LBT 3 contains gentle, colon cleansing herbs. Many laxative-type formulas are addictive in the sense that the longer one uses them, the more one needs to take in order to sustain regular elimination. Lower bowel tonic (LBT3) is different; it strengthens and tonifies the colon instead of simply stimulating a bowel movement. After using this formula for several months, one will need to take less in order to obtain the same results.

Constipation

Constipation is not a disease in itself but it is a symptom of another problem.  It is defined as difficulty in passing stool or the infrequent passage of stool.  The resulting stool may cause pain and bleeding as it passes, because it is so hard and dry.  Constipation is very unhealthy because it impedes the ability of your body to release toxins.  Most cases of constipation can be improved with lifestyle and diet changes.  If those changes do not seem to help then a further investigation should be performed to rule out more serious pathology.

Natural and conventional treatment of constipation involves the use of laxatives.  Just because a laxative is natural does not mean that you cannot become dependant on it.
Bulk forming agents increase the bulk and water content of stool.  They are the only laxatives that are safe to use every day.  Psyllium, bran, flaxseeds, apple pectin and chicory root are examples of natural bulk formers. Stool softeners soften fecal matter so that it passes more easily. Pharmaceutical stool softeners, like mineral oil and docusate sodium, should not be taken daily because they can decrease vitamin absorption, alter drug concentrations and cause liver damage. Natural stool softeners are cold pressed oils. They also provide essential fatty acids for the health of the intestinal cells.

Healthy Intestinal Function 

The health of your colon and small intestine is crucial for optimum digestion, proper absorption of nutrients, and overall vitality and energy. Eating plenty of fiber can help, but so can the right supplements and herbs.

The intestine is the main absorptive area of the digestive tract.  It is essentially a tube with a thin mucosal lining and lots of blood vessels on the inside and muscles around the outside.  It has its own immune tissue called GALT, or gut associated lymphoid tissue.  The inner lining is filled with little fingers, or projection of the mucosa, which greatly increases its absorptive surface.

Lying on the membrane are many friendly organisms, which help our body with the digestive process.  The small intestine attaches to the stomach.  Near it’s beginning, ducts from the liver and pancreas release digestive juices.  These juices mix with the partially digested food from the stomach and continue the digestive process. Nutrients are absorbed through the thin intestinal wall and transported via the bloodstream, to where they are needed.  The liver also excretes processed toxins and fats through the bile.  These substances must be carried through the intestine without being absorbed.

The remainder of the food is pushed through into the large intestine.  The main function of the large intestine is the preparation of stool for excretion.  In order to do this the digested food must be dehydrated and compacted.  The last bit of nutrients may also be absorbed here.

Diet and Lifestyle Connection

Lifestyle changes to help with constipation include regular exercise and stress reduction.  Never suppress the urge to defecate.  Do not strain to pass stool because it can contribute to hemorrhoid formation.

Tackling the emotional aspects of constipation should also be undertaken.  It can sometimes reflect the inability to “let go” of certain things that have happened in a person’s life.  Sometimes this emotional connection can even go back to trauma in childhood.  Abdominal massage and hydrotherapy can be helpful to regulate bowel movements.

Assess your diet for irritating substances that may contribute to constipation.  Perform intestinal cleansing to rid the colon of build-up and optimize its functioning.  Drink 8-10, 8oz glasses of water each day.  Start your day with a bowel stimulating glass of warm water with lemon juice.  Consume a low fat and high fibre diet.  Include fresh fruits (with skin) and vegetables, prunes, figs and whole grains in your diet.  Avoid dairy products, spicy food, fats, processed foods, salt, coffee and alcohol.

To Help Relieve Constipation Try:

• Eating more raw or lightly steamed vegetables
• Taking a fiber supplement, such as Psyllium or Flax fiber
• Take probiotic daily
• Identify allergenic foods and eliminate them, even temporarily
• Drink lots of pure water, at least 2.5 liters a day
• Control stress, try Yoga or Tai Chi
• Avoid refined white flour products
• Eat prunes

Ingredients:

Ginger root	52.2mg
Lobelia herb	34mg
Cascara Sagrada bark	104.2mg
Barberry root bark	34.8mg
Fennel seed	34.8mg
Goldenseal root	34.8mg
Red Raspberry leaf	34.8mg
Turkey Rhubarb root	34.8mg
Cayenne fruit (80,000HU)	17.4mg

Directions: Two tablets, three time daily as needed.

Note: Diarrhea is often experienced for the first few days. If it continues after the third day, decrease dose accordingly. A lower bowel improvement program may take six to eighteen months.

Cautions: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing, have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or if you have kidney disease. Not for children under the age of 12. Discuss with your health practitioner if you have any acute health concerns. Diarrhea is often experienced for the first few days. If it continues after the third day, decrease dose accordingly. A lower bowel improvement program may take six to eighteen months.