What is a good over the counter laxative?
| Medication | How do they work | Side Effects |
| Rectal stimulants. (Bisacodyl, pedia-lax | These laxatives trigger rhythmic contrac | They cause rectal irritation, stomach di |
| Oral stimulants. (Dulcolax and Senokot) | They work by triggering rhythmic contrac | Its side-effects contain; belching, cram |
| Cosmetic stool softeners. (Colace and Su | They work by adding moisture to stool to | They lead to electrolyte imbalance as a |
| Oral bulk formers. (Benefiber, Citrucel, | They work by absorbing water to form sof | Its side effects include; gas, bloating |
Nov 16 2021
What foods are good laxatives? Eating a few prunes or drinking a glass of prune juice once a day usually will take care of any problems a person has with constipation. Other vegetables and fruits that are considered natural laxatives include grapes, figs, apricots, turnips, endive, watercress, coconut, avocados, rhubarb and soybeans.
What is the strongest OTC laxative? One of the more powerful over the counter laxatives is called Senna . You may have seen this product before as it is commonly sold in most grocery stores. These Senna caplets or tablets are an extremely strong laxative and may help you to unclog your bowels.
What is the safest laxative? They work slowly and stimulate your colon naturally. They are considered the safest type of laxative and the only type that might be recommended for daily use. Examples are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). It is important to drink plenty of fluids with a bulk laxative.
What is the most gentle laxative? The gentlest laxatives for relieving constipation are called bulk laxatives. Bulk laxatives enlarge the stool to help it pass through your colon more easily, and should be taken with a lot of water. Flaxseed and psyllium are the most widely used and best-known bulk herbal laxatives.
Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds. Fiber is a natural treatment and one of the first lines of defense against constipation. It moves through the intestines undigested, adding bulk to the stool and encouraging regularity (3, 4).
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Chia and flaxseeds. Seeds from both chia and flax contain fiber that can help with digestion. Drink plenty of water when consuming them to help move things along.
mnn.comLeafy GreensLeafy Greens
Leafy Greens. Leafy greens like spinach, kale and cabbage work in a few different ways to improve regularity and prevent constipation. First, they are very nutrient-dense, meaning they provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber with relatively few calories.
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Leafy greens. Leafy greens, such as kale, collards and spinach contain magnesium, a mineral that can help naturally soften the stool.
mnn.comApplesApples
Apples. Apples are high in fiber, providing 3 grams of fiber per cup (125 grams) (33). Plus, they’re full of pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can act as a laxative.
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Apples or apple cider vinegar. The pectin in apples can help to stimulate your bowels. Try adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to reap the benefits, but t here’s not much scientific research to back that up.
mnn.comAloe VeraAloe Vera
Aloe Vera. Aloe vera latex, a gel that comes from the inner lining of the aloe plant’s leaves, is frequently used as a treatment for constipation. It gets its laxative effect from anthraquinone glycosides, compounds that draw water into the intestines and stimulate the movement of the digestive tract (41).
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Aloe vera. You know that aloe vera is good for your skin, but did you also know that it contains compounds called anthraquinones that act as a natural laxative?
mnn.comPrunesPrunes
Prunes. Prunes are probably one of the most well-known natural laxatives out there. They provide lots of fiber, with 2 grams in each 1-ounce (28-gram) serving.
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Prunes. Prune juice has its reputation for good reason. Drink one glass a day to help relieve and prevent constipation.
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What is the most effective natural laxative? The best natural laxatives are those that are both effective and safe for your body. Some natural laxatives that are generally considered both safe and effective include prunes and prune juice, pear juice, and canned pears. You may also experience relief from constipation by taking an herb called senna.
What is the fastest over the counter laxative? According to MedHelp the fastest active laxative is the drug bisacodyl when administered as a rectal suppository. The over-the-counter version is Dulocolax.
Is it safe to take laxatives every day? Unlike other laxatives, you can take these every day, because they’re essentially just fiber supplements that make the stool bigger and softer. Although they are safe to use regularly, bulk-forming laxatives can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb certain medicines, and they may cause bloating, cramps, and gas.