Black radish juice extract is the primary active ingredient in Digest RC. Virtually unknown in the United States, the radish contains a variety of chemicals that increase the flow of digestive juices. The most important function of black radish extract is that it encourages the liver to produce fat-and protein-digesting bile and lowers the tension of the bile ducts. It also improves peristaltic movement. Constipation is another problem to benefit from radish consumption. Rich in fiber and digestive stimulants, regular consumption of radishes helps regulate the bowels. Since dehydration is a major cause of constipation, radishes help hydrate and lubricate the intestines and encourage relaxed bowel movements. The root juice extract of the black radish used in Digest RC is the most potent part of the plant.
The charcoal in Digest RC is particularly useful in absorbing toxins. It is used in emergency departments to treat drug overdoses. It also calms a stressed digestive system, allowing digestive enzymes to be produced and released. Indigestion and nervous vomiting are also treated with this ingredient. The charcoal in Digest RC is actually a special herbal preparation of linden tree bark, traditionally used in Europe as a digestive aid. This special preparation has antibacterial properties, which when used as directed helps balance the digestive tract and supports the creation of the proper intestinal flora. At the same time, it creates an inhospitable environment for parasitic infestation.
Another key ingredient in Digest RC is cholic acid, or pure processed ox bile, a liver enzyme used for digestion. It is particularly helpful in digesting fats and meat protein.
Independent clinical research was conducted on Digest RC to analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of the product among patients with chronic digestive problems. Results showed statistically significant improvement in patients' symptoms during treatment. Digest RC was most successful in eliminating the most frequently occurring symptoms, such as gas, in over 95% of the cases. Symptoms such as constipation, intestinal pains and cramps, heartburn (reflux), and stomach pains and cramps, were helped or completely eliminated in over 90% of the cases. Bloating ceased in over 80%, diarrhea in about 75%, and nausea and vomiting in approximately 65% of the cases. Digest RC was found to minimize the assimilation of undigested toxic products, which often stay in the gut for a prolonged period of time. Due to its cholepoietic and cholagogic abilities, Digest RC was particularly effective in preventing stagnasis of food and bloating in those patients whose diet was rich in animal protein and fat. As there are no specific contraindications, Digest RC can be taken together with any medication and can be taken by patients suffering from different respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. The only people who should avoid Digest RC are those with biliary tract obstruction or gall bladder disease because of the bile-stimulating effects of the black radish and artichoke extracts. It is not known how this product would affect those who have had their gall bladder removed. The suggested dose is 2 to 3 tablets of Digest RC with every heavy meal for the first 2 to 3 weeks. The dose may then be reduced as symptoms of digestion discomfort are alleviated.
Additional Suggestions
As previously discussed, fiber supplements frequently fail to correct chronic constipation. However, one fiber that may work when all others fail is chitosan. Chitosan is a fiber composed of chitin, which is a component of the shell of shellfish and is used for weight and cholesterol reduction. Chitosan has been reported in research conducted in Helsinki, Finland, "to make the feces softer and smoother, which made defecation easier" (ARS Medicina, (Helsinki), 1994 Aug.-Oct.). If you're not getting results with other commonly used fiber, we suggest you try six 500-mg capsules of chitosan along with 1000 mg of vitamin C before each meal. Chitosan requires ascorbic acid to become soluble in the gut. A trial on functional constipation in children showed that most children with fecal incontinence benefit from a strict treatment plan that includes defecation trials, a fiber-rich diet, and laxative medications. Surgery followed by medical treatment was required in patients with Hirschsprung's disease (congenital colon defect) and in some patients with anal stenosis (narrowing).
Chronic constipation can be a disabling condition that may require removal of part or all of the colon (colectomy). However, one study showed fiber, cathartic laxatives, or biofeedback therapy to be successful in 65% of patients. Among the remaining patients, two thirds underwent surgery, of which 83% were successful.
Laxative use was significantly reduced in a long-term care facility when an interdisciplinary program based on a philosophy of prevention and health promotion was implemented. Specifically, increased fluid and fiber intake, timely toileting habits, and regular activity or exercise led to a 50% reduction in the number of patients receiving laxatives as required, relative to preprogram levels and a control unit not receiving the program.
Constipation is a problem frequently encountered during pregnancy, as is excessive weight gain. Treatments commonly used to control constipation are endowed with some drawbacks and often do not help control weight. However, a preparation of lactulose and glucomannan was shown to be effective and well-tolerated in patients with constipation and was also shown to be effective in controlling excessive food intakes. Fifty pregnant females with constipation were treated with a preparation of glucomannan (3 to 6 grams) and lactulose (8 to 16 grams) twice a day for 1 to 3 months. This preparation resulted in a return to normal frequency of weekly number of evacuations and a parallel control of weight gain.
It is common for constipation to occur following severe spinal cord injury. One study suggested that increasing dietary fiber in spinal cord injury patients does not have the same effect on bowel function as has been previously demonstrated in individuals with "normally functioning" bowels. Indeed, the effect may be the opposite to that desired. As had been seen in previous studies, fiber will work only in certain people suffering from constipation.
Drug Therapies
Some constipated people benefit from prescription drugs. A drug called Propulsid promotes upper gastrointestinal peristalsis that often results in quicker lower bowel evacuation. Recent reports of deaths occurring when Propulsid was combined with certain cardiovascular drugs make the use of this medicine risky.
