Hydro-CM (Colonic Moisturizer) Program

The Hydro-CM program is a non-acidic water-soluble complex of calcium ascorbate and magnesium citrate derived from natural magnesium. The program facilitates holistic recovery and maintenance from irregularity, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and related colorectal disorders. It also relieves straining to prevent the relapse of hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and anal fissures. 

The Hydro-CM program isn't a laxative but a set of two beneficial hypoallergenic supplements that contain rapidly absorbing vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium in synergistic and safe amounts. The first component of this program is Buffered Vitamin C Powder from 100% pharmaceutical-grade non-acidic calcium ascorbate:

Please note that the "Serving Per Container" value is based on taking 1/4 of the teaspoon. Since you may be taking a large amount of this formula, the number of servings may be less.

The second component of the Hydro-CM program is Magnesium Citrate powder derived from seawater and red algae. The pristine seawater and whole-food marine red algae (Lithothamnion calcareum) are collected from the North Atlantic waters near Ireland. Magnesium derived from seawater is in its most natural form, and magnesium from red algae are more bioavailable than other magnesium products:

The Hydro-CM program works by moisturizing, softening, and breaking down hard, dry, and large stools, making their passage easier and safer.

Your safety — immediate and long-term  — is the key. Just one look at the following table illustrates the Hydro-CM program advantages over conventional laxatives:

Hydro-CM program safety vs. common laxatives

This chart compares the Hydro-CM program safety with the following (by mechanism of action) popular types of laxatives:

• Bulk-forming laxatives. These include dietary fiber from natural sources, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or bran, and synthetic bulking agents, such as calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

  The common side effects of bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, are: “Bloating, gas, or stomach cramps may occur.  [...] rectal bleeding, bloody stools, sweating, fast heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, fainting. [...] A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. [...] This is not a complete list of possible side effects. [link]”

• Hyperosmolar laxatives: These are, essentially, diarrhea-causing agents, because they do not absorb in either the small or large intestine, and cause water retention. Lactose (milk sugar) and sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, are “natural” hyperosmolar laxatives. Under the deceptive name of lactulose, lactose is sold as Kristalose, Cephulac, Chronulac, Cholac, Constulose, Enulose, and others.

  Polyethylene glycol (MiraLax, Polyethylene Glycol 3350) is a factory-made organic compound that acts just like lactose sans fermentation. Its common side effects are: “Nausea, abdominal bloating, cramping and flatulence may occur. High doses may produce diarrhea and excessive stool frequency, particularly in elderly nursing home patients. Patients taking other medications containing polyethylene glycol have occasionally developed urticaria [hives] suggestive of an allergic reaction. [link, page 3]”

  

• Lubricant laxatives. Mineral oil (or its emulsion) pass through the small intestine unchanged. It lubricates (coats) hardened stools and, presumably, eases the passing of large stools. It is the same oil as used to lubricate machinery, except better cleaned. Extremely toxic for humans, and its accumulation may cause deadly lipoid pneumonia [link].

  The (other) common side effects are: “Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); failure to have a bowel movement within 6 to 8 hours of taking Mineral Oil Liquid; rectal bleeding. [link]”

  This travesty was originally “invented” and promoted by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg to enable the less destructive passage of large stools related to high-fiber diet, another of his infamous “innovations.” Amazingly, this unabashed advocate of female genital mutilation is still considered a national hero.

• Emollient laxatives (stool softeners) break down and soften hard stools, and are recommended for long-term use, even though they are quite toxic. Emollient laxatives are quite popular in hospitals and nursing homes. They are based on a synthetic compound called docusate, and sold under different brand names, such as Colace, Dialose, Diocto, DOS, Dosaflex, Genosoft, and others.

  The common side effects are  “Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. [link]”

• Stimulant laxatives . These preparations cause inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and overstimulate the nervous receptors. The inflammation blocks water absorption, while the stimulation of the nervous receptors speeds up intestinal peristalsis. The best-known stimulant laxatives are castor oil (cascara is the active agent [side effects]), senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot [side effects]), bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol [side effects, page 3]), and aloe juice. (Side effects are too numerous to list. Please review respective links.)

• Saline Laxatives. Milk of Magnesia and Epsom Salts  are two of the best-known saline laxatives. Milk of Magnesia is an 8% water solution of magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2. It has strong antacid properties and interferes with gastric digestion if taken with food. Individuals with impaired kidneys may develop toxic levels of magnesium from extended use of Milk of Magnesia. Epsom Salts is a brand name for magnesium sulfate. It‘s more potent than Milk of Magnesia because it absorbs faster and may cause severe diarrhea if overdosed. The risks in each are similar. You may review this page for additional side effects. Magnesium Citrate Powder in the Hydro-CM program contains only 83% of the Daily Recommended Allowance; therefore, it isn't likely to be toxic for extended use.

