The Fiber Menace & Hydro C

[Guest guest]

PS.. from Sue,

Although we haven't read this book

I looked at the website http://www.fibermenace.com/fiber/chinashop.html#autismas per Di's recommendation

and it seems to make sense...only time will tell. ??

I'd been using fiber ever since my rectal surgery over 30 years ago...

and the biggest positive difference in bowel health was when

I had a FAT intollerance clearing and started the

the 7 supplements I just posted on increasing BILE production.

Now I don't need fiber supplementation .. at least for now...

I thought it was interesting and reassuring that the author K.

shows diagrams of how large stools should be for good bowel health

and explains why... He said they should be no bigger than a nickel in diameter

or equivalent to one's index finger.

With fiber ---mine were larger ..without fiber--- they are he recommends.

And no effort is needed a he states is good.

That's also reassuring.. as many posted in the past ---that was not big enough.

Some asked what Hydro C is --from the fiber Menace..

I don't need it myself ....but for those of you who do..

Here is more info. from the fiber menace website.:

AGELESS HYDRO-C

by Konstantin Monastyrsky

Hydro-C is an integral part of Colorectal Recovery Program. It assists recovery from irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, anal fissures, and related disorders. Hydro-C contains four essential nutrients — rapidly absorbing vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is free from side-effects, non-addictive, and beneficial for general health.

Practically all colorectal disorders commence from hard stools — large and small alike — and the ensuing straining, enlarged internal hemorrhoids, mechanical damage of anal canal lining, and incomplete emptying.

The most frequent causes of large stools are fiber dependence, skipping stools, the stretching of the large intestine, hemorrhoidal disease, the side effects of medication, diabetic nerve damage, and endocrine disorders. Larger stools also have a tendency to harden up and dry, turning bowel movements into an ordeal.

Disbacteriosis — the deficiency of innate, intestinal flora — is the primary reason behind small, dry, and hard stools, which are just as difficult and painful to eliminate as large stools.

Hydro-C moisturizes, softens, and breaks down hard, dry, and large stools, making their passage easier and safer. Unlike conventional laxatives, Hydro-C starts working shortly after taking it on an empty stomach, usually 30 to 60 minutes. It's doesn't interfere with gastric or intestinal digestion, and doesn't cause cramping, intestinal inflammation, or affects other organs.

Supplement facts 100 Servings Per Container

Serving size 1/2 teaspoon

Amount Per Serving

% Daily value

Vitamin C

from Mineral Ascorbates

1175 mg

1958%

Calcium

Calcium Ascorbate Complex

225 mg

23%

Magnesium

Magnesium Ascorbate Complex

125 mg

31%

Potassium

Potassium Ascorbate Complex

40.5 mg

1%

OTHER INGREDIENTS: Potassium bicarbonate, citric acid and rose hips.

Indications for Colorectal Disorders

I recommend using Hydro-C as a part of Colorectal Recovery Program to eliminate disbacteriosis and restore the integrity of intestinal flora, and, consequentially, eliminate hard and dry stools, straining, chronic constipation, incomplete emptying, overcome anorectal nerve damage, and to break dependence on fiber and laxatives.

The initial use of Hydro-C alone as a substitute for laxatives or fiber isn't as efficient or cost-effective as within the program because this fails to rebuild intestinal flora, restore the integrity of colon mucosa, and normalize stools naturally. Once these objectives are accomplished, you may continue using Hydro-C alone or in combination with other supplements to stabilize and maintain the following conditions:

Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation. Hydro-C is safer and more effective than the alternatives for treating constipation related to IBS or any other condition. It doesn’t induce cramping or severe diarrhea, it doesn't damage intestinal flora, it won't “act” on you in the wrong place and at the wrong time because it works shortly after taking it, it isn't addictive and is free of side effects.

Hemorrhoidal disease. For anyone who has enlarged hemorrhoids, Hydro-C is a godsend, because it prevents further enlargements, prolapses, and inflammations. The usage and action of Hydro-C for hemorrhoids is the same as for anal fissures (see next) — by consistently keeping stools soft, small, and watery, and eliminating the need for straining.

Anal fissures. Hydro-C has proven to be a “magic bullet” for people who suffer from anal fissures. It is one of the most intractable, painful, and hard-to-treat anorectal disorders because one can't stop having stools whilst healing. By consistently keeping stools soft, small, and watery, and eliminating the need for straining, Hydro-C prevents further tearing, reduces pain and bleeding, and facilitates rapid healing. When recovering from anal fissures, select an initial dose that will keep stools sufficiently watery, to prevent straining. As the healing progresses, gradually decrease the dose.

Diverticular disease. Hydro-C consistently maintains small stools and avoids overfilling the large intestine. This is critical for people affected by diverticulosis (presence of diverticula — pouches). Small amounts of stool in the colon and regular and complete bowel emptying prevents the accumulation of stools in diverticula and resulting inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the intestinal wall (diverticulitis).

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Hydro-C helps to keep Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in remission and assists healing. Hydro-C prevents hard stools or constipation without resorting to fiber and laxatives that commonly contribute to inflammation and relapse.

