Best Laxatives For Ckd: Natural And Effective Relief

Constipation is a common problem for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be caused by several factors, including dietary restrictions, comorbidities, and medications. While laxatives are typically used to manage constipation, it is important to determine which type is safe for individuals with CKD. Studies have shown that certain laxatives can be effective in treating constipation in people with CKD without negatively impacting kidney function. For instance, stool softeners, hyperosmotics, and stimulants are commonly prescribed and have been found to be safe. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the most suitable laxative for an individual's specific needs and conditions.

Laxatives are safe for CKD patients transitioning to dialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as effectively. As the disease progresses, patients may require dialysis, a treatment that helps remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. It is common for patients with CKD to experience constipation, especially in the advanced stages of the disease, due to various factors such as dietary restrictions, comorbidities, and medications. Laxatives are often used to manage constipation, but there has been limited research on the safety and effectiveness of laxatives for patients with CKD transitioning to dialysis.

A recent study published in the *Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation* journal aimed to address this knowledge gap by examining the use of laxatives in patients with advanced CKD transitioning to dialysis. The study found that the use of laxatives increased as patients progressed towards dialysis, with a significant peak in the 6 months immediately following the transition. Stool softeners were the most commonly prescribed laxatives, followed by hyperosmotics, stimulants, bulk formers, and chloride channel activators. The study also identified several factors associated with pre-dialysis laxative use, including the use of certain medications such as anticoagulants, oral iron supplements, and opioid analgesics.

The safety profile of laxatives in patients with advanced CKD transitioning to dialysis was also assessed in the study. It was found that laxative use within the 2-year period before dialysis initiation did not significantly impact the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The researchers concluded that laxatives have a renal safety profile in patients with advanced CKD and can be used to treat constipation, which has been linked to an increased risk of adverse kidney outcomes.

Additionally, when choosing a laxative, it is important to consider the patient's overall health and the potential interactions with other medications. For example, magnesium-containing laxatives should be avoided by patients with kidney disease as magnesium can accumulate in the body. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the most suitable laxative for an individual's needs.

Constipation is common in CKD patients due to dietary restrictions, comorbidities and medication

Constipation is a common problem for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is due to a combination of dietary restrictions, comorbidities, and medication.

Dietary restrictions

People with CKD are often advised to restrict their intake of fiber-rich foods to prevent hyperkalemia or hyperphosphatemia. This can lead to constipation as fiber helps to carry waste through the digestive system.

Comorbidities

Many of the conditions that commonly occur alongside kidney disease, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypercalcemia, can slow down the digestive system and lead to constipation.

Medication side effects

People with kidney disease may develop secondary conditions, and the medications prescribed for these can cause constipation. These include blood pressure medications, iron supplements, anti-nausea medications, and calcium supplements.

CKD patients should take a laxative with any daily medication that causes constipation

Constipation is a common issue for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can be caused by iron and calcium tablets, as well as other medications such as painkillers. As constipation can increase the risk of adverse kidney outcomes, laxatives are often used to treat it.

A study of US veterans with advanced CKD found that laxative use was safe and did not negatively impact kidney function. The study also found that the use of laxatives increased as patients progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with stool softeners being the most commonly prescribed, followed by hyperosmotics, stimulants, bulk formers, and chloride channel activators.

If you are taking a medicine on a daily basis that can cause constipation, you should also take a medication to prevent it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medication is best for you.

Safe laxatives include:

• PEG3350 (Restoralax, Miralax)
• PEG3350 with Lytes (PEGLyte, GoLytely)
• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
• Senna (Senokot)
• Lactulose
• Docusate (Colace)
• Benefibre powder

CKD patients should increase their fibre intake

The average American diet contains 5 to 15 grams of fibre per day, which is below the recommended intake of 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories consumed. The Food and Nutrition Board suggests 25 grams of fibre per day for women and 38 grams per day for men under 50. For people over 50, women should get 21 grams per day and men should get 30 grams per day.

However, increasing fibre intake can be challenging for CKD patients, as many fibre sources are too high in potassium and phosphorus. It is important to note that increasing fibre intake can cause gas, bloating and cramps. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a dietitian about gradually increasing fibre and adjusting fluid intake.

• Have regular meal times so you know when you get fibre and from what.
• Eat all the allowed servings of kidney-friendly fruits and vegetables suggested by your meal plan.
• Eat peelings on fruit and vegetables when reasonable.
• Snack on unsalted popcorn and raw vegetables.
• Include a breakfast cereal with fibre (one that is approved by your dietitian).
• Eat whole fruit instead of drinking juice.
• Try fibre supplements as recommended by your dietitian.

Exercise may help treat constipation

Constipation is a common problem for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it can be caused by various factors, such as dietary restrictions, comorbidities, and medications. While laxatives are typically used to manage constipation, they may not always be effective, especially in advanced stages of CKD. Therefore, alternative treatments such as exercise can be beneficial.

Exercise is essential for regular bowel movements, and inactivity is one of the key factors leading to constipation. It helps by reducing the time it takes for food to move through the large intestine, limiting water absorption, and stimulating the natural contractions of muscles in the intestines. This results in softer stools that are easier to pass. Additionally, aerobic exercise increases breathing and heart rate, further aiding the digestive process.

A simple walking plan of 10 to 15 minutes several times a day can be effective. For those who are already physically fit, aerobic exercises such as running, jogging, swimming, or swing dancing can be beneficial. Yoga is another excellent option for constipation relief. It helps manage stress, improves digestion, and encourages stool movement through twisting poses, inversions, and forward folds. Specific poses like the half spinal twist, supine spinal twist, and crescent lunge twist can be particularly helpful.

In conclusion, exercise is a valuable tool in treating constipation, especially for those with CKD. It helps regulate bowel movements, improves digestion, and promotes overall health. By incorporating physical activities such as walking, aerobic exercises, or yoga into their routine, individuals can effectively manage constipation and improve their quality of life.

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