  Oral Sodium Phosphate (OSP) products, such Visicol, OsmoPrep, Fleet Phospho Soda, are also saline laxatives. They have been implicated in kidney failure and a broad range of other serious side effects that you may review in this FDA Alert.

Laxative's safety in connection with concomitant conditions

Because of their numerous side effects and specific chemical and physical properties, most of the above laxatives are also contraindicated for disorders that are commonly associated with constipation. Here is a brief summary:

Hydro-CM program vs. common laxatives for specific conditions

Despite all of these numerous contraindications, all of the above laxatives are freely sold over-the-counter to unsuspecting customers, who do not realize their inherent dangers and devastating side effects.

— Why, then, is the Hydro-CM program so safe and effective vs. all of these other laxatives — you may ask, right?

— Unlike all of the above laxatives (except saline), the Hydro-CM program is quickly and fully absorbed in the upper small intestine. It never reaches either the lower small intestine or the large intestine. Its action is based entirely on this property — complete absorption in the upper small intestine and the ensuing safe and gentle release of physiological fluids directly into the large intestine to safely moisturize and break down hard stools. 

Another key advantage of the Hydro-CM program over other laxatives — it is quick-acting, predictable, and hypoallergenic. It means you don't need to wait several days until it reaches the large intestine and starts acting in the wrong place at the wrong time, or can you expect any delayed side effects and reactions related to allergenicity.

Common Indications for using Hydro-CM program

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

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

Unlike conventional laxatives or colon cleansers, the Hydro-CM program starts working shortly after taking it on an empty stomach, usually 30 to 60 minutes. It doesn't interfere with gastric or intestinal digestion and doesn't cause cramping, intestinal inflammation, or impacts other organs. 

I recommend using the Hydro-CM program to eliminate hard and/or dry stools, straining, chronic constipation, incomplete emptying, overcome anorectal nerve damage and break dependence on fiber and laxatives. Once these objectives are accomplished, you may continue using the Hydro-CM program alone or in combination with other supplements to stabilize and maintain the following conditions:

• Safe and natural colon cleanse. The Hydro-CM program may be as effective for cleansing the colon from hard and stale stools as colonics, minus the embarrassment, risks, expenses, and time commitments. And don't get me started on fiber or chemical cleansers with all of their inevitable harshness, delayed action, and side effects.

• Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation.  The Hydro-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program is a godsend for anyone who has enlarged hemorrhoids because it prevents further enlargements, prolapses, and inflammations. The usage and action of the Hydro-CM program for hemorrhoids are the same as for anal fissures (see next) — by consistently keeping stools soft, small, and watery and eliminating the need for straining.

• Anal fissures. The Hydro-CM program 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 while healing. By consistently keeping stools soft, small, and watery and eliminating the need for straining, the Hydro-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program consistently maintains small stools and avoids overfilling the large intestine. This effect is critical for people affected by diverticulosis (presence of diverticula — pouches). Small amounts of stool in the colon and regular and complete bowel emptying prevent the accumulation of stools in the diverticula and result in inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the intestinal wall (diverticulitis).

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The Hydro-CM program helps to keep Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in remission and assists healing. In addition, the Hydro-CM program prevents hard stools or constipation without resorting to fiber and laxatives that commonly contribute to inflammation and relapse.

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

• Colorectal polyps and lesion prevention.  Use the Hydro-CM program as a non-addictive and side effects-free supplement to prevent pre-cancerous polyps and lesions, which are the precursors of colorectal cancer. It is critical if you have already discovered some polyps or are in the high-risk group for colorectal cancer..

General Indications (Other than colorectal disorders)

You may find the Hydro-CM program 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 these cases, these recommendations are even more critical:

• Travel into a different time zone. To stimulate “on-demand” defecation, use while traveling. 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 traveling 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 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 the Hydro-CM program. This approach assures stress-free, flatus-free, and comfortable travel.

• Toilet (re-)training. Use to acquire, regardless of age, a habit of having regular defecations before to leaving the house. It 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 the Hydro-CM program 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 the Hydro-CM program.

• Before hospital admittance. Use in hospital settings, especially before surgery. Obviously, the Hydro-CM program 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 a competition to reduce body weight, improve results, avoid unwelcome interruption, and 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 an opposite effect on your performance. In addition, laxatives compromise stool morphology, are damaging to intestinal flora and may cause IBS. Use the Hydro-CM program instead to (a) remove dosing uncertainties; (b) avoid short- or long-term side-effects; (c) 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, particularly 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 reasons for constipation in Fiber Menace, (Chapter II, Atkins Goes To South Beach), 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 the Hydro-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program 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 regularly without some assistance — usually stimulant laxatives, which have unpleasant and long-lasting side effects. The Hydro-CM program 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 cause severe constipation. Fiber is particularly contraindicated 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 regular bowel movements a challenge, especially among people predisposed to constipation. The Hydro-CM program'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 a bonus.