Pediatric constipation. Hydro-C breaks the habit of ‘stool withdrawal’ by toddlers, usually related to pain caused by hard, large, dry, or impacted stools. Its’ action over-rides the child's resistance to moving his/her bowels without causing additional trauma or pain.

Colorectal polyps and lesion prevention. Use Hydro-C as a non-addictive and side effects-free supplement for prevention of pre-cancerous polyps and lesions, that are the precursors of colorectal cancer. Especially important if you already have discovered some or you are in the high-risk group for colorectal cancer.

General Indications (Other than colorectal disorders)

You may find Hydro-C useful and effective for situations and conditions indirectly related to colorectal disorders. Of course, all the same suggestions apply to people with pre-existing colorectal conditions. In those cases, these recommendations are even more critical:

Travel into a different time zone. To stimulate “on-demand” defecation, use while travelling. Since we are conditioned to have bowel movements at around the same local (“home”) time each day, when it’s 8 a.m. in New York, you may be in the middle of an afternoon tour of the Louvre in Paris — not exactly the most desirable time or place to move your bowels. (FYI: It takes up to two weeks to reset one’s internal clock to a new time zone. When travelling abroad for less than that time, try to eat regular meals at your “home” time, not the new local time. This way you won’t be affected by jetlag as seriously, won’t have as much difficulty re-adjusting after returning back home, and will significantly reduce your chances of getting traveler's diarrhea, which is often attributed to food or water poisoning, while in most cases it results from severe indigestion when eating out-of-schedule.)

Flying. Use before going onto an airplane. Air travel in pressurized plane cabins, and anxieties associated with packing, boarding, departing, flying, landing, and collecting luggage have a profound laxative effect on many people. It’s best not to take chances, especially in the confines of a cramped plane’s lavatory. Whenever we take a long distance trip by car or are flying, I always reserve enough time to thoroughly “flush” myself with Hydro-C. This assures stress-free, flatus-free, and comfortable travel.

Toilet (re-)training. Use to acquire, regardless of age, a habit of having regular defecations prior to leaving the house. This is especially important for people who don’t eat breakfast at home, because there isn’t anything to stimulate the gastrocolic reflex. A working alternative: drink a full glass of warm water slowly. Just like a meal, a glass of water stimulates the gastrocolic reflex and mass peristaltic movement.

Extended stress situations. Use during times of high stress, anxiety, and tension. Normal defecation is often unconsciously suppressed during these situations, and may affect some people who are especially prone to irregularity. In general, though, extremely high stress is more likely to cause diarrhea than constipation. (The reasons are explained here.)

Specific stressful events. Use to relieve yourself of stools before anticipating a stressful event, such as an exam, an interview, a date, a wedding, etc. Running to the bathroom in a wedding gown is a contingency that’s easier to prevent than gracefully execute!

Medical exams. Use before a medical appointment, especially those that may involve an anorectal or genitourinary examination. It may also be a good idea to use Hydro-C to lavage the colon of stools instead of harmful laxatives and lavages used in medical clinics.

Excess flatus (gases). Use whenever gases bother you, but you can’t let them out at will. Vigorous intestinal peristalsis helps gases to escape along with stools. Just make sure there is a bathroom nearby before taking Hydro-C.

Before hospital admittance. Use in hospital settings, especially before surgery. Obviously, Hydro-C should not be used following any kind of surgery or procedure, until approved by a doctor.

Smoking cessation. Smoking stimulates saliva secretion. Smoke-laced saliva , once swallowed, stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, the gastrocolic reflex, and peristaltic mass movement — the conditions that stimulate the defecation urge and initiate the process of moving the bowels. In many people, particularly with pre-existing colorectal disorders, smoking cessation may cause constipation because they no longer experience an urge sensation as often, and miss stools.

High-performance sports. Professional athletes often use laxatives to relieve themselves before competition to reduce body weight and improve results, to avoid unwelcome interruption, and to manage stress-related gut jitters. Traditional laxatives are hard to dose, they must be taken far in advance, and they are prone to causing nasty side-effects that may have a complete opposite effect on your performance. In addition, laxatives compromises stool morphology, are damaging to intestinal flora, and may cause IBS. Use Hydro-C instead to (a) remove dosing uncertainties; ( avoid short- or long-term side-effects; © to enrich the body with essential minerals and vitamin C.

Weight-loss diets. Constipation, hard stools, and digestive disorders are three of the most prominent side-effects of all restrictive diets, but particularly prominent for low-carb, high protein diets. There are two concomitant factors at play: the absence of fiber in low-carb diets suddenly reduces stool size and causes constipation for reasons explained in Fiber Menace, (Chapter II, Atkins Goes To South Beach, available here) while proteins cause indigestion, particularly in older individuals. It's next to impossible to continue the diet with simultaneous problems at the ‘top” and “bottom end” of the digestive tract. In these situations use Hydro-C to regulate the “bottom end,” and recommendations in Fiber Menace (Chapter 11, Avoiding the Perils of Transition) to prevent indigestion.

