Laxative Dependence

Laxative Dependence is a risk for people who use stimulant laxatives for a long time. Cathartic colon is the name for physiological and anatomical changes caused by long term stimulant laxative use. Although some experts dispute the existence of cathartic colon, several reliable sources document the details of this disorder. Cathartic colon is characterized by changes in the nerves and muscles of the large intestine. Cathartic colon leads to laxative dependence. Once laxative dependence sets in, it becomes difficult to have bowel movements without taking a laxative. A prudent consumer may consider other colon products instead of stimulants that can cause laxative dependence.

A Healthy Large Intestine

The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. It starts at the exit of the small intestine and goes all the way to the anus. Layers of muscle wrapped around the large intestine push stool through it. The inner muscle layer is circular muscle and makes rings around the large intestine. The outer muscle layer is longitudinal muscle and runs along the length of the large intestine. The nerves associated with the large intestine sense certain condition such as how full a section of the large intestine is. These nerves also direct the muscles of the large intestine. A wave of contractions by the muscles of the large intestine pushes the contents of the large intestine along. This wave of contractions is called peristalsis and is essential to healthy colon functioning.