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

• Pregnancy and lactation. Hydro-CM program 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-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program 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-CM program useful for many other conditions and disorders not listed here.

Hydro-CM program mechanism of action

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

Hydro-CM program is a derivative of the ubiquitous vitamin C and natural magnesium, 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, the Hydro-CM program provides two minerals essential for bone health, heart function, normal blood pressure, and healthy intestines: calcium and magnesium. @

The Hydro-CM program 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 of conventional laxatives. In other words, it isn't a drug, nor is it a laxative. People who have been helped by the Hydro-CM program, myself included, consider it pure magic.

The components of the Hydro-CM program dissolve in water and have 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.

The ions of ascorbate and magnesium are the Hydro-CM program's principle acting agents. When the level of ascorbates and magnesium 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 the Hydro-CM program requires much smaller doses of vitamin C because of enhanced digestion.

Hydro-CM program is a derivative of the ubiquitous vitamin C and natural magnesium, 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, the Hydro-CM program provides two minerals essential for bone health, heart function, normal blood pressure, and healthy intestines: calcium and magnesium.

The components of the Hydro-CM program dissolve in water and have 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.

The ions of ascorbate and magnesium are the Hydro-CM program's principle acting agents. When the level of ascorbates and magnesium 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 the Hydro-CM program requires much smaller doses because of enhanced digestion.

How to take Hydro-CM program

For optimal results, follow these directions:

• For the Hydro-CM program to work for constipation relief, you MUST take it before consuming any food. That, generally, means "on an empty stomach" and "the first thing in the morning," otherwise, it will not help you accomplish the moisturizing, softening, and stimulating effect described above.
  

• Before starting a new bottle (or not using one for a week or longer), mix the content thoroughly with a dry spoon because its components tend to separate during storage. If you notice slight changes in smell, taste, and color, they are related to this issue and don’t affect product quality or efficacy.

• Add one-half to one full teaspoon of vitamin C powder (2.5 to 5 grams) to an empty glass. The actual amount of vitamin C may differ from person to person.

• Add one scoop (provided inside the container) of Magnesium Citrate powder (3.7 g) to the same glass. I do not recommend increasing the amount of magnesium powder beyond one scoop for an extended period).

• Pour over a drinking or mineral water (better), such as Perrier or St. Pellegrino, about half a glass (4 oz). Warm water speeds up the dissolution of both powders. However, attaining a complete dissolution isn't critical because it will still occur in the stomach.

• Mix water vigorously for 10-15 seconds and drink immediately. The powders don't have to dissolve completely to be effective.

• You may follow up with a glass of warm water or any other beverage to help the Hydro-CM solution move down from the stomach to the small intestine. Slowly drinking a cup of warm coffee with heavy cream while sitting down in a recliner works best for me because this ritual relaxes me and, at the same time, stimulates gastrocolic reflex and colonic mass movements — the two conditions that spur a natural bowel movement.
  
  I drink freshly brewed light decaf because regular coffee negatively affects my mood and sleep. Also, the fat in heavy cream is a stimulating factor behind the gastrocolic reflex. Any other beverage, including a glass of warm water, may have a similar effect because fluids expand the stomach, also a stimulating factor.
  
  If you'll experience heartburn shortly after consuming fluids on a presumably "empty stomach," it is a sign of incomplete stomach emptying, and this condition will prevent the Hydro-CM components from reaching the small intestine and acting as intended. You can learn more about this condition here [link].

Please note that the above directions are different from the generic directions on the bottles intended for the general use of these supplements. DO NOT INCREASE the amount of Magnesium Citrate powder for extended period of time because taking magnesium above the Recommended Daily values isn't recommended.

For normalization of stools, hard stools, irregularity, or constipation Hydro-CM's supplements 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 assimilate into the bloodstream. If your stomach is already filled with foods and fluids, Hydro-CM's supplements can't pass the pyloric canal — a valve that separates the stomach from the small intestine.

The Hydro-CM program 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 OK if your goal is to relieve constipation and/or lavage the colon). If it is underdosed or taken after food, you may not experience the defecation-stimulating effect, although you‘ll still be getting the full benefits of Vitamin C and those essential minerals.

Generally speaking, you should wait 30 to 40 minutes for Hydro-CM solution to pass the stomach before having a meal. If you don't have substantial colorectal damage, the act of eating may enhance the performance of the Hydro-CM program because it stimulates gastrocolic reflex and peristaltic mass movements — the two synergistic conditions that initiate a bowel movement. After a few weeks of observing the effects of Hydro-C, you should be able to establish an optimal time between taking it and eating.