After gastric bypass. Reasons for this are similar to above, except they are now permanent, because the diet is so restricted. Hydro-C is a life-saver for people in this situation not only because it's a liquid formula (easy to take), immediately effective, and non-addictive, but also because it's chock-full of essential micronutrients, not generally available in a restrictive diet.

Diabetic nerve damage. Diabetes, prediabetes, and undiagnosed diabetes may cause anorectal nerve damage. This condition diminishes or eliminates the defecation urge sensation, and makes it difficult or impossible to move the bowels on a regular basis without some kind of assistance — usually stimulant laxatives, which have unpleasant and long-lasting side-effects. Hydro-C in a slightly larger dose liquefies stools, and gravity stimulates rapid and complete bowel emptying regardless of anorectal sensitivity.

Side-effects of medication. Use when taking medications that affect the level of electrolytes, the central and peripheral nervous systems and diminished muscular contractions. These types of drugs suppress both urge and intestinal peristalsis. If the suppression is only partial, glycerin suppositories may still be effective.

Cancer treatments. Chemo- or radiotherapies cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decimate the intestinal flora, and may cause severe constipation. Fiber is particularly contra-indicated during cancer treatments, because of its emetic effect. Cancer treatments also depress the immune system, so every bit of extra vitamin C and minerals helps healing and recovery, and reduces side-effects.

Post-surgical recovery. Anesthesia temporarily “shuts down” intestinal peristalsis and makes restarting normal bowel movements a challenge, especially among people predisposed to constipation. Hydro-C’s efficiency is excellent in these situations and it’s much safer than slow- acting and toxic emollient laxatives, such as Colace—a favorite of hospitals everywhere. Vitamin C’s healing properties are an added bonus.

Retroviral therapy. Constipation commonly accompanies retroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other viral conditions. The benefits of Hydro-C are similar to those for the cancer treatments.

Pregnancy and lactation. Hydro-C is safer and more effective for constipation relief than the alternatives and it provides essential vitamin C and minerals at the same time.

Withholding of stools. Hydro-C is indispensable for mentally impaired patients who withhold stools because of anorectal pain related to constipation and large stools. By consistently keeping stools small and soft, recipients can be trained not to be afraid of defecation.

Gerontological use. Vitamin C and mineral deficiencies are commonplace among older people because of impaired digestion, inadequate nutrition, and other factors. Constipation and colorectal disorders are even more pervasive among the elderly, among whom susceptibility to the side-effects of common laxatives is high. Hydro-C is optimal for patients in this age group, and is easy to take.

By far, this isn't a complete list of uses for this unique supplement. Because it's so effective, non-addictive and free of side-effects, you may also find Hydro-C useful for many other conditions and disorders not listed here.

Mechanism of action

When taken on empty stomach, Hydro-C breaks down, moisturizes, and softens hard, dry, impacted stools. This in turn stimulates elimination without pain, straining, or pressure. Unlike conventional laxatives, Hydro-C is non-addictive, free of side effects, and doesn’t cause residual discomfort because it doesn’t irritate or stimulate intestinal mucosa and the anal canal’s receptors.

Hydro-C is a derivative of the ubiquitous vitamin C, except that it’s safer and more effective to take, because it’s buffered (non-acidic), gentle on your stomach, fast-acting, and requires smaller doses than regular Vitamin C to attain a similar effect. In addition, Hydro-C provides three minerals essential for bone health, heart function, normal blood pressure, and healthy intestines: calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Hydro-C is hypoallergenic, and it’s synergistic with the large intestine’s functionality. It does exactly what its name implies—moisturizes dry stools, breaks down large stools, and stimulates defecation. It does all this without affecting the intestinal mucosa, damaging the intestinal microflora, or causing any side effects typical off conventional laxatives. In other words, it isn’t a drug, nor is it a laxative. People who have been helped by Hydro-C, myself included, consider it pure magic.

Hydro-C is an effervescent powder. It dissolves in water instantly, and has no strong taste or smell. Unlike regular vitamin C powder, it isn't astringent or acidic. It works so well for everyone because its action is rooted in basic human physiology. Here's how and why:

Hydro-C includes three basic derivatives of vitamin C (ascorbic acid): potassium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, and potassium bicarbonate—an effervescent agent that enhances solubility and speeds up assimilation.

The ions of ascorbate are Hydro-C’s principal acting agents. When the level of ascorbates that normally circulate in the blood exceeds a certain threshold, the excess is released by osmosis into the large intestine, along with water. The same mechanism is behind vitamin C’s “flushing” effect in large doses, but Hydro-C requires much smaller doses because of enhanced digestion.

How to take Hydro-C

For optimal results, follow these directions:

Use a dry teaspoon. Dissolve one to one-and-a-half teaspoons of Hydro-C powder in half-a-glass of plain drinking water at room temperature.

Once dissolved, drink immediately. Otherwise the solution becomes flat (not effervescent) and slightly bitter.

Follow-up with another half glass of water, GI Recovery solution (if applicable), or any other beverage to allow the solution to move down from the stomach to the small intestine.

