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Laxatives to take care of digestive health
Laxatives are used to prevent or treat constipation problems, a condition that is to say, is more common than many people would like.
But, while laxatives can find a quick solution to your problem, their prolonged use can lead to other conditions.
Therefore, in addition to talking in detail about the types of over-the-counter laxatives, we will be presenting some natural alternatives for you to take care of your digestive health. Just keep reading all the information we have compiled.
What is a laxative?
This name includes substances that help relieve constipation problems, allow you to evacuate the intestine when it is difficult for you to carry out this process normally.
What are the most common types of laxatives?
Surely at some point you have gone to the nearest pharmacy in search of a laxative, but did you know that there are different types of laxatives ? These are classified according to the way they act, so you can find the following types:
Osmotics
These are characterized by helping to retain water in the intestine, to increase the size of the stool, by doing this, the intestine will increase peristaltic movements so that you can evacuate. For this type of laxative to be effective, you need to drink a lot of water.
Dough formers
These laxatives work the same as the previous ones, helping to increase the size of the stool so that the intestine understands that it is time to evacuate, it may take a few days to take effect, but it is one of the safest laxatives when used long-term.
Lubricants or emollients
These allow intestinal fluids to enter the stool, making it soft, which will facilitate evacuation.
Stimulants
Its function is to increase peristaltic movements, this will make the intestine move faster and the absorption of fluids and electrolytes will decrease, so the fecal bolus will increase and evacuation will be faster.
These laxatives are made from glycerin, and the effect is one of the fastest, in general it will take about 6 or 12 hours, if you take it orally, and 30 minutes to an hour when it is rectally.
Foods that help fight constipation naturally
Certain foods due to their content, such as fiber, can help you go to the bathroom, we will tell you about 4 of the most important:
1. Plums : The high fiber content of these makes them a natural laxative without equal, with eating a couple of plums every morning you can prevent constipation, this fruit will also help you stay hydrated.
2. Oats : This food to combat constipation also has a considerable amount of soluble fiber, this means that when you eat it, when it comes into contact with water it will swell in your intestine, which will lead to an increase in peristaltic movements.
3. Olive oil : Using it in salads, or even taking a teaspoon in the morning will help you go to the bathroom, because it will lubricate the food you eat, thus facilitating its evacuation.
4. Avocado : Finally, the avocado also has a high fiber content and will also lubricate the intestinal tract to facilitate the passage of food.
Laxative plants against constipation
Just as certain foods will prevent or alleviate constipation problems, there are also certain plants with which you can prepare home remedies against constipation, for example:
Aloe vera : This contains anthraquinone glycosides, which would be a very strong natural laxative, which will help stimulate the walls of the colon, in addition to increasing the level of water absorption in the intestine, this will hydrate the stool, leading to an easier evacuation process.
Chamomile : For a long time this plant has been used to treat digestive conditions of various kinds, with constipation gases are common, an infusion of chamomile can help you alleviate this problem, as well as stomach pain.
Flax : Specifically the seeds, are infallible against constipation, because they contain a large amount of soluble fiber that will help facilitate evacuation.
What is the fastest and most effective laxative?
This will depend on your needs, if you want a faster effect because you have a long time without having a bowel movement and this is causing you other conditions, then stimulant laxatives are the most ideal.
But, not in pills, but as a suppository, you will feel the effects in less than an hour.
However, it is important that you keep in mind that this type of laxative should not be abused, because it ends up irritating the rectal mucosa. If constipation is a constant problem, the ideal is to visit a specialist, to help you understand the root of the problem and treat it properly.