The Hydro-CM program 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 the Hydro-CM program before leaving the house or when a bathroom isn't immediately available. When excess water gets down into the rectum, you may experience an urge to move bowels so strong that it 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 the Hydro-CM program just like a very potent laxative, even though it isn't one — you are getting a laxative effect not from the colon's irritation or stimulation but a rapid increase of water volume inside your colon and rectum.

You may experience one or more urges following the initial application of the Hydro-CM program. Secondary urges are usually quite watery, so don't leave the house right away. But, 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 the Hydro-CM program's effectiveness. That's okay! It isn't constipation but a natural occurrence since it takes 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 dysbacteriosis, 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 wash the perianal area after each defecation thoroughly.

It‘s best to begin taking the Hydro-CM program 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 a bowel movement or increase the dose.

Optimizing Hydro-CM program performance

The Hydro-CM program 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:

• Consuming too many fluids (overhydration). Drinking eight glasses of water in addition to all of the water derived from foods, beverages, and metabolic oxidation may exacerbate chronic constipation for reasons explained here: [Is it true that drinking more water prevents or relieves constipation?]

  As I explained in the “Hydro-CM program mechanism of action” section above: “The ions of ascorbate and magnesium are Hydro-C‘s principle acting agents. When the level of ascorbates and magnesium that normally circulate in the blood exceeds a certain threshold, the excess is released by osmosis into the large intestine, along with water [link].”

  However, if you are overhydrated, the rate of water absorption in the small intestine is delayed to protect your blood, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels from a sudden hydrostatic overload. This delay degrades the osmotic action of the program's components because it can’t reach the threshold of its effectiveness.

  Normalizing your consumption of water is the only viable option to overcome this phenomenon. Increasing the amount of the program's components will not help because the bodyy can’t absorb them fast enough to act. Considering all other negative effects of overhydration, pursuing the first option would be a lot better for your health and pocketbook.

  The “Water Damage” chapter of Fiber Menace [link] explains other perils of flooding your body with too much water.

• Insufficient dose to break down hardened stools. The initial application of the Hydro-CM program to loosen up hard stools may require a larger dose, usually a heaped teaspoon of Vitamin C powder in 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 to free the stomach of its‘ contents. DO NOT INCREASE the amount of Magnesium Citrate powder because taking magnesium in over the Recommended Daily values isn't advisable.

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

  In the case of fecal impaction, the fluids produced by the Hydro-CM program may not be sufficient to break up impacted stools. In the case of colon obstructions, solid stools 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 the Hydro-CM program, this condition is called paradoxical diarrhea. It's common for fecal impaction and colorectal obstruction and differs from usual diarrhea in volume (less), intensity (less), consistency (mainly fluids, small solid pieces), smell (very pronounced), and color (usually dark brown).

• Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). If you don‘t experience any stool-stimulating effect from the Hydro-CM program 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-CM program solution from a quick passage into the small intestine and its rapid absorption.

  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 down 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.

  Except for GERD, all these conditions are also implicated in colorectal disorders, particularly in IBS and chronic constipation. This coincidence makes the Hydro-CM program 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 the Hydro-CM program. This approach 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, the Hydro-CM program will not work as described on this page.

• Vitamin C deficiency. For people depleted from vitamin C, the initial effective dose of Calcium Ascorbate powder 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, the Hydro-CM program may not work as well because your body won't release a sufficient amount of fluids into the colon to soften stools and initiate defecation. If you suspect dehydration, hydrate your body well before taking the Hydro-CM program. Please note that drinking too much water may cause the loss of essential electrolytes with excessive urination and may further contribute to the onset of dehydration. This phenomenon 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.

• Dyschezia. According to The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, "Dyschezia is difficulty defecating. Patients sense the presence of stool and the need to defecate but are unable. It results from a lack of coordination of pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters. [link]" In layman's terms, here is what's happening: moving bowels is mainly an unconscious act, but we can still consciously suppress the urge to defecate. After suppressing the urge one time too often, the conscious mind takes over the control of the pelvic and anal muscles, and they no longer work in unison. This, in turn, leads to a failure to defecate regardless of all other factors. The Hydro-CM program may be an effective adjunct to a biofeedback therapy recommended for this condition, but not enough "on its own" to facilitate a complete bowel movement. If you are affected by dyschezia, do not take the Hydro-CM program unless a physician recommends it.

• Overuse. If your stools are small, soft, and pass easily, you don't need to use the Hydro-CM program every day, particularly after taking a larger amount 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, 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 the Hydro-CM program 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 using the Hydro-CM program 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 one's eyes from straining. In other words, the frequency of stools isn't critical — the quality is! As long as the quality is optimal, the frequency doesn't matter.

  The concepts I have just described aren't medical, but physiological. 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. The Hydro-CM program — isn't.

How to enhance your athletic performance with the Hydro-CM program

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders affect over 80% of otherwise healthy athletes [link]. Bloating, abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common transient complaints. Though these conditions may vary in intensity, many persist long after the events and may lead to chronic complications such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, constipation, and hemorrhoidal disease.

Of all GI disorders, the most serious are gastrointestinal bleedings and intestinal ischemia. Because internal bleedings aren’t immediately apparent, they may cause massive blood loss. The ensuing anemia is difficult to overcome with supplements and may undercut your ability to train and compete for a considerable length of time.

Intestinal ischemia results from the blockage of blood flow to a section of the small intestine. In most cases, surgeons must remove an affected section of the small intestine to prevent tissue necrosis, obstruction, and perforation. The ensuing leakage from the perforated small intestine may lead to peritonitis — an inflammation of the peritoneum, or the inner wall of the abdomen. If not treated rapidly, peritonitis is almost always fatal.

GI events — transient as well as catastrophic — are particularly pervasive among endurance athletes [link]. Many do well in training but fall apart during competitive events despite their "healthy" diets, excellent health, and exceptional physique. Female athletes are affected at a much greater rate than men for a variety of anthropological, physiological, and psychological reasons.

Is it possible to enjoy, let alone win, a competitive event with GI distress lurking in the back of your mind? I doubt it. You are also more likely to harm yourself; you’ll certainly take longer to recover; you may open yourself up to opportunistic infections and medical risks related to treatments; and you may end up developing autoimmune GI disorders such as celiac disease, for the rest of your life. It doesn’t help that most medical and nutritional recommendations intended to prevent competition-related GI disorders tend to exacerbate them.

Money-wise, a medical emergency while competing in places that won’t accept your health insurance may cost you a fortune to treat. Adding insult to injury, a lingering fear of unpredictable GI events during the competition is a common cause of performance chokes, and, in itself, may provoke stress-related nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea right before the start.

Fortunately, most, if not all, of these conditions can be prevented and eliminated with a thorough understanding of the physiology of stress and digestion. This understanding is universal — similar GI events may rear their ugly heads in any situation of high stress, whether physical, emotional or both.

Over the past decade, I have developed and “battle-tested” a specialized supplemental program to eliminate or reduce the severity of stress-related gastrointestinal disorders. My program is based on hypoallergenic, non-acidic, mineral-bound vitamin C and Magnesium Citrate formulas.

Unlike traditional vitamin C or magnesium formulations, the Hydro-CM program was designed for rapid absorption and high bioavailability. These properties allow it to perform its magic at much lower doses, on-demand, and without irritating the delicate lining of your stomach and small intestine.

Here are the benefits that you may derive from applying the Hydro-CM program to their preparation, maintenance, and recovery routines:

• Reduce non-essential body weight. The adult colon contains between 2 and 4 lbs. of stools in healthy people and quite a bit more in people affected by irregularity or chronic constipation. That's all extra weight that you will need to “carry” throughout the competition. The Hydro-CM program reliably “flushes” the colon clean “on-demand,” all without causing irritation, discomfort, bloating, flatulence, flora damage, or any other side effects typical for laxatives and dietary fiber.

• Minimize abdominal distress and nausea related to pre-event anxiety and high stress. Abdominal pangs and jitters that you may feel before a competitive event are related to your body's efforts to normalize excessively high blood pressure caused by the elevated level of stress hormones. In response to sudden blood pressure surges, the body releases blood plasma into the colon and/or the stomach. This "safety valve" action rapidly reduces the total volume of the blood and protects the heart and blood vessels from damage. The sudden influx of fluids into the stomach causes nausea and vomiting and is more likely to affect women because they have considerably smaller stomachs than men. The addition of the fluids into the colon lumen is behind the strong urges to move bowels and/or diarrhea. However, when the colon is near-empty, the fluids may remain in the cecum (blind gut, the first section of the large intestine) and are less likely to cause acute diarrhea. And even when diarrhea is unavoidable, it will not be as messy, profuse, psychologically traumatic, and embarrassing as when the colon is filled up with stools.

• Eliminate performance choke from ruining your start. The fear of acute digestive distress — nausea, cramping, sudden urge to move bowels, or diarrhea — is a fairly common cause of athletes' paralysis by analysis, known more commonly as choking. In this respect, preempting these conditions with the Hydro-CM program is optimal for sporting events and all other high-stress, high-stakes events, such as weddings, exams, court appearances, medical emergencies, and similar others that are so often behind serious digestive disorders in sensitive individuals.

