The Natural Laxative Effect: Unlocking Bowel Regularity

There are several ways to achieve a laxative effect. Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation by loosening stools and increasing bowel movements. They are available over the counter or by prescription and can be administered orally or rectally. Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fibre supplements, increase the bulk of stools by getting them to retain liquid, which encourages the bowels to push them out. Osmotic laxatives soften the stool by drawing water into the colon, making it easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives coat the stool with lipids, making it slippery and easier to pass through the colon. Stool softeners are a type of emollient laxative that incorporates water and fats into the stool. It is important to note that laxatives should be used sparingly and occasionally, as overuse can lead to health complications such as dehydration, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction, and electrolyte imbalance.

Eat fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Eating fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a great way to get a laxative effect and improve your digestive health. Fibre-rich foods can help relieve constipation by softening stools, accelerating their movement, and increasing stool frequency.

Fibre-rich fruits that can help relieve constipation include prunes, apples, pears, kiwis, figs, citrus fruits, and berries. These fruits contain high levels of fibre, water, and natural sugars, which can help ease digestion and promote regular bowel movements. For example, apples contain pectin, which can increase stool frequency and decrease stool hardness. Similarly, the fructose in pears is absorbed by the liver, drawing water into the intestines and aiding bowel movements.

When it comes to vegetables, focus on those high in insoluble fibre, such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, artichokes, and green beans. Insoluble fibre passes through your digestive tract intact, adding bulk and weight to stools, making them easier to pass. Additionally, vegetables contain plant compounds that protect the gut and ease digestion. For instance, sulforaphane in broccoli prevents the overgrowth of intestinal microorganisms that interfere with healthy digestion.

Whole grains are another excellent source of insoluble fibre. Opt for whole wheat bread, cereals, pasta, and rye bread. Wheat bran, in particular, has been found to significantly improve bowel habits. When consuming whole wheat products, it's best to eat them raw or lightly cooked to retain the most nutrients.

While increasing your fibre intake, it's crucial to do so gradually. Introducing a lot of fibre into your diet all at once can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, cramping, and bloating. Therefore, it's recommended to slowly add more high-fibre foods to allow your digestive system to adjust.

Drink plenty of fluids

Staying well-hydrated is essential for healthy bowel movements. Drinking plenty of fluids is a recommended lifestyle change to help treat constipation and prevent it in the future.

Fluids are especially important if you are taking bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives, as these can cause dehydration. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into the bowel to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Bulk-forming laxatives also rely on water absorption to increase the bulk or weight of stools, which in turn stimulates the bowel.

It is recommended that you drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Other fluids, such as diluted fruit juice, can also help prevent constipation. However, it is important to note that laxatives should not be the first option to relieve constipation. They are a good "plan B" if lifestyle changes haven't worked.

Take osmotic laxatives like lactulose or macrogol

Osmotic laxatives such as lactulose and macrogol are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They work by drawing water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. They usually take 2 to 3 days to work.

Lactulose is a versatile pharmaceutical agent that is helpful in preventing and treating clinical portal-systemic encephalopathy. It is also used to manage chronic constipation, where its combined impact on intestinal motility and its osmotic effect contribute to its therapeutic effectiveness. It is available as a solution or crystals in packets. If you are taking the solution, you can mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert to improve the taste. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment, and it is usually taken once daily for constipation. It may take up to 48 hours to have a bowel movement.

Macrogol, also known as polyethylene glycol, is a biologically inert, non-absorbable osmotic laxative. It is highly effective and well-tolerated as a first-line option for the treatment of chronic idiopathic/functional constipation in children and adults. It is available as powder for oral solution in 4- and 10-g sachets for children and adults, respectively. It should be taken as a temporary treatment for constipation in addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet. The effects of macrogol become apparent within 24 to 48 hours of administration.

It is important to note that both lactulose and macrogol can cause dehydration, so it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids when taking these osmotic laxatives. Additionally, never take more than the recommended dose, as it can be harmful and cause side effects.

Use stool softeners like Colace or Diocto

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that can provide relief from constipation. They are also called emollient laxatives. Stool softeners work by adding a compound to the stool that absorbs water, making it softer and easier to pass. The active ingredients in stool softeners are usually docusate sodium and docusate calcium. Colace is a common brand of docusate, while Diocto is a docusate calcium brand.

Stool softeners are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, and syrups. They are typically taken orally at bedtime, following the directions on the packaging or as instructed by a healthcare provider. It is important to take stool softeners as directed and not to exceed the recommended dosage. They are generally safe, but side effects may include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. If side effects occur, it is important to consult a doctor.

Stool softeners are particularly useful for people who should avoid straining during bowel movements, such as those who have recently undergone surgery or given birth. They are also recommended for individuals with certain health conditions, like heart issues, where straining may be harmful. Stool softeners are typically used for short-term relief from occasional constipation and should not be taken for more than a week without medical advice.

In addition to medication, natural stool softeners can also be considered. These include increasing water intake, regular exercise, and a high-fibre diet. Lifestyle changes can help ease constipation symptoms and make bowel movements more comfortable.

Try stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl or senna

Bisacodyl and senna are stimulant laxatives that can be used to treat constipation. They work by increasing intestinal movement to encourage bowel movements. Bisacodyl is usually taken the evening before a bowel movement is desired and normally causes a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. It comes in the form of a tablet that should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It is important to note that bisacodyl should not be taken within one hour of consuming dairy products as this can increase the risk of stomach upset and nausea. It should also not be taken with antacids. The recommended dose for bisacodyl is once a day for up to one week unless directed otherwise by a doctor. Overuse of bisacodyl may lead to laxative dependency and can cause the bowels to lose their normal activity.

Senna is the fruit (pod) or leaf of the Senna alexandrina plant. It is approved in the US as a laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation and is available over the counter. It is recommended to be taken at bedtime and tends to work within 6 to 12 hours. Senna can cause side effects such as stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhoea. It should not be used for more than one week without the supervision of a healthcare provider. Long-term use of senna can lead to laxative dependence, liver damage, and other harmful effects.

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