For normalization of stools, hard stools, irregularity, or constipation Hydro-C must be taken in the morning, as soon as you wake up, because it only reliably moisturizes stools when taken on an empty stomach. This way the entire dose can rapidly pass into the small intestine and get assimilated into the blood stream. If your stomach is already filled with food being digested, Hydro-C can’t pass into the small intestine past the pyloric canal—a valve that separates the stomach from the duodenum.

Hydro-C takes from 30 minutes to a few hours to act. Adjust actual dosage depending on your response. If substantially overdosed, you will experience loose, watery stools (which is perfectly okay, if your goal is to relieve constipation and/or lavage the colon). If it is underdosed or taken after food, you may not experience defecation-stimulating effect, although you’ll still be getting the full benefits of Vitamin C and those essential minerals.

Hydro-C doesn’t lead to acute diarrhea or cause cramping, because its mechanism of action is entirely natural. To prevent overly watery stools, decrease the dose gradually until you accomplish desired stool consistency.

You shouldn’t take Hydro-C before leaving the house or when a bathroom isn’t immediately available. When excess water gets down into the rectum, you may experience a strong urge that may be impossible to contain, especially if you are flatulent (letting out gases opens the anal canal, and causes fecal leakage).

To save yourself from a major embarrassment, treat Hydro-C just like a very potent laxative, even though it isn’t one. You are getting a laxative effect not from colon’s irritation or stimulation, but from rapid increase of water volume inside your colon and rectum.

You may experience one or more urges following the initial application of Hydro-C. Secondary urges are usually quite watery, so don’t leave the house right away. Again, these urges aren’t caused by stimulation, but by water pressure on the anal canal.

You may not have a stool “the day after” because of Hydro-C’s effectiveness. That’s okay! This isn’t constipation, but a natural occurrence, since it takes from 24 to 72 hours to form and propel stools from the blind gut down to the rectum. On a fiber-free diet, the natural volume of stools is under 100-150 grams. If you have acute disbacteriosis, it may be even smaller. So don’t be alarmed, and don’t try to force stools out every single day. It takes time for them to accumulate and form in sufficient volume to stimulate a stretched-out large intestine.

For people who already have enlarged hemorrhoids, soft, watery stools may leave fecal residue around the anus because of its irregular shape. You should have access to a bidet, flexible shower, or other facilities to thoroughly wash the perianal area after each defecation.

It’s best to begin taking Hydro-C over the weekend, when you don’t have to leave the house. If you don’t get any effect in two hours, repeat the dose—assuming you didn’t have any meals in the interim. Wait for at least thirty minutes before having your first meal. Once you start eating, the gastrocolic reflex may stimulate a strong urge. If you still don’t get an urge, use glycerin suppositories to stimulate bowel movement, or increase the dose.

Optimizing Hydro-C performance

Hydro-C works naturally for everyone as long as it can reach the small intestine soon after taking it, and its dose is sufficient to accomplish the “task in hand.”

Here are the situations when it may not immediately deliver the expected results for no fault of its own, and what to do about it:

Insufficient dose to break down hardened stools. The initial application of Hydro-C to loosen up hard stools may require a larger dose, usually a heaped teaspoon in order to “flood” the large intestine with fluids and “flush” it out. In this case, it’s best to go on a liquid diet for at least 24 hours in order to free the stomach of its’ contents.

Then, take a teaspoon of Hydro-C before going to bed along with a full glass of water. This way it's first application will have a chance to dissolve hardened stools while you are sleeping. By morning most of the excess water gets reabsorbed, but the stools will remain moist.

You can take another dose — about teaspoon again — immediately upon awakening to stimulate defecation. Make sure you don't have to leave the house to avoid a major eruption in the wrong place.

Fecal Impaction or colorectal obstruction. If you only see a diarrhea-like condition after taking Hydro-C — fluids, but no stools — you may be affected by fecal impaction or colon obstruction.

In the case of fecal impactions, the fluids produced by Hydro-C may not be sufficient to break up impacted stools. In the case of colon obstructions, solid stools simply can't pass out.

In both cases, visit your doctor or a hospital emergency department for further check-ups and treatment. (Avoid abdominal CT scans to prevent excessive x-ray, radiation exposure. A regular x-ray is enough to establish impaction or obstruction.)

If you encounter an extended stretch of constipation followed by diarrhea-like stools even before taking Hydro-C, this condition is called paradoxical diarrhea. It's common for fecal impaction and colorectal obstruction, and differs from the usual diarrhea in volume (less), intensity (less), consistency (mainly fluids, very little solid pieces), smell (very pronounced), and color (usually dark brown).

Gastroparesis. If you don’t experience any stool-stimulating effect from Hydro-C after taking it on an empty stomach, you may be affected by gastroparesis — a term commonly used to describe delayed stomach emptying. Gastroparesis prevents the Hydro-C solution from a quick passage into the small intestine and its rapid absorption there.

Many old-school or not-up-to-date physicians may still insist that gastroparesis is limited strictly to its literal definition — a “stomach paralysis” caused by vagus nerve damage from diabetes, trauma, or surgery.

According to the gastroparesis definition by the National Institute of Health, it's no longer the case: “Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents [link].”