• Prevent travel-related irregularity and constipation. Jet lag, travel away from home, a change of normal routine, shared accommodations, and the avoidance of public bathrooms are widespread causes of irregularity and constipation, particularly among women. Missing a bowel movement just once causes IBS-like symptoms and flatulence. It also hardens up and enlarges stools and requires straining the next time you find yourself in the bathroom. Straining and large stools are a leading cause of enlarged hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid-related complications.

• Minimize menstruation-related abdominal cramping and/or the severity of PMS. The uterus is located in the immediate vicinity of the large intestine. When the large intestine is filled with large stools and gases, it distends easily, creates additional pressure in a tightly packed abdominal cavity, and contributes to pain and discomfort before and during menstruation. The Hydro-CM program reliably "flushes" the colon of excess stools, reduces flatulence, and eliminates distention.

• Reduce the risk or intensity of runner's diarrhea. The Hydro-CM program reduces the chances of "runner's diarrhea" by keeping your colon clear of excessive content. Even if diarrhea happens for reasons out of your immediate control, it will not be a total embarrassing mess but just a nuisance.

• Avoid unpredictable and unreliable action of traditional laxatives and laxogenic foods. Unlike traditional laxatives, the Hydro-CM program assures a complete evacuation of bowels in advance of your competitive event. It works like a clock within 45 to 90 minutes from ingestion, so you can take it with minimal risk the night before or even on the day of the competition without fearing a sudden bowel movement during the event itself.

• Enhance your athletic performance. The Hydro-CM program will not affect your energy level and stamina because, unlike practically all laxative agents, it is non-irritable, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. And, equally important – it doesn’t damage intestinal bacteria. Harm to the bacteria in the intestines is a primary cause of chronic constipation, ensuing dependence on laxatives, and a broad range of immune, blood, and neurologic disorders that hamper athletic and intellectual performance.

• Prevent hemorrhoid enlargement and flare-ups of hemorrhoidal inflammation. Diarrhea and irregularity related to athletic activities are common causes of acute hemorrhoidal inflammation, enlarged hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. The Hydro-CM program reliably protects you from these inopportune conditions by maintaining regularity and normal stools and is vital for women already affected by post-pregnancy hemorrhoidal disease and older athletes.

• Protect bones and joints. The Hydro-CM program is a non-acidic, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C that is absolutely critical for protecting endurance and casual athletes alike. Because it contains vitamin C bound to two essential macrominerals — calcium and magnesium in synergistic amounts — it enhances immunity, reduces joint and vascular inflammation, speeds up tissue healing, helps assimilate dietary and supplemental iron, reduces muscle cramping, promotes calmness, and protects you from the ravages of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and osteoarthritis. Taking it regularly will protect your appearance and performance from the ravages of premature aging related to aging- and athletics-related stresses of skeletomuscular and cardiovascular systems.

• Eliminate fiber dependence. Many athletes, especially women and older individuals, depend on a high-fiber diet and fiber supplements for their laxogenic effect. This dependence may negatively affect your athletic performance by causing abdominal bloating, hemorrhoidal disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and flatulence. Of these four conditions, intestinal bloating is the most dangerous.
  
  The soluble fiber in foods and supplements blocks the assimilation of gases that are naturally formed during digestion. Having no place to go, the trapped gases expand the intestines, just like helium in a balloon. The resulting distention of the abdomen's wall — the "bloating" — is behind painful cramps, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, and vomiting. These bloating-related complications result from a rapid omnidirectional expansion of the intestines inside the tightly-packed abdominal cavity and the ensuing pressure on the blood vessels and adjourning digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular organs.
  
  On the far end, bloating may cause an abdominal or inguinal hernia, acute pancreatitis, or intestinal ischemia — a blockage of the blood circulation to a compressed section of the small intestine. These conditions are more likely to occur in sports that affect the abdominal wall, such as cycling, rowing, boxing, weight lifting, or wrestling.
  
  Bloating may also interfere with normal cardiovascular functions by constraining the thoracic (chest) cavity, especially when riding a bike.
  
  By helping you to eliminate dependence on fiber, the Hydro-CM program enhances the digestion and assimilation of essential macro-and micro-nutrients, including dietary iron and iodine. These microelements are essential for top performance because they directly affect oxygen transfer by the blood and the rate of energy metabolism.
  
  Hydro-CM program is, in my opinion, the safest method of overcoming fiber dependence and improving your athletic performance.

It is imperative to familiarize yourself with the use of the Hydro-CM program well in advance of the actual event because experiencing a sudden urge to move bowels in the middle of competition should be the last thing on your mind.

