
Stool softeners can take between 12 and 72 hours to work. They are a type of laxative that can provide relief from constipation, which can be caused by lifestyle habits, pregnancy, medications, and health conditions. To prevent constipation, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, eat a high-fibre diet, and exercise regularly.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time taken for stool softeners to work | 12 to 72 hours |
What You'll Learn
Drink more water
Drinking more water is one of the easiest ways to keep your stool soft and prevent constipation. Water is a natural stool softener and can help prevent hard stools, which can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
The large intestine, or colon, absorbs water from food during digestion. When food moves too slowly through the colon, the colon absorbs too much water from the stool, resulting in hard, dry stools that can be challenging to pass. Staying properly hydrated ensures that your colon has enough water to prevent hard stools.
Healthcare providers recommend that adults drink about 15.5 cups of fluids per day for males and 11.5 cups for females. It is a good idea to keep a water bottle nearby and drink water throughout the day.
If you consume alcohol or caffeine, be sure to follow it up with a tall glass of water, as these substances can cause dehydration.
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Eat more fibre-rich foods
Eating more fibre-rich foods is a great way to soften your stool and prevent constipation. Fibre is found in fruits, vegetables, and cereals, and it's recommended that adults get between 22 to 34 grams of fibre each day. However, it's important to increase your fibre intake gradually and drink plenty of water to help the fibre move smoothly through your digestive tract.
There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fibre is particularly beneficial for stool softening as it does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Good sources of insoluble fibre include wholegrain flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes.
In addition to eating more fibre-rich foods, staying active can also help with constipation. Exercise stimulates the digestive system and encourages regular bowel movements. Even gentle exercises like yoga or a daily walk can be beneficial.
If you're looking to soften your stool, here are some specific fibre-rich foods you can include in your diet:
- Whole grain bread or cereal
- Fibrous fruits like apples, bananas, and berries
- Fibrous vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens
- Nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds
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Try a stool softener
Stool softeners are a type of laxative that can provide relief from constipation. They are also known as emollient laxatives. They are available over the counter and are typically used to treat mild and temporary constipation. Stool softeners are especially useful when straining during a bowel movement should be avoided, such as after a heart attack or surgery.
Stool softeners work by increasing the amount of water and fat that your stool absorbs, making it softer and easier to pass. The active ingredients in stool softeners are typically docusate sodium and docusate calcium.
How to Use Them
Stool softeners can be taken orally or rectally. Orally, they come in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup or liquid. Rectally, they come in the form of an enema, which is injected directly into the rectum.
When taking a stool softener orally, it is recommended to take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) at bedtime. If you are using the liquid form, be sure to measure the dose carefully using a special device and not a household spoon. You can mix the liquid with milk, fruit juice or formula to mask the bitter taste and prevent throat irritation.
It can take between 12 to 72 hours for a stool softener that is taken as directed to begin to work. Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days.
Side Effects
Stool softeners are generally well-tolerated and considered safe by healthcare providers. However, some mild side effects may include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea and throat irritation. If you experience any serious side effects, such as hives or swelling of the face, tongue or throat, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions
Stool softeners are intended for short-term use and should not be taken for more than one week unless directed by a healthcare professional. They should also be used only when needed and as directed. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. If your stool is still hard or difficult to pass after a week of using a stool softener, consult your healthcare provider.
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Drink coffee
Drinking coffee can be an effective way to stimulate a bowel movement and relieve constipation. Coffee contains caffeine, which increases the contractions of the muscles in your gut, helping to push things through. However, it's important to consume coffee in moderation, as excessive caffeine can have a dehydrating effect, which can contribute to constipation. To maximise the benefits of coffee as a laxative, it's recommended to drink it warm and to pair it with a glass of water.
The time it takes for coffee to stimulate a bowel movement can vary, but it typically takes a few hours. If you're experiencing constipation, it's important to address it sooner rather than later, as it can get harder to treat the longer it goes on. In addition to drinking coffee, there are several other ways to relieve constipation, including increasing your fluid intake, consuming more fibre, and exercising regularly.
If you're experiencing severe or persistent constipation, it's important to consult your doctor. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes.
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Take a stimulant laxative
Stimulant laxatives are a good option for fast relief from painful constipation. They are fast-acting laxatives that stimulate the intestines to have a bowel movement. They often contain bisacodyl and sennosides as active ingredients.
Stimulant laxatives are not safe for regular use. Regular use may cause the body to become dependent on the laxative to have a bowel movement.
Stimulant laxatives are not the best option if you need immediate relief. They take 6 to 12 hours to work. If you need immediate relief, saline laxatives are a better option as they tend to work very fast.
Stimulant laxatives are available in the form of tablets or capsules that you swallow, sachets of powder that you mix with water and then drink, suppositories (a capsule that you place inside your bottom or rectum), and liquids or gels that you place directly into your bottom.
It is important to take stimulant laxatives exactly as directed. Take the prescribed dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose and do not take it more often than directed.
If you develop diarrhoea after taking a stimulant laxative, stop taking the medication and call your doctor if the diarrhoea does not stop.
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Frequently asked questions
Stool softeners typically take between 12 and 72 hours to work.
Drinking more water, consuming more fiber, and increasing physical activity are natural ways to soften stool.
The recommended daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups for males and 11.5 cups for females.
Yes, there are medications called stool softeners that can help. These are typically recommended for short-term use and should not be taken for more than a week without consulting a healthcare provider.