In addition to vagus nerve damage, the NIH lists seven other possible causes of gastroparesis: (1) viral infections; (2) anorexia nervosa or bulimia; (3) systemic drugs that slow smooth muscle contraction; (4) gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); (5) smooth muscle disorders, such as amyloidosis and scleroderma; (6) nervous system diseases, including abdominal migraine and Parkinson’s disease; and (7) metabolic disorders, including hypothyroidism.

With the exception of GERD, all these conditions are also implicated in colorectal disorders, particularly in IBS and chronic constipation. This coincidence makes Hydro-C even more important for you.

Besides these seven, the NIH failed to list some other important causes of indigestion and gastroparesis: inadequate gastric juice acidity; low level of proteolytic enzymes; overeating or combining heterogeneous foods (i.e. proteins and carbs); gastric and duodenal obstruction with fiber, high frequency of eating; inadequate chewing, missing teeth, or poor-fitting dentures; overuse of water and other fluids after meals; alcohol consumption; mucosa scarring from gastritis or acute gastritis, the use of antacids; low-salt diets, and probably some others.

If you are affected by gastroparesis, use a liquid diet for at least 24 hours before taking Hydro-C. This should allow the contents of your stomach to move out and down into the small intestine. Otherwise, as long as the stomach remains filled with food, fluids, and digestive juices, Hydro-C will not work “as advertised.”

Vitamin C deficiency. For people who are depleted from vitamin C, the initial effective dose of Hydro-C may exceed the regular dose several times, because the cells (the primary storage sites for ascorbates) may absorb all of the Vitamin C without any apparent effect on the colon. In this case, increase the dose gradually, or take several smaller doses an hour or so apart to saturate the body.

Dehydration. If you are substantially dehydrated, Hydro-C may not work as well because your body won't release a sufficient amount of fluids into the colon to stimulate defecation. If you suspect dehydration, hydrate your body well before taking Hydro-C. Please note that drinking too much water causes dehydration. This phenomena and the perils of overhydration are described in Fiber Menace (Chapter 2, Water Damage.)

Inflammation of the colorectal mucosa. Though a massive colon inflammation is rare, it's still possible. When the mucosa is affected by inflammation, it doesn't release fluids as fast. This condition is more likely among people affected by ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Overuse. If your stools are small, soft, and pass easily, you don't need to use Hydro-C every day, particularly after taking a large dose to “flush out” the colon. Overuse is one of the most common mistakes people make.

If you are on a low-fiber diet and your stools are already normalized, your body produces less than 100-150 grams of feces daily — just a tiny fraction of the colon's total holding capacity. (More about it here.)

This volume may not be enough to stimulate and attain daily bowel movements, particularly for older people, who may already have a stretched-out colon (results in larger holding capacity), diminished anorectal sensitivity (results in a higher urge threshold), and reduced muscle tone of the colon and rectum (results in a slower rate of peristalsis and propulsion of stools).

If this applies to you, just find yourself a schedule to have comfortable bowel movements with less frequency, such as every other day or even less. This way you are giving your newly formed stools a chance to move up, over, and down the entire length of the large intestine. It's wiser to space out stools rather than using Hydro-C to force daily defecation “no matter what” .

Yes, you heard me right: you don't have to force a bowel movement EVERY DAY as long as your less frequent bowel movements are comfortable. The “ideal” frequency no longer applies to people with pre-existing colorectal damage.

Finally, don't confuse my definition of optimal frequency in the context of Hydro-C with the prevalent medical advice that states: “You aren't constipated as long as you have stools at least once in three days.”

That advice is good as long those infrequent stools don't tear one's anus apart, or send sparks flying out of ones’ eyes. In other words, the frequency of stools isn't critical, the quality is! As long as the quality is ideal, the frequency doesn't matter.

The concepts I have just described aren't really medical, but physical. If you look at your body as a finely crafted, finely tuned, and elegant piece of clockwork (instead of a “dirty rotten pipe for moving out crap”), you'll enjoy just as much clarity as I do. And health too...

As with everything in life, be flexible, adaptable, and patient. Sure, it's easier to throw a tantrum, demand your “money back,” or blame someone else for your troubles. But what, in this case, are you going to do next? Go back to your doctor for more fiber and laxatives which had brought you to this page in the first place?

I hope not. Because all the same factors — overuse, wrong doses, hardened stools, dehydration, inflammation, fecal impaction, and gastroparesis — affect fiber and laxatives even more. Except they are ineffective, and unsafe to boot. Hydro-C — isn't.

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Suitable for children

Hydro-C is safe and effective for children of any age. It’s easy to take, since it’s neither bitter, or sour, nor particularly prominent (i.e. disgusting for kids’ extreme senses of taste and smell). You may use diluted juice instead of water to overcome resistance.

It is easier to take as soon as it is mixed with water, because once the “bubbles” are out, it becomes slightly bitter. To assure your child that it’s safe and easy to take, mix a small dose for yourself, and take it along with your child. Make sure to adjust the actual dose to your child’s weight, i.e. if your child weighs five times less than you at a normal weight, divide the adult’s dose by five.