Suitable for constipation in children

When used properly, the Hydro-CM program is safe and effective for children of any age. It's easy to take since it's neither bitter nor sour nor particularly prominent (i.e., disgusting for kids' extreme senses of taste and smell). Unlike the original Hydro-C formula, the combination of Vitamin C powder and Magnesium Citrate powder is easier for children to take because organic stevia extract and natural flavor make it more palatable to their taste. 

Most importantly, vis-a-vis traditional laxatives, the Hydro-CM program is fast-acting — when taken on an empty stomach, it usually "delivers" in less than two hours, so you can easily avoid an unfortunate "incidence" of dealing with strong urge and profuse stools while away from home.

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, for example, your child weighs five times less than you, divide the adult's dose by five.

Never give the Hydro-CM program to children until trying it out on yourself first! It's critically important for you to understand and feel its action 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 resisting a powerful urge.

In case of resistance, mix the Hydro-CM program's components 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 fruit or vegetable juice, particularly canned or processed. More on this here. As an occasional base for the Hydro-CM program, it's acceptable to use a juice, considering the alternatives. 

Always consult a pediatrician before giving your child any supplement. If your doctor objects without giving you any valid reason, ask him/her why an exceptionally toxic laxative or intrusive (and quite traumatic) enema may be okay for your child, while the Hydro-CM program isn't. Suggest that your doctor reads this page for more information about the Hydro-CM program ingredients. If you don't get a reasoned response, consider seeking a second opinion from a nutritionally oriented doctor.

Finally, consider the following nutritional facts regarding Vitamin C powder and Magnesium Citrate powder safety and suitability for children of any age:

—There is 3.2 times more calcium (348 mg vs. 110 mg) in a single glass of calcium-fortified orange juice (NDB# 09211) than in a single serving (1/4 teaspoon) of Vitamin C powder.

—A cup (172 g) of cooked black beans (NDB# 16315) contains 120 mg of magnesium vs. 350 mg in a single adult serving of Magnesium Citrate powder. Since your child will be taking three to five times less than an adult, the amounts are comparable.

The nutritional content of each respective food (NDB#) was obtained from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference [link].

Safety and benefits

The safety and health benefits of vitamin C are well established. Dr. Linus Pauling, the two-time Nobel Prize winner, is one of the best-known advocates of Vitamin C. Dr. Pauling took 3 grams 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 started taking it even earlier?

Here‘s a summary of the healing and protective properties of vitamin C that attracted Dr. Pauling‘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 heal 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 malnourished children.

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

• Cancer. Vitamin C protects the body from the carcinogenic compounds found in food, tobacco, and the environment. Cellular damage from these compounds is considered one of the leading causes of cancers.

• Heart disease. Vitamin C protects blood vessels from 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 kinds 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 people with diabetes from nerve damage. It's vital 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 leading 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.

The advantages of the Hydro-CM program over laxatives and fiber

In addition to safety and health benefits, the Hydro-CM program has numerous advantages over fiber, stimulating herbs and teas, laxatives, and laxogenic foods, such as oats, prunes, or beets:

• Fast-acting. For people who already have normalized stools, the Hydro-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program works by moistening and softening stools by releasing physiological fluids and salt (NaCl) into the large intestine. Salt is key to maintaining stools' moisture above the physiological threshold of becoming too dry and hard for regular and pain-free elimination. I discuss this topic in greater depth here [link].

• No effect on digestion. If properly taken (on an empty stomach), the Hydro-CM program doesn‘t interfere 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.

• Non-emetic. The Hydro-CM program 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 cramping or abdominal discomfort associated with IBS. The Hydro-CM program doesn't initiate peristalsis -- a common cause of cramps, pain, and discomfort in the abdominal region associated with fiber (bulking) and stimulating laxatives. These conditions are prevalent among women during the period.

• No flatulence or bloating. The Hydro-CM program doesn‘t cause flatulence or bloating, so typical for fiber-based laxatives because it doesn‘t stimulate bacterial fermentation. This makes the Hydro-CM program safe and effective for treating constipation for people affected by IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn‘s disease.

• Flora-neutral. The Hydro-CM program doesn‘t affect the intestinal flora, because it doesn‘t raise colonic acidity. Vitamin C is known to enhance phagocytosis. That‘s an extra bonus.

• Safe for stomach and intestinal mucosa. The Hydro-CM program doesn't affect the intestinal mucosa because the fluids accumulated in the intestinal cavity are drawn from blood plasma and lymph. These fluids don't contain any hyperosmotic agents and are reabsorbable. In addition, ascorbate speeds up the healing and regeneration of mucosal fissures and ulcers. That's, too, a bonus.

• Precise and easy to dose and take. The Hydro-CM program is easy to dose according to age, weight, and the extent of constipation because it is provided in powder form. It's not too bitter, too sour, or too salty. The powder is mixed with drinking water before taking.

