Solga Laxative: Natural Relief For Constipation

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating your bowels to get moving. They are often used if lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, have not helped. Laxatives are available over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online, as well as on prescription from a doctor. There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. They can come in various forms, such as pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. While laxatives can provide relief from constipation, they should be used with caution and only as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and dehydration.

Solgar laxatives are available over the counter or on prescription

Most laxatives are available over the counter without a prescription. These include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Bulk-forming laxatives increase the weight of your faeces, stimulating your bowel. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften faeces and make it easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives coat your colon, making it slick and preventing water absorption from your stool, while stimulants activate the nerves that control the muscles in your colon.

However, it's important to note that over-the-counter laxatives are meant for very short-term use only. Overusing them could worsen constipation and lead to serious medical problems. They can even be addictive. If over-the-counter laxatives are not effective or if you have a long-term condition causing constipation, you may need a prescription laxative. Prescription laxatives are safer for long-term use and are often prescribed for chronic constipation or constipation related to a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

They are used to treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to enable a bowel movement. They are typically used when lifestyle changes such as eating high-fibre foods, taking probiotics, drinking more fluids, and exercising have not helped relieve constipation.

Laxatives work by making stools softer and easier to pass, or by stimulating the muscles in the colon to move the stool along. Some laxatives do both.

Types of laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives

These laxatives add soluble fibre to the stool, which draws water from the body into the stool, making it bigger and softer. This stimulates the colon to contract and push the stool out. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered the gentlest type and are the best first option to try unless a doctor recommends otherwise. They include:

• Psyllium (Metamucil®)
• Polycarbophil (FiberCon®)
• Methylcellulose (Citrucel®)

Osmotic laxatives

Osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. They include:

• Polyethylene glycol (Gavilax®, MiraLAX®)
• Magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia)
• Glycerin (Colace Glycerin®, Fleet Pedia-Lax®)

Stool softener laxatives

Stool softeners, also called emollient laxatives, increase the water and fat absorbed by the stool, softening it. They include:

Docusate (Colace®)

Lubricant laxatives

Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery and preventing the colon from absorbing water from the stool, so it stays soft and can pass more easily. They include:

Mineral oil

Stimulant laxatives

Stimulant laxatives activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing the colon to move the stool along. They include:

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®)
• Senna (Fletcher's® Laxative)

They are not suitable for everyone, including children and people with certain health conditions

Laxatives are not suitable for everyone and should only be used after consultation with a healthcare professional. They are not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.

Laxatives are also not suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If you have a chronic condition that causes constipation, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any laxatives. Additionally, laxatives can interact with other medications, so it is crucial to seek medical advice if you are taking any prescription drugs.

Some laxatives are not suitable for people with specific dietary restrictions. For example, saline laxatives, which are magnesium-based, can be dangerous for people with heart failure or kidney problems. They are also not recommended for those taking medication to lower sodium levels or other mineral-based drugs, such as medications to reduce calcium in the kidneys.

Furthermore, laxatives are not recommended for long-term use. Using them for extended periods can lead to dehydration, mineral imbalances, and intestinal blockage. They may also mask underlying conditions causing constipation, delaying diagnosis and proper treatment.

It is important to remember that laxatives are not the first-line treatment for constipation. Lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking enough fluids, and regular exercise, are usually the first steps to relieve constipation. If these changes do not help, a healthcare professional may suggest a gentle, bulk-forming laxative as a safer option.

They can cause side effects such as dehydration, bloating, and gas

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating your bowels to get moving so you can pass stools. They are available over the counter and by prescription.

Laxatives can cause side effects such as dehydration, bloating, and gas. Dehydration can occur when laxatives pull water from your body to soften your stools, and it can be prevented by drinking more liquids. Laxatives can also cause bloating and gas because they draw water into the colon, making stools softer and bulkier. This can be managed by trying different products to find the one that causes the least side effects.

Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the gentlest type and are the least likely to cause side effects. They include brands such as Metamucil and FiberCon. Osmotic laxatives, such as MiraLAX or generic versions, are another option but can cause gas, bloating, and nausea. Diet candies containing sorbitol can also be used as a laxative but may cause bloating and gas.

It is important to take laxatives exactly as directed to prevent side effects and reduce the risk of complications. Overuse of laxatives can lead to electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, and intestinal blockage. If you experience side effects or constipation lasting longer than seven days, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake, are often recommended before trying laxatives

Solgar is a company that has been creating nutritional supplements for 75 years. They are committed to quality, health, and well-being and conduct tireless research to create the finest nutritional supplements in small batches.

Dietary fibre is the name given to the non-digestible carbohydrates found in plants. Fibre-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Fibre is usually categorized into two groups, based on solubility: insoluble fibre and soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre, found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains, bulks up stools and acts like a brush, sweeping through the bowels to keep things moving. Soluble fibre, found in oat bran, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables, absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance, helping the stool pass smoothly through the bowels and improving its form and consistency.

Increasing fibre intake can help relieve constipation for many people. Studies have shown that increasing fibre intake can increase the number of stools passed and a recent review showed that 77% of people with chronic constipation found relief by increasing their fibre intake. It is generally recommended that men consume 38 grams of fibre per day, while women are recommended to consume 25 grams. However, it is estimated that most people eat less than half of the recommended amount, only reaching between 12-18 grams per day.

It is important to note that increasing fibre intake may not work for everyone. Some studies have shown that reducing fibre intake can improve constipation, particularly for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as many high-fibre foods are also high in FODMAPS, which worsen IBS symptoms. Additionally, some people may already be consuming a large amount of fibre before seeking medical attention for constipation. In such cases, decreasing fibre intake or trying a non-fermentable, soluble fibre supplement may be recommended.

Before making any significant changes to your diet or taking supplements, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that the changes are safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

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