Constipation Remedies Welcomed By All
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Constipation can mean differing things to different people. However, their reaction to the condition is nearly universal: Help us find natural constipation remedies!
Click here for one of our recommended constipation remedies, PoopDoc!
For many, constipation simply means stools that occur irregularly. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The source of each of these “types” of constipation likely differs, and the approach to each should be customized to the unique type of constipation.
Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern frequently occurs as part of a condition known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.
Increasing age often results in a decrease in the number of bowel movements. All but five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but this pattern is seen in less than half of people. Moreover, most people are in fact irregular and do not have bowel movements every day or the same number of bowel movements each day.
Following are some of the best constipation remedies you might consider:
Increase the intake of fruit and vegetables (minimum of five servings of fruit or vegetables daily) to your diet. It is known to be the best way of adding fiber. Fiber supplements can also be used.
Lubricant laxatives contain mineral oil which resides within the intestine and coats the particles of stool. Their function is apparently to control the removal of water from the stool, which results in the stool going softer. Since the long term use of mineral oil has several disadvantages, it is only used for short periods.
Hyperosmolar laxatives are undigestible, unabsorbable compounds that remain within the colon and preserve the water that already is in the colon, resulting in softening of the stool. The most common hyperosmolar laxatives are lactulose, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol and most importantly, most are available by prescription only. These laxatives have few side effects and are considered to be safe for long-term use.
Over the counter constipation remedies include stool softeners, also called emollient laxatives, which contain a wetting agent compound called docusate, which betters the capability of water in the colon to go through and merge with stool. Higher water content (in the stool) leads to its softening. These are generally used in a long-term constipation remedy. It can take around a week or more for docusate to be helpful.
Click here for one of our recommended constipation remedies, PoopDoc!