top of page
bgImage





















The Truth About Laxatives That You Should Know

Say No to Laxatives

Our colon therapists at Green Spring Colon Hydrotherapy in Owings Mills, Maryland go the extra mile to provide clients with the most cost-effective colonic treatments. Our services are open to anyone aiming to have regular bowel movements or improve specific health issues.


Although taking laxatives may seem like the more convenient solution to problems such as constipation and chronic diarrhea, the truth is the total opposite. The disadvantages of purgatives are the following:

  • They irritate the entire digestive tract.
  • They upset the pH of the stomach and digestive processes.
  • They artificially stimulate peristalsis or muscle contraction.
  • They aggravate the nervous system.
  • They cause cramping and discomfort.
  • They have unpredictable effects.
  • They may give instant relief but may also do long-term damage to the lining of the digestive system.
  • They cause dehydration since they move the chyme too quickly and interrupt water absorption to cells.
  • They may initiate a cycle of diarrhea and constipation.
  • They cause weakness, potential ballooning, and strictures in the colon muscles.
  • Long-term use can reduce muscle tone, resulting in the colon becoming distorted.
  • They cause excess mucus buildup that happens when the body tries to protect the colon from irritation.
  • They make constipation problems worse.
  • Ultimately, they don’t work.

A Word About “Colon Cleanses”

Almost all of them contain a stimulant laxative: senna and/or cascara sagrada. These are herbal stimulant laxatives that, over time, will weaken the colon muscles and create what is known as atonic colon or flabby colon. This condition occurs with overuse of any laxative. The colon will only move when stimulated by a laxative and stop working on its own. Beware of these ingredients in any product used for more than a few days.


In the event that you do have this condition, bowel retraining is done in our office. Please discuss this with your therapist so that a treatment plan can be implemented.

bottom of page