Probiotics for a Natural Laxative Effect

Probiotics have been shown to play a role in balancing the colon for digestive comfort and act as a potent natural laxative. Probiotics, such as acidophilus, bifidus, and other strains are live bacteria that reside in the colon naturally. Literally the word probiotic means ‘for life,’ and these probiotic bacteria are crucial for human health. Millions of these beneficial bacteria reside in the colon and work to fight disease-causing organisms. A probiotics supplement benefits the body in many ways, such as:

• Supporting the immune system


• Balancing the colon’s probiotic bacteria environment


• Nourishing the colon’s cells


• Fighting colon issues such as constipation problems

How do probiotics help support the colon?

The colon is the human body’s largest organ for fighting illnesses. Probiotics in the colon compete with harmful flora preventing them from spreading and multiplying and thereby causing sickness and chronic constipation. This process also restores the colon’s bacterial balance necessary for it to operate effectively in eliminating waste and preventing constipation. Another function of probiotics is that they help thicken the colon mucus which prevents the bad bugs from being absorbed in the colon lining.

A probiotics supplement also creates ‘nutrition’ for the cells lining the colon by fermenting some of the fiber in the food present in the colon. The waste produced by the probiotics feeding on fiber produces fuel that nourishes the colons cells, encouraging them to heal more quickly and promoting bowel regularity and movement. By providing the colon with necessary fuel, probiotics help the colon more effectively absorb other nutrients and aid in the manufacturing of necessary vitamins.

What are foods that can be used as a probiotics supplement and a natural laxative?

Yogurt is the most common food that contains the lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. When purchasing yogurt, verify that it contains live bacteria on the ingredient listing. Many fermented vegetables contain probiotics produced by the fermentation process and can aid in constipation treatment as well.

• Tempeh is produced by fermenting whole soy beans, during which process a beneficial mold is formed that binds the beans together to form the tempeh. It is delicious in vegetarian dishes as a substitute for meat.


• Miso is fermented soy or other grains and is used in many Japanese dishes. Miso is fermented for a long period of time (1 – 2 yrs) compared to tempeh (1- 2 days). A small bowl of miso a few times a week can greatly improve digestion and benefit the colon to help prevent chronic constipation.


• Sauerkraut is another fermented vegetable, cabbage, which has more nutrients due to fermentation. These foods strengthen the acidity of the stomach and encourage muscular contractions of the colon, so it is great food for preventing bloating and for constipation.


• Probiotic supplement formulations – since the modern diet does not provide enough of the above or other foods containing healthy bacteria, a supplement can act as natural laxatives do by supporting the beneficial bacteria to do their job. Indications of a good probiotic supplement are the number of strains and the number of live colonies of the bacteria. A supplement like StayRegular contains 12 Billion CFU (Colony Forming Units) of multiple species of beneficial probiotic bacteria, each of which has been studied in relieving constipation.

Overall, the benefits of probiotic supplement preparations are achieved by supporting the colon function through the introduction of additional bacteria to the colon. By maintaining the colon’s health with the best probiotics, like those contained in StayRegular, the colon’s function is enhanced and constipation and irritable bowel syndrome could be prevented.