A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO CONSTIPATION:
BEYOND QUICK FIXES

When dealing with constipation, over-the-counter laxatives are often recommended, offering immediate relief for their patients. However, these medications provide only temporary solutions while potentially making the underlying problems worse. Rather than forcing the body into action, there is a more functional, as well as sustainable, approach to supporting the body's natural motility processes.

The key to healthy regularity lies in addressing multiple pathways that influence gastrointestinal function, including motility, smooth muscle support and gut-brain connection. Certain natural compounds, combined in specific amounts, can work synergistically to support healthy digestion and bowel movements.

Ginger is considered nature’s motility enhancer.¹ This powerful root does more than just settle an upset stomach. Research shows that ginger activates specific receptors in the digestive system that help accelerate transit time and regulate movement throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. It works by stimulating both serotonin receptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, promoting natural, healthy gut movement rather than forcing it.

Artichoke extract² supports bile flow and plays a crucial role in digestive health by stimulating bile acid secretion. This natural process not only aids in the breakdown of fats but also helps maintain regular bowel movements. The extract's rich phenolic compounds and antioxidants help support patients who complain of bloating and fullness.

Not recognizing the gut-brain connection in digestive issues is no longer an option; this connection is key to optimizing gut health. Most people do not realize that about 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. 5-HTP, as a precursor to serotonin, supports this crucial neurotransmitter system.³ Additionally, it converts to 5-hydroxyindole (5-HI), which directly activates smooth muscle contractions in the intestines, promoting natural movement without the harsh effects of laxatives.

The mineral, magnesium, is essential for proper muscle function⁴, including the smooth muscles that line the digestive tract. Unlike harsh laxatives that can create dependency, magnesium supports natural peristalsis– the wave-like movements that move food through your digestive system. It also serves as a crucial cofactor for neurotransmitters in the enteric nervous system, which regulates digestive function.

When ginger, artichoke, 5-HTP and magnesium work together, they support the body's inherent ability to maintain regular bowel movements. Unlike over-the-counter laxatives that can lead to dependency and decreased natural motility, this functional approach:

• Supports healthy muscle contractions
• Promotes optimal bile flow
• Enhances natural serotonin production
• Maintains proper nervous system function in the gut

By choosing a natural, multi-pathway approach to constipation, your patients are not just addressing symptoms – they are supporting the body's ability to maintain healthy digestion and regularity on its own. This sustainable approach helps prevent the cycle of dependency that often occurs with traditional laxatives while promoting overall digestive wellness.

References:

1. Bode, A. M., & Dong, Z. (2011). The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In I. F. F. Benzie & S. Wachtel-Galor (Eds.), Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.
2. Porro, C., Benameur, T., Cianciulli, A., Vacca, M., Chiarini, M., De Angelis, M., & Panaro, M. A. (2024). Functional and therapeutic potential of Cynara scolymus in health benefits. Nutrients, 16(6), 872.
3. Maffei, M. E. (2020). 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural occurrence, analysis, biosynthesis, biotechnology, physiology and toxicology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(1), 181.
4. Souza, A. C. R., Vasconcelos, A. R., Dias, D. D., Komoni, G., & Name, J. J. (2023). The integral role of magnesium in muscle integrity and aging: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 15(24), 5127.