• Buffered (non-acidic). The primary acting components of the Hydro-CM program are mildly alkaline, don‘t affect the stomach‘s lining, don‘t cause heartburn, and quickly assimilate in the small intestine.

• Safe levels of minerals. Because the Hydro-CM program is so effective, it requires small maintenance doses for adults. The volume of minerals in a single dose is well below the Recommended Daily Allowances for vitamin C and magnesium.

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

• Safe for kidney disease. The Hydro-CM program doesn‘t contain large doses of magnesium, which may present difficulty for people with impaired kidney function.

• Stimulates healing and muscular relaxation. The Hydro-CM program reduces muscular tension and cramping thanks to calcium and magnesium. Unlike stimulant and bulking laxatives, the Hydro-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program contains macro minerals essential for bone health, muscular function, cellular metabolism, and water retention: calcium and magnesium 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. The Hydro-CM program 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. The Hydro-CM program 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 The Hydro-CM program. For those with anorectal damage and loss of nerve sensitivity, extended use of Hydro-CM program 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 the Hydro-CM program always go down, not up.

• Hypoallergenic. The Hydro-CM program is suitable for vegetarians. It is sugar, lactose, sodium, and starch-free.

• Economical. The Hydro-CM program is inexpensive, costing less than $0.85 per single dose for adults, less for children. Both containers may last, depending on the degree of damage or severity of constipation, for 1 to 2 months.

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

The possible side effects of the Hydro-CM program

The possible side effects of the Hydro-CM program If overdosed, you may experience loose, watery stools. The Hydro-CM program 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 the Hydro-CM program if you are experiencing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, dehydration, fecal impaction, acute diverticulosis, have had no bowel movements over three days.

• 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. There is no conclusive, clinical evidence that a high intake of ascorbate is linked to the formation of calcium oxalate stones for people without a history of kidney 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. I did this following the breakthrough study from 1993 that connected kidney stones to calcium deficiency. Numerous later studies reconfirmed this research.

  All along, Tatyana had been taking 1000 to 2000 mg of vitamin C daily. She has been free from kidney stones since then, which is generally considered an "impossibility."

  Since almost everyone with health concerns is taking vitamin C you can, statistically speaking, implicate it in just about anything you wish. Of course, one person's experience with kidney stones isn't representative of another, but...

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

• Hypotension. People with low blood pressure should take the Hydro-CM program 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 sports drink, or mineral water with high mineral content (all sources of water and minerals) before and after taking the Hydro-CM program.

• Dehydration. You shouldn't take the Hydro-CM program 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.

• Hemochromatosis, or excessive accumulation of iron in the body. Iron overload may be caused by a diet high in iron-fortified wheat- and rice-containing products (bread, cereals, pasta), iron-containing supplements, blood transfusions, thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder), chronic alcoholism, and some other health condition. Do not take the Hydro-CM program without first consulting with your doctor because vitamin C promotes the assimilation of dietary iron in your digestive tract.

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.

Please note: If you consider taking the Hydro-CM program, please verify with your doctor or pharmacist that it will not interfere with prescription medications you may also be taking. The contraindications for the Hydro-CM program are similar to other over-the-counter supplements that contain vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium in amounts listed on the label. When consulting medical professionals regarding the Hydro-CM program, please refer them to this page.

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

Once you restore normality to your large intestine, and if you don't have a severe hemorrhoidal disease (which obstructs the anal canal) or anorectal nerve damage (which cancels out the defecation urge), the answer is no. But, on the other hand, if you do 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 the Hydro-CM program.

Q. Can I take the levothyroxine (Synthroid) along with the Hydro-CM program first thing in the morning?

Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. You must take levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. This approach allows it to pass the stomach on its way to the small intestine intact and improves absorption. Vitamin C powder may enhance the effectiveness of levothyroxine because vitamin C improves its absorption [link]. However, make sure to get tested and recalibrate your dose because it may assimilate too well.

Q. Is the Hydro-CM program just another addictive laxative?

After studying this page, some readers may conclude, “Aha, you are proposing (peddling, pushing) yet another habit-forming 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 bit of 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 assimilate as rapidly as the Hydro-CM program.

• If you already have enlarged hemorrhoids, stretched rectum, or nerve damage, then hoping to attain unassisted normal stools is an exercise in wishful thinking. Considering the alternatives, the Hydro-CM program becomes veritable manna from heaven.

• If you don't wish to use the Hydro-CM program, 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. The Hydro-CM program happens to be better than those alternatives for the reasons already stated. If you can find a better and safer method to undo the ravages of fiber abuse and aging, I, too, would like to use it.

Author's note

I discovered the action of vitamin C for the purposes described on this page 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.

If you know anyone 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 plug."

Hydro-CM program and a 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.

Konstantin Monastyrsky

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