Constipation is a condition affecting almost everyone, keep away the age group. The symptoms may vary from one to another, ranging from a bloated feeling to stomach cramps. Whatever the situation may be, the solution is the same for all, the use of laxatives.The overuse of laxatives isn’t obviously good for the body. It makes then bowel lazy. It may lead to bouncing back of the condition of constipation. It may be better to replace laxative tablets or syrups with fiber and water.The need for a laxative is to be thoroughly analyzed before having one;
1. Regular use: regularity means having bowel movements that are regular for us. For some, that’s once a day; for others its not. Doctors agree that as few as three bowel movements per week is still regular.However, if a person has two per week or less, or if the stool is dry, hard, and difficult to pass, the person is constipated.A laxative may provide temporary relief. But the condition of normal bowel movement is the state of a healthy lifestyle.
2. Difference in eating habits: changes in diet and exercise can cause constipation. Simply reestablishing healthy routines may bring about relief. Be aware that normal changes associated with aging can cause temporary or even permanent changes in bowel movements.
3. When under new medications: constipation may be side effects of many medications, particularly antidepressants, cough syrups, sedatives, antacids, calcium channel blockers, and iron supplements.
Potential risks:
Short term laxatives are found to be more safe. However, using any laxative for long term, except fiber supplements, can pose a variety of health problems. Laxatives can cause a dangerous upset of body fluids and electrolytes, muscle weakness, and heart- rhythm abnormalities. Chronic use can even damage the colon. And once laxatives are stopped, the constipation problem may reappear causing long term bowel difficulties.Some laxatives are gentler, than others. Ingredients may be harsh, which includes phenolphthalein, bisacodyl (organic laxative), castor oil, senna (leguminous flowering plant) and cascara sagrada (herbal laxative).
Many laxatives often contain magnesium, a mineral often found in antacids and pain relievers. When these medicines are taken in excess amounts, potentially fatal magnesium overload occurs. These may lead to disorders affecting kidney such as diabetes or hypertension. Herbal laxatives are also not so harmless, especially those containing aloe, senna, castor oil, cascara sagrada, etc. Problems like cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are more likely to occur if a laxative tea is steeped too long or drunk frequently. Rare, but complications include fainting, dehydration, and a dangerous change in blood chemistry may happen. Finally, a laxative should never be used to facilitate weight loss. Laxatives cannot stop the calories from getting absorbed, and even bring about deadly changes in the metabolism.
Some laxatives:
Fibrepur, Fibyrax, etc. are fiber products which makes the intestines to contract and induce a bowel movement. Lactulose, Epsom salts, and Milk of Magnesia are osmotic agents and enables to pull water into the small intestine.Colace, regulex, soflax, etc., are stool softeners and lubricants which helps to pass the stool easily.Correctol, Dulcolax, Senokot, etc., are stimulant laxatives and stimulates the bowel lining causing increased contractions.
