"According to various herbalists I've read about a "lazy colon" can be inherited. I think that's largely what my problem is. My mom has problems with constipation and so do my siblings".
Believe me, this is a fact. It's been a part of my mom's side of the family for generations. My grandmom, great grandmother, aunts and cousins have all experienced abnormal constipation.
Since getting into the field myself I have learned first hand how common it is for a lazy bowel to occur in families. Other colon therapists, as well as several medical doctors and R.N.s, have told me that they have come to this same conclusion.
But I find it frustrating how this fairly common condition appears to be completely ignored by the large majority or the health care community. Naturopathic doctors, colon therapists, and holistic oriented nurses are about the only ones you can talk to who are aware of this situation.