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From: tjs@cbdkc1.UUCP ( Tom Stanions)
Newsgroups: net.med
Subject: Re: dried fruit (actually laxatives)
Message-ID: <1091@cbdkc1.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 14-Aug-85 10:03:48 EDT
Article-I.D.: cbdkc1.1091
Posted: Wed Aug 14 10:03:48 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 20-Aug-85 02:08:45 EDT
References: <767@druak.UUCP> <323@bbncc5.UUCP>
Reply-To: tjs@dkc1.UUCP ( Tom Stanions)
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus
Lines: 31

In article <323@bbncc5.UUCP> sdyer@bbncc5.UUCP (Steve Dyer) writes:
>             I don't know what chemical is the active agent in prunes;
>there was a claim a while ago that oxyphenisatin, a prescription laxative,
>was somehow related to the agent in prunes 

Can't you deal with this on a factual basis, if people eat prunes it increases
the number of trips to the restroom.  Prunes seem to be harmless and eating
them in excess seems to cause only more of the above condition.  Why must you
find a chemical equivalent?  There is none.

By the way most chemical laxitives work by irritating the bowel system.

>I might mention that the actual physical need for laxatives is far
>less that the amounts consumed by our society.  A balanced diet high
>in fruits and fiber should be all that one needs to avoid the scourge
>of "irregularity", a condition whose ill effects are poorly documented
>but greatly feared.
>-- 
>/Steve Dyer

Actually the condition is very well documented and is most certainly something
to be concerned about.  I will agree though that conventional doctors know
little about this condition or the problems it causes.

I agree that a diet high in fruits and truly natural fiber (not the kind you
find in cereal boxes) are important.  But also a diet devoid of refined foods
is a must.  To just add good food to your diet is a wise move, but someone
truly interested in health must also eliminate bad food.


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