Natural Laxatives: Safe, Non-Addictive Constipation Relief

Laxatives are often used to treat constipation, a condition characterised by infrequent, difficult, and sometimes painful bowel movements. While over-the-counter laxatives can be very effective in providing quick relief, they can also be habit-forming and cause adverse side effects with prolonged use. Natural laxatives, on the other hand, are non-addictive and provide a safer alternative with minimal side effects. These include dietary fibre, natural foods like chia seeds, berries, legumes, and prunes, as well as natural remedies such as castor oil and herbal stimulant laxatives like Ma Zi Ren Wan (MZRW). Natural laxatives work by increasing stool frequency, improving consistency, and promoting regular bowel movements. They can be a great first-line option for those seeking a gentle, non-addictive solution to constipation.

Non-addictive laxatives are available over the counter and without a prescription

Laxatives are often used to treat constipation, which is characterised by infrequent, difficult, and sometimes painful bowel movements. While over-the-counter laxatives can be very effective in relieving constipation, they can also cause electrolyte disturbances and changes in body salts and minerals if used too frequently.

Natural laxatives, on the other hand, are non-addictive and are better for your health. They can be safe and inexpensive alternatives to over-the-counter products and have minimal side effects. Natural laxatives work by increasing stool frequency and improving its consistency. They can also help improve digestive health.

There are several types of laxatives available over the counter and without a prescription, including:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: These move through the body undigested, absorbing water and swelling to form stools. Commercial options include Metamucil and Citrucel, available in powder and capsule form.
• Stool softeners: These increase the amount of water absorbed by stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Examples include docusate sodium and docusate calcium, available in pill or tablet form.
• Lubricant laxatives: These coat the surfaces of stools and the intestinal lining to retain moisture, allowing for softer stools and easier passage. Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative available in liquid or enema form.
• Osmotic-type laxatives: These help the colon retain more water, increasing the frequency of bowel movements. Examples include milk of magnesia and glycerin, available as a liquid, caplet, enema, or suppository.
• Saline laxatives: These draw water into the small intestine to encourage a bowel movement. Liquid magnesium citrate is a type of saline laxative.
• Stimulant laxatives: These speed up the movement of the digestive system to induce a bowel movement. They are available in various forms, such as tablets, pills, powders, chewables, liquids, and suppositories, under brand names like Ex-Lax, Senokot, and Dulcolax.

It is important to note that natural laxatives may not work as well as over-the-counter laxatives in cases of severe constipation. Additionally, some natural laxatives, such as senna, can be toxic to the liver if consumed in high doses or for extended periods. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any laxative, especially if constipation persists or occurs frequently.

They are used to treat constipation and can be taken orally or in liquid form

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are available in many forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, syrups, powders, suppositories, and enemas. Most laxatives are available without a prescription, but some types are only available with a prescription from a doctor.

Oral and liquid laxatives can be taken as pills, capsules, or powders that you mix with water or other liquids. Oral laxatives are swallowed, while liquid laxatives are measured out and then drunk. These types of laxatives usually take longer to work, ranging from 6 to 12 hours for stimulant laxatives to a few days for bulk-forming laxatives. However, they are generally gentler on the body and less likely to cause side effects.

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fibre supplements, are typically the first type recommended by doctors. They work by adding soluble fibre to the stool, drawing water into the colon, and making the stool bigger and softer. This stimulates the colon to contract and push out the stool. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).

Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the colon to prevent water absorption from the stool, keeping it soft and making it easier to pass. Osmotic laxatives, on the other hand, pull water from other body parts into the colon, softening the stool. These include polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®) and magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®).

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should be used sparingly and only as directed to prevent side effects and potential dependency. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake, are usually the first line of treatment for constipation.

They are not recommended for long-term use as they can cause tolerance and dependence

Natural laxatives, such as those containing senna, are not recommended for long-term use. This is because the body can build up a tolerance to their effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the same results. Over time, this can lead to dependence, where normal bowel function becomes difficult without the use of laxatives. This can have serious negative health consequences, including severe dehydration, a reduction in electrolytes, and a disturbance in mineral balance, affecting the function of vital organs.

