title: Man's purgative passion.
abstract: Overconcern with bowel function has been prevalent throughout history. Overuse of laxatives is persisting for a certain segment of the population even today. This paper attempts to put this practice into perspective by presenting a review of mankind's treatment and mistreatment of the GI system from the ancient Egyptians to modern times.
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D004733:Enema / Q000523:psychology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012725:Sexual Behavior
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics