OTC Laxatives
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011To get rid of bowels, medicine like laxatives can be prescribed and taken. This article takes a look at the different types of medication that have a laxative effect.
Lubricants lubricate, as you would suspect by the name, which makes stools more slippery and bowel movements more easy for a person to make. Mineral oils are often used in lubricants. Lubricants limited the body’s ability to break down nutrients.
Stool softeners introduce substances in the GI tract in order to soften stools to make these easier to pass. The most uncommon, but strongest laxatives are stimulants. The medication irritates the intestinal mucosa to trigger bowel movement. Castor oil, usually prescribed by doctors as a stimulant helps to flush out the system.
Some osmotic substances lead to higher water levels in your intestines which improves the frequency of your bowel movements. Examples of osmotic substances are milk of magnesia, Epsom salts, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium citrate. Bulk forming substances increase the amount of fiber in your system, which will then soften stools in order to make bowel movement easier. There are three kinds of bulk forming substances – psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil. The different fibers each of these make use of will assist in triggering bowel movement.
Many herbs can act as laxatives, including aloe latex, senna, frangula, cascara sagrada, and rhubarb. While being natural remedies, these herbs should be taken with great care in order to avoid experiencing the side effects associated with these.
Because of the discomfort caused by constipation, a lot of people automatically turn to laxative medications in order to find relief from this problem. Sadly, this causes people to use the medicine inappropriately, and that causes problems including weak bones, diarrhea and damaged to nerves in the colon. Remember these things when taking the medicine.
Be careful to take laxatives exactly as directed. Not only can this lead to dependency, frequent use of laxative medications can cause damage to your health, so only take these when necessary. If the laxative is prescribed, be sure to follow the doctors instructions to the letter.
Laxative medications can cause your body to flush out the water in your system when you do bowel movements. Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration. Drinking lots of liquids can also help soften stools to make bowel movements easier. First consult with your doctor to confirm that it is alright to take a laxative with any other of your current prescriptions.
Health problems associated with laxatives are minimized when they are used correctly. To avoid constipation, you should start on a regular, nutritious diet and drink water and exercise on a regular basis.
No longer shall you worry about natural laxatives once you possess the facts to treat Constipation. Find out more about best laxatives now.