A new drug called Procalopride was shown to help relieve chronic constipation. A report of a clinical study using Procalopride was published in the June 1999 Digestive Diseases Journal. Researchers reported on a 253 patient double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of Procalopride that showed that over a 12-week period, patients treated with Procalopride had more frequent stools of improved consistency and less severity of constipation versus placebo. A majority of the patients in the study were women with chronic constipation that didn't improve with fiber or laxatives. Side effects from long-term use of this drug are not known.
Some Conventional Therapies
Doctors often recommend fiber supplements (bulk producers) to prevent constipation. Also recommended are more fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, and more whole grain cereals and breads. Dried fruit such as apricots, prunes, and figs are especially high in fiber. Drink plenty of liquids (1 to 2 quarts daily), unless you have heart, blood vessel, or kidney problems. Be aware that some people become constipated from drinking large amounts of milk.
Some doctors suggest adding small amounts of unprocessed bran ("miller's bran") to baked goods, cereals, and fruit. Some people suffer from bloating and gas for several weeks after adding bran to their diets. Make diet changes slowly to allow the digestive system to adapt. Remember, if your diet is well balanced and contains a variety of foods high in natural fiber, it may not be necessary to add bran to other foods.
Other therapies may include:
a.. Bulk producers-As mentioned above, bulk producers are natural or semisynthetic polysaccharide and cellulose, which hold water, soften the stool, and increase the occurrence of the passage of a stool. They are the most physiologic of the laxatives. Generally recommended for managing irritable bowel syndrome. Results occur within 12 to 24 hours (may be delayed up to 72 hours).
b.. Saline laxatives-These compounds attract water into the lumen of the intestines. The fluid buildup alters the stool consistency, expands the bowel, and encourages peristaltic movement. Used mostly as a bowel preparation to clear the bowels for rectal or bowel examinations. Results occur rapidly (within 0.5 to 3 hours).
c.. Stimulant laxatives-These increase motor activity of the bowels by direct action on the intestines. Used to evacuate the bowel for rectal or bowel examinations. Most of these laxatives act on the colon, but castor oil acts on the small intestine. Results occur in 6 to 10 hours.
d.. Lubricant laxatives-These lubricate intestinal mucosa and soften stools. Used prophylactically to prevent straining in patients for whom it would be dangerous to strain. Generally, mineral oil is recommended: 5 to 30 cc at bedtime-results vary.
e.. Fecal softeners-These promote water retention in the fecal mass, thus softening the stool. Generally used to prevent straining. Most beneficial when stool is hard. However, it may require 3 days before results are experienced. Stool softeners and emollient laxatives have limited use because of their resorption of water from the forming stool. Fecal softeners should not be used exclusively, but may be useful given in combination with stimulant laxatives.
f.. Lactulose-This synthetic material passes to the colon undigested. Used to clear the bowel with minimal water and sodium loss or gain. When it is broken down in the colon, it produces lactic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide. These products increase the amount of water in the stool, which softens the stool and increases the frequency. Results generally occur in 24 to 48 hours.
g.. Golytely-This electrolyte solution used to clear the bowel with minimal water and sodium loss or gain. Good for elderly patients with congestive heart failure or renal disease. Source for these conventional therapies: National Cancer Institute, 1999.
Summary Constipation is a universal affliction of Western civilization. Americans spend more than $725 million annually on over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives in an attempt to self-treat the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the country. There are alternative therapies that are safer and more effective than conventional laxatives and work better for more people than fiber supplements.
For relieving acute constipation, one of the following techniques may be tried to induce peristaltic action within 45 to 60 minutes:
1.. Mix 4000 to 8000 mg of ascorbic acid powder with 1500 mg of magnesium oxide powder and take with juice of fresh squeezed grapefruit or orange juice. Should be taken on an empty stomach.
2.. Mix 1 to 6 teaspoons of a "buffered vitamin C powder" that contains magnesium and potassium salts along with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This should be taken on an empty stomach using room-temperature water.
3.. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of Power Maker II Sugar-Free Powder in water or juice and take on an empty stomach.
4.. Take 2000 to 3000 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) powder on an empty stomach. Pantothenic acid powder does not taste good. Note that drinking several cups of green tea will enhance the bowel evacuating effects of any one of the above four suggestions. Drinking green tea late in the day may cause insomnia. Those with gastritis or stomach ulcers may not be able to tolerate these aggressive peristalsis-inducing approaches.
For relieving chronic constipation, one or all of the following may be used:
1.. Chitosan: take six 1000-mg capsules of chitosan before each meal with one 1000-mg capsule of vitamin C.
2.. Digest RC: take 2 to 3 tablets with every meal that contains fat or protein for 3 weeks. Dosage may be reduced after symptomatic relief occurs.
3.. Soluble fibers: take 6 to 15 grams of a soluble fiber blend that contains guar gum, apple and/ or citrus pectin, and psyllium seed husk.
4.. Follow the diet and lifestyle changes discussed in this protocol. Refer to the Digestive Disorders protocol for additional information.
For more information: Contact the Consumer Nutrition Hotline of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics, 800-366-1655.
Product availability: You can order pure ascorbic acid powder, magnesium oxide powder, Buffered vitamin C or vitamin-B5 Powder, Power Maker II Sugar-Free Powder, chitosan capsules, Digest RC, or soluble fiber blends by calling 1-800-544-4440 or order on-line.