calming environment in a spa-style room offering privacy, comfort and relaxation in the safe care of our experienced staff.

Laura Hernández is a colon therapist examined by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT) and certified at the advanced level of colon hydrotherapy by the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). She specializes in Colon Lavage, preparation method for colonoscopy, designed by gastroenterologists in the U.S. All systems FDA approved.

True Colon Hydrotherapy Spa is located at 508 NE 13th St., Fort Lauderdale. For more information and appointments, call 954-296-1218 and/or visit TrueColon.com.