# Constipation Support

Gut health is important, and if you or a loved one is struggling with constipation, that can be a big indicator that something is off. Many OTC solutions contain synthetic compounds that when taken too often or dosed too high, can often have negative consequences for the user. It can even have negative consequences from using it in appropriate amounts. Many of these medications are recommended by doctors regardless of their side effects. One active ingredient in a common OTC constipation relief medication, **Polyethylene glycol 3350**, can have some serious side effects. Let’s learn a little bit more about it.

**What is Polyethylene glycol 3350: **A water-soluble polymer that belongs to the polyethylene glycol family. It's commonly used as a laxative, particularly in OTC medications to relieve occasional constipation.

**How it’s designed to work:** Peg (polyethylene glycol) 3350 is an osmotic laxative, which means it draws water into the colon.

**How it’s made:** Peg 3350 is created in a lab, and doesn’t occur naturally, the raw materials used to create it come from petroleum.

**Side Effects:**

- bloating
- blood in stool
- diarrhea
- nausea
- stomach cramps or pain
- vomiting
- reduces healthy gut bacteria ()

Petroleum based ingredients are highly processed with a series of chemicals, and anyone who uses them, whether through digesting them or using them topically, gets exposed to these toxic chemicals. There’s got to be a better way- and there is! Thankfully, there are natural options that work without the nasty side effects or exposure to toxins.

There are many causes of constipation, but if you’re suffering and are looking for more natural products, here is Earthley’s constipation protocol.

**Start Here:** These three products provide bodily support in all the right places to help give relief. We recommend using them for 3-6 months until the body has established its new bowel movement rhythm.

[**Gut Health Oil**](https://earthley.com/product/gut-health-oil/)**:** Made up of coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, and cloves, our [Gut Health Oil](https://earthley.com/product/gut-health-oil/) can support gut motility to keep things moving.

****[**Magnesium Lotion**](https://www.earthley.com/products/magnesium-lotion)**: **Sometimes all you need is a little bit of magnesium. While magnesium is known for helping you sleep better, it can also help relax muscles, including those in the gut.

[Immune-Aid:](https://www.earthley.com/products/immune-aid-vitamin-c-powder) Who knew vitamin C could help with digestion? Our Immune-Aid has ingredients like camu camu powder, acerola cherry powder, and orange peel to deliver wholefood vitamin C. When our body has taken all the vitamin C it can handle, it pushes the rest out through the bowels, which can be helpful when constipated.

### **Add Ons**

For additional relief and long-term support, these products are also great at supporting gut motility.

Scroll through using the left and right arrows on either side of the products.

### **Conclusion**

The truth is, constipation can be caused by different factors (gut imbalances, food intolerances, allergies, nervous system dysregulation). Earthley products can help with many of these causes, but some of them may need to be addressed by a medical professional (like a chiropractor, naturopathic doctor, or other practitioners) if the constipation is chronic or severe. If you're interested in learning more a more about gut health you can take our [quiz](https://earthley.com/gut-health-quiz/) or read our [Gut Health Support Protocol.](https://earthley.com/product/the-gut-health-support-guide/)