Constipation Remedy

Constipation Remedies, How to Get Rid of Constipation

Following are few remedies of constipation –

Dietary fiber – Increase the intake of fruit and vegetables (minimum of five servings of fruit or vegetables daily) to your diet. It is known to be the best way of adding fiber. Fiber supplements can also be used.

Lubricant laxatives- These contain mineral oil which resides within the intestine. It coats the particles of stool and apparently control the removal of water from the stool which results in the stool to go softer. Since the long term use of mineral oil has several disadvantages, it is only used for the short-term healing of constipation. It can attract fat-soluble vitamins (from the intestine). If it is used for long periods, there can be vitamin deficiencies.

Hyperosmolar laxatives - These are undigestible, unabsorbable compounds. Hyperosmolar laxatives remain within the colon and preserve the water that already is in the colon. This results in softening of the stool. The most common hyperosmolar laxatives are lactulose, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol and most importantly, these are available by prescription only. These laxatives has few side effects and considered to be safe for prolong use.

Stool softeners – these are also called emollient laxatives which contain a compound which is a wetting agent called docusate. It betters the capability of water in the colon to go through and merge with stool. Thus the higher water (in the stool) leads to the softening of the stool. These are gernerally used in the long-term healing of constipation. It can take around a week's time or more for docusate to be helpful. But even after you see no effect, the dose should be increased. These are generally used when stool has to soften for short duration. For example after childbirth, surgery, or heart attack.

Saline laxatives - These contain magnesium hydroxide, magnesium citrate and sodium phosphate which are non-absorbable ions. While remaining in the colon, these ions helps water to be strained into the colon and help soften of the stool. These laxatives act very quickly but it is not recommended to use them on regular basis. Dehydration may occur due to the development of diarrhea with the use of this laxative. Milk of magnesia is the most regularly used and stronges of the saline laxatives.

You can adapt a number of lifestyle changes as a remedy for constipation. They are as follows -

1) Get up early in the morning and go for a walk daily.

2) Avoid tight clothes or belts. These can hold back your digestive system.

3) Limit intake of tobacco, tea, coffee and hot spices.

4) Don't take daily naps and especially within 3 hours of eating.

5) Fast at least once in a week.

6) Make a schedule and stick to it because schedules work well with your body's natural body clock.

7) Exercise regularly for at least 20-30 minutes daily.

Do not completely depend on laxatives as a Constipation Remedy. While these may be effective once in awhile but their effect is temporary. Excessive use can cause side effects.

Bryan Len has published 102 articles. Article submitted on Thursday 28th May 2009. Word count: 567