Stimulant laxatives, such as those containing senna, can be particularly habit-forming. Senna-based laxatives, for example, take about 8 hours to work, so they are typically taken before bedtime. However, over time, a person may need to take higher doses or take them more frequently to achieve the desired results. This can lead to a cycle of increasing dependence, where the body becomes reliant on the laxatives to function, and the muscles may weaken over time.

Laxative abuse is a serious issue, often associated with eating disorders and a desire to lose weight. It is important to understand that laxatives do not promote long-term weight loss and can have minimal effects on caloric intake. The perceived weight loss is due to a decrease in water weight, which can quickly return after eating or drinking. Despite this, the pressure to be thin can lead to a dangerous cycle of laxative abuse, with potentially severe health consequences.

While natural laxatives can be a safe and effective short-term solution for constipation, it is important to prioritize dietary and lifestyle changes for long-term bowel health. Eating fiber-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, and making other healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent constipation and reduce the need for laxatives. It is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your bowel health or are considering the long-term use of any medication, including natural laxatives.

Natural laxatives include foods like prunes, berries, legumes, flaxseed, and chia seeds

Natural laxatives are a great alternative to over-the-counter laxatives, which can sometimes have addictive side effects. Natural laxatives are better for you as they are foods with laxative properties, meaning you benefit from additional fibre and nutrients.

Prunes and prune juice are proven remedies for constipation. Prune juice contains a healthy amount of sorbitol and fibre, which makes it a natural laxative drink.

Berries are also fibre-rich, with raspberries being a particularly good source. One cup of raspberries provides 8 grams of fibre.

Legumes, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and peanuts, are also high in fibre. They also contain a form of starch called resistant starch, which acts like insoluble fibre in your digestive tract.

Flaxseed is a natural stool softener and a source of both insoluble and soluble fibres. One tablespoon of flaxseed contains 5 grams of fibre. You can add flaxseed to baked goods or mix it with water or a hot beverage.

Chia seeds are another high-fibre food that can act as a natural laxative. They absorb water in the gastrointestinal tract and form a gel-like substance that moves easily through your intestines. Chia seeds provide 10 grams of fibre per one-ounce serving.

In addition to incorporating these natural laxatives into your diet, it's important to stay well-hydrated, follow a healthy diet, and make time for regular physical activity. These steps will help prevent constipation and keep your digestive system healthy.

Side effects of laxatives include mild cramping, diarrhoea, and in rare cases, liver toxicity

Laxatives are a medication that stimulates or facilitates bowel movements. They are commonly used to relieve constipation and are usually available over the counter without a prescription.

There are several types of laxatives, including:

• Bulk-forming laxatives, which work like fibre supplements, increasing the bulk of stools by retaining liquid, encouraging the bowels to push them out.
• Osmotic laxatives, which soften the stool by increasing the amount of water secreted into the bowels, making it easier to pass.
• Stimulant laxatives, which stimulate the colon muscles to push stools out.
• Stool softener laxatives, which decrease the surface tension of stools so that they absorb more water, making them softer.
• Lubricant laxatives, which lubricate the intestines by decreasing the amount of water absorbed by the intestines.

Like any medication, laxatives can have side effects. The side effects depend on the type of laxative and can include:

• Mild cramping and diarrhoea, especially with stimulant laxatives.
• Dehydration, which can cause lightheadedness, headaches, and darker urine.
• Electrolyte imbalances, especially in children.
• In rare cases, laxatives can cause liver toxicity, especially with prolonged use of senna-containing laxatives.
• Laxative dependency, where the colon stops reacting to usual doses, requiring larger and larger doses.
• Internal organ damage, including stretching of the colon and thinning of the muscle wall.
• Increased risk of colorectal cancer, though more research is needed to confirm this.

To minimise side effects, it is recommended to start with a low dose and increase gradually. People should also drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Frequently asked questions