Never give Hydro-C to children until trying it out on yourself! It’s critically important for you to understand and feel out its action in order to avoid an extremely unpleasant situation with running stools, especially while not at home. Wearing heavy-duty diapers may be a good idea even for already toilet-trained toddlers, because your child may have difficulty in resisting an extremely strong urge.

In case of resistance, mix Hydro-C into the child's favorite juice. Please note that I do not condone giving juices to children. There isn't anything as offensive for a child's health and development as a fruit or vegetable juice, particularly canned or processed. More on this here. As an occasional base for Hydro-C it's acceptable to use a juice, considering the alternatives.

Finally, you should always consult a pediatrician before giving your child any supplement, including Hydro-C. If your doctor objects without giving you any valid reason, ask him/her why an exceptionally toxic laxative may be okay for your child, while Hydro-C isn't. Suggest that your doctor read this page for more information about Hydro-C. If you don't get a reasoned response, consider seeking a second opinion from a nutritionally-oriented doctor.

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Safety and benefits

The safety and health benefits of vitamin C are well established. Dr. Linus ing, the two-time Nobel Prize winner, is one of the best-known advocates of Vitamin C. Dr. ing took 3,000 mg of vitamin C daily for the last three decades of his life. He passed away at 93, vigorous and productive to the very end. Who knows how long he would have lived if he’d had Hydro-C and started taking it even earlier?

Here’s a brief summary of the healing and protective properties of vitamin C that originally attracted Dr. ing’s attention:

Synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a core tissue protein that creates the backbone of skin, teeth, gums, cartilage, joints, and bones. For the same reason, vitamin C helps with the healing of wounds, cuts, and abrasions of all kinds.

Bone and joint disease. Bone matrix is built from collagen. The extended deficiency of vitamin C is a primary cause of degenerative osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Scurvy. Vitamin C prevents scurvy—a degenerative tissue disease caused by the “weakening of collagenous structures that results in widespread capillary hemorrhaging.” Scurvy is apparent from swollen joints, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. Scurvy is often misdiagnosed as periodontal disease, which is an infectious disease of the gums and teeth. Bleeding gums and cracked corners of the lips among children and adults may be symptoms of scurvy. Scurvy may cause anal fissures or prevent their healing. Scurvy is common among people on restrictive weight-loss diets and among malnourished children.

Kidney disease. Elevated blood pressure and diabetes cause kidney damage. Vitamin C helps to mitigate the damage by helping impaired kidneys rebuild damaged glomeruli—the inner structures of the kidney that filters urine from blood. The tissue-rebuilding process requires a great deal of collagen.

Antioxidant. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the body from the carcinogenic compounds found in food, tobacco, and the environment. Cellular oxidation is considered one of the primary causes of cancers and heart disease.

Heart disease. Vitamin C protects blood vessels from oxidative damage and inflammatory disease, which are the primary causes of atherosclerosis. Vitamin C reduces elevated blood pressure because of its vasodilating (widening) effect. Vitamin C has an anti-clotting effect similar to aspirin, but without the side effects of the latter.

Immunity. Vitamin C is essential for proper immunity, and it enhances phagocytosis—a non-specific response to various pathogens. Strong protective properties against respiratory diseases, such as colds and the flu, are attributed to it. These properties of vitamin C are still controversial, because the connection is indirect and hard to prove. However, nobody will debate that healthy individuals are more resistant to all kind of viral and bacterial infections and their complications, including respiratory ones. The simple fact that vitamin C is one of the cornerstones of good health is long past the debate stage.

Diabetic nerve damage. Vitamin C protects diabetics from nerve damage. This is especially important to prevent further deterioration of anal and rectal sensitivity for people who already suffer from constipation and anorectal disorders.

Blindness. There is evidence that vitamin C has protective properties against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, which are the major causes of blindness among aging adults and diabetics.

Anemia. Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of anemia, because it is required for red blood cell formation, and is known to enhance the absorption of dietary iron.

These important properties alone merit the daily intake of Vitamin C, particularly for people on a restrictive diet, including a low-carb one. Juices aren’t an appropriate source of vitamin C. One cup (250 g) of commercial orange juice, for example, contains almost two tablespoons (25 g) of sugar and only 89 mg of vitamin C—enough sugar to contribute to diabetes and obesity, but not enough vitamin C to counteract the damage.

Besides, by the time any canned juice reaches consumers, a great deal of vitamin C is rendered useless by oxidation. That’s why quality vitamin C supplements are certainly more reliable and less harmful than food sources.

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Advantages over laxatives and fiber

In addition to safety and health benefits, Hydro-C has numerous advantages over fiber, laxatives, and generic vitamin C (ascorbic acid):

Fast-acting. For people who already have normalized stools Hydro-C performs its magic, usually within an hour. When stools are impacted for some time, it may take several doses and between 24 and 48 hours to break them down.

Natural moisturizing agent. Hydro-C works to moisten and soften stools the most natural way—by providing water and potassium. Potassium is key to water retention inside the cellular structures (i.e. bacteria and dead cells disposed of by the body via stools).

No effect on digestion. If properly taken (on an empty stomach), Hydro-C doesn’t interfere in any way with gastric digestion, or the assimilation of nutrients inside the small intestine. It doesn’t impact the absorption of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and microelements in any way.

Nonemetic. Hydro-C doesn’t cause nausea or vomiting in sensitive adults. In fact, when properly taken on an empty stomach, it reduces innate acidity and pacifies gastric mucosa.

No flatulence or bloating. Hydro-C doesn’t cause flatulence or bloating, so typical for fiber-based and hyperosmolar laxatives, because it doesn’t stimulate bacterial fermentation. This makes Hydro-C safe and effective for treating constipation for people affected by IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.

Flora-neutral. Hydro-C doesn’t affect intestinal flora, because it doesn’t raise colonic acidity. It doesn’t cause irritation, because it doesn’t stimulate intestinal peristalsis. Vitamin C is known to enhance phagocytosis. That’s an extra bonus.

Safe for stomach and intestinal mucosa. Hydro-C doesn’t affect the intestinal mucosa, because water that accumulates in the lumen (intestinal cavity) is drawn from blood plasma and the lymph, doesn’t contain any hyperosmotic agents, and is reabsorbable (reduces risk of dehydration). Ascorbate speeds up the healing and regeneration of mucosal fissures and ulcers. That’s an extra bonus, too.

Precise and easy to dose and take. Hydro-C is provided in powder form, and, therefore, is easy to dose according to age, weight, and the degree of constipation. It’s not too bitter, too sour, or too salty. The powder is mixed with a small amount of plain drinking water immediately before taking.

Buffered (non-acidic). Hydro-C is mildly alkaline, doesn’t affect the stomach’s lining, doesn’t cause heartburn, and quickly assimilates in the duodenum.

Safe levels of minerals. Because Hydro-C is so effective, it requires just small maintenance doses, usually under 2.5 grams for adults. The volume of minerals in a single dose is well below the Recommended Daily Allowances for calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and within the upper tolerable limit for ascorbic acid.

Safe levels of vitamin C. According to various sources, the upper tolerable limit of vitamin C is between 2,000 and 10,000 mg.

Safe for kidney disease. Hydro-C doesn’t contain large doses of magnesium or potassium, which may present difficulty for people with impaired kidney function. One banana contains several times more potassium than a single dose of Hydro-C.

Stimulates healing and muscular relaxation. Hydro-C reduces muscular tension and cramping thanks to calcium and magnesium. Unlike stimulant and bulking laxatives, Hydro-C doesn’t stimulate peristalsis or impact sensitive nerves inside and around the anal canal. Also, vitamin C is known to protect nerves from diabetic damage, which is a primary cause of constipation in people with diabetes.

Provides three essential minerals. Hydro-C contains macro minerals essential for bone health, muscular function, cellular metabolism, and water retention: calcium, magnesium, and potassium in synergistic ratios. Particularly appropriate for women who are pregnant, nursing, and near- or past-menopause to prevent bone and joint diseases (i.e. osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteoarthritis.)

Safe for pregnancy and lactation. Hydro-C doesn’t contain any known ingredients that may adversely affect fetal development or lactation. It is synergistic with prenatal vitamins, and supplements increased requirements for vitamin C and minerals during lactation.

Non-addictive. Hydro-C action is based on natural, physiological mechanisms: the release of water and water-retention electrolytes into the lumen of the large intestine to break down hard stools. Once the morphology of stools is restored, people without anorectal damage and normal anal sensitivity no longer need Hydro-C. For those with anorectal damage and loss of nerve sensitivity, an extended use of Hydro-C isn’t dependence or addiction per se, but an unfortunate necessity caused by their prior actions, particularly high-fiber (the cause of mechanical damage due to large stools and straining), high-carbohydrate diet (the cause of nerve damage due to excessive blood sugars and insulin). Also, unlike with other addictive substances, as improvements accrue, the doses and frequency of taking Hydro-C always go down, not up.

Hypoallergenic. Hydro-C is suitable for vegetarians. It is sugar, lactose, sodium, and starch-free.

Economical. Hydro-C is inexpensive, costing between $0.25 to $0.50 per single dose for adults, less for children. One container has 96 doses, and may last, depending on degree of damage or severity of costivity, for 1 to 3 months.

Finally, it's worth noting that Hydro-C is made in the United States from pharmaceutical-grade components that meet or exceed United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) specifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to take Hydro-C for the rest of my life?

Once you restore normality to your large intestine, and if you don’t have severe hemorrhoidal disease (which obstructs the anal canal) or anorectal nerve damage (which cancels out the defecation urge), the answer is no. If you already have these or any other organic colorectal disorders, and natural defecation is no longer achievable, at the very least you may need to take either a conventional laxative (and accept all of its side effects), or Hydro-C.

Q. Does Hydro-C have side effects?

If overdosed, you may experience loose, watery stools. Hydro-C doesn’t lead to acute diarrhea or cause cramping, because its mechanism of action is entirely natural. To prevent overly watery stools, decrease the dose gradually until you accomplish desired stool consistency.

Also, keep these important points in mind:

Acute GI condition. For obvious reasons, you shouldn’t take Hydro-C if you are experiencing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, dehydration, fecal impaction, acute diverticulosis, have had no bowel movements over a three-day period.

Kidney stones. If you are predisposed to kidney stones, please note the following information: studies reviewing the impact of ascorbic acid on lithogenesis (formation of stones) have reported contradictory results. For people without a history of kidney stones, there is no conclusive, clinical evidence that a high intake of ascorbate is linked to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.

As a side note on this controversy, you may find this information helpful. My wife was affected by kidney stones back in 1994. I “treated” her with high-doses of dietary calcium and a restriction on water overconsumption (i.e. the proverbial eight glasses) — the complete opposite to prevalent medical advice. All along she had been taking 1000 to 2000 mg of vitamin C daily, including that from Hydro-C. Tatyana has been free from kidney stones since then, which is generally considered an "impossibility."

I did this following the breakthrough study from 1993, that connected kidney stones to calcium deficiency. This research was reconfirmed by numerous later studies. Since almost everyone with health concerns is taking vitamin C, you can, statistically speaking, implicate it in just about anything you wish. Obviously, one person's experience with kidney stones isn't representative of another, but...

Hypertension. People with uncontrolled elevated blood pressure should take Hydro-C with caution. Just like mineral water, broth, supplements, or table salt, Hydro-C may temporarily (immediately after absorption) increase your blood pressure.

Hypotension. People with low blood pressure should take Hydro-C with caution because it may further lower blood pressure (following the release of water into the large intestine). To avert this, drink a cup of broth, sugar-free sport drink, or mineral water with high mineral content (all sources of water and minerals) before and after taking Hydro-C.

Dehydration. You shouldn't take Hydro-C while dehydrated. Dry or sticky mouth, low or absent urination, sunken eyes, severe fatigue, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or dizziness when standing up from a lying down position may be signs of dehydration. Dehydration may also result from low-salt diets. Increase your salt intake to 5-6 grams a day as recommended by the U.S. RDA.

All of the above isn’t legal mumbo-jumbo to scare you off, but a reminder to exercise common sense and good judgment in all matters concerning your health and well-being.

After reading this lengthy reply, some readers may conclude, “Aha, you are proposing yet another laxative!”

No, not really. Please consider the following points:

Calling vitamin C a laxative is like calling the Eiffel Tower a tall television antenna in Paris. It is just a plain luck that this most ubiquitous and essential supplement possesses these unique properties.

Regular vitamin C in capsules, tablets, or powder requires much larger doses to accomplish the same osmotic effect, because it doesn’t digest as rapidly as Hydro-C.

If you already have some form of anorectal disorder, such as enlarged hemorrhoids, stretched rectum, or nerve damage, then hoping to attain unassisted normal stools is an exercise in wishful thinking. Considering the alternatives, Hydro-C is manna from heaven.

If you don't wish to use Hydro-C, you may always resort to Milk of Magnesia, Epsom Salts, or any other laxative to accomplish similar objectives. Just note their respective shortcomings, possible toxicity, and unsuitability for long-term use.

Finally, keep in mind that this page describes the alternatives to fiber and conventional laxatives, and Hydro-C just happens to be better than all the others for the reasons already stated. As Shields used to say in her famous jeans commercial: “Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.” If you can find a better and safer method to undo the ravages of fiber abuse and aging, I would like to use it too.

Please note: If you are considering taking Hydro-C, please verify with your doctor or pharmacist that it will not interfere with prescription medications you may also be taking. The contraindications for Hydro-C are similar to other over-the-counter supplements that contain vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium in amounts listed on the label.

When consulting medical professionals regarding Hydro-C, please refer them to this page.

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PERFORMANCE NUTRITION COUNSELING

I present performance nutrition workshops for groups, and provide personalized counseling for senior executives, professionals, top-level government officials, pro athletes, and accomplished individuals in the creative arts (musicians, singers, dancers, actors, writers). Read more...

Author's note

I discovered Hydro-C for the purposes described here, in 2000. Since then, I've been taking it almost daily and haven't been constipated once, or had a single relapse of IBS or blood-loss related to pre-existing, anal fissures.

Hydro-C is also the most popular item in our catalogue. You know for sure it's a miracle, when you hear clients telling you over and over again: “Konstantin, you deserve the ‘Nobel Prize’ in Medicine... I can't live without Hydro-C... Please charge me more for it, so that you stay in business,” and so on.

If you know anyone who's suffering from hemorrhoidal disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or constipation, please send them the link to this page.

Constipation is particularly ruinous for small children, because they sense and fear the pain more than adults, but can't yet verbalize their feelings. So they withhold stools, and cause themselves even more damage.

If their parents follow their pediatrician's routine advice, and force the child to eat more fiber, this problem will get even more severe from all that extra fiber piling up and up on top of an already hard and large plug.

Hydro-C and low-fiber diet are particularly effective for these children, because they restore normality, eliminate pain, and remove fear. You'd be surprised to learn how many preschoolers are being routinely diagnosed with hemorrhoids. It's a national disgrace and tragedy all at once.

Consider posting the link to this page on your blog. Mention it to your pediatrician. Show it to your kid's teachers. Send the link, save the child.

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This information has not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Hydro-C vs. laxatives

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