What’s the best laxative to take?

Are you feeling constipated, bloated or uncomfortable? Is your bowel movement not as easy as it should be? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. According to a survey, almost 20 percent of adults struggle with constipation globally.

The good news is there are plenty of laxatives on the market today that can help relieve your symptoms and give you relief. But with so many options available out there, how do you know which one is best for you?

In this article, we aim to guide you through the different types of laxatives available and provide information about their benefits and drawbacks.

Part I: Understanding Constipation

Before delving into various remedies for constipation let’s first understand what it is and when medical attention may be needed.

What Causes Constipation?

There are several reasons why an individual might become constipated such as:

  • Inadequate fluid intake
  • A low fiber diet
  • Traveling/lifestyle changes can disrupt bowel routines
  • Lack of exercise/physical activity
  • Side effects from certain medications

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

In most cases, occasional bouts of mild to moderate symptoms will go away after dietary changes or taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines suggested by pharmacists. However if any prolonged discomfort lasts for an extended period or if there’s bleeding while passing stool please seek professional advice immediately.

Part II: Types Of Laxatives

With so many differing kinds of laxatives in circulation understanding what they’re each designed to accomplish could assist greatly in selecting them wisely.

Below we explain five common types ordered according to their level of invasiveness (mild being least dramatic).

Mild Laxsatives

As bodies absorb water from stools’ contents our stool can harden causing difficulty in expulsion leading ultimately to straining further exacerbating constipation, by taking mild laxatives above you can hydrate your fecal matter allowing for its easier passage.

  1. Stool Softeners

These substances ease the passing of stool by softening it; this makes much more fluid excretion and helps those struggling with rectal pain or damage to their anal muscles. Stool softeners are especially helpful in people who do not tolerate straining upon bowel activity (such as post-surgery) because they help regulate bowel movements without causing any tension to critical areas that may have recently been operated on.

  1. Emollients/Lubricants

Emollient-type laxatives assist in lubricating the digestive tract so that stools can be passed quickly and efficiently(); generally a quicker result than fiber supplements but sometimes cause cramps-like sensations within stomach regions which some might find uncomfortable().

Stimulants

Laxative products containing natural or synthetic stimulants prompt intestinal contractions leading ultimately pushing waste product out of your body more expressively, recommended only when less drastic options have proved fruitless:

  1. Senna
    A botanical extract from fruits/leaves senna assists in prompting peristalsis resulting naturally unblocking bowels.

  2. Bisacodyl
    By stimulating nerve endings found within the colon wall bisacodyl encourages heightened levels of movement increasing expelling rates via encouraging muscle constriction behaviour within diaphragms et al..

Osmotics

Differing from others here osmotics absorb fluids surrounding our abdominal organs & subsequently evacuate them afterwards(). As osmotic ingestibles move down into large intestine where salts drawn instinctually through walