When Pooping Becomes a Problem: Unraveling Dyssynergic Defecation and Cathartic Colon

We've explored the physical aspects of constipation—exercise, massage, posture, and supplements. But there's another layer to this puzzle: the intricate connection between your brain and your gut. In this final post, we'll delve into two conditions that highlight this mind-gut link: dyssynergic defecation and cathartic colon.

young woman experiencing IBS and constipation

Dyssynergic Defecation: A Miscommunication in the Mind-Gut Connection

Imagine your brain and pelvic floor muscles as two dancers who need to be perfectly in sync. In dyssynergic defecation, this coordination goes awry. Your brain sends the signal to poop, but your pelvic floor muscles don't get the memo, or they get the wrong memo and contract when they should be relaxing, leading to straining, incomplete evacuation, and frustration.

This condition often stems from learned behaviors, such as excessive straining or poor toilet habits. Think of it as your muscles forgetting how to dance together—the brain sends the signal to poop, but the pelvic floor muscles miss the cue and either don't relax or actually contract when they should be letting go. It's like a faulty program running in your body's "software."

The good news is that with proper guidance, you can retrain those muscles and restore harmony to your bathroom routine. As a fitness professional, this totally makes sense to me. We know that muscles can be trained and retrained, whether it's for strength, flexibility, or even proper coordination for defecation. It's a nice reminder that we have the power to re-educate our bodies and improve their function.

That's why I created the FLOW Formula—a routine designed to re-educate those muscles and get things moving smoothly.

Cathartic Colon: The Downside of Laxative Dependence

Our gut is a remarkable ecosystem, but it can be thrown off balance by chronic laxative use. Cathartic colon is a condition where the colon becomes dependent on laxatives, losing its natural ability to function properly.

This often starts with a reliance on over-the-counter stimulant laxatives, such as those containing bisacodyl (e.g., Dulcolax, Correctol) or sennosides (e.g., Ex-Lax, Senokot). These laxatives can damage the nerves and muscles in your colon over time. It's like constantly whipping a horse to make it run—eventually, it will become exhausted and unable to move on its own.

The good news is that cathartic colon can often be reversed by gradually weaning off laxatives and supporting the colon's natural function through diet, exercise, and stress management. This is because, in many cases, the nerve damage is temporary, and the colon can regain its ability to contract and move stool naturally once the irritation from laxatives is removed.

The Nervous System: The Unsung Hero of Gut Health

Our gut is connected to our brain and nervous system

Our gut is intricately connected to our nervous system, which means stress, anxiety, and even past trauma can impact our digestive health. It's like a feedback loop—stress can trigger gut issues, and gut issues can, in turn, trigger more stress.

By addressing the nervous system through practices like mindfulness, meditation, relaxation techniques, and even having a regular faith practice, we can help restore balance to our gut and promote healthy elimination.

A Note About Overlap and Professional Advice

It's important to remember that dyssynergic defecation and cathartic colon can sometimes overlap with other functional gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you're struggling with chronic constipation or other digestive issues, it's important to seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. To read the other blogs in this series focusing on constipation, see below: Part 1: The Surprising Link Between Your Workout and Your Poops: Could Exercise Be Making You Constipated? Part 2: Belly Bliss: How Stomach Massage Can Relieve Constipation Part 3: Poop Like a Pro: How Posture Affects Your Potty Performance Part 4: Beyond the Bathroom: Why You Need These Supplements for Superior Poops Part 5: When Pooping Becomes a Problem: Unraveling Dyssynergic Defecation and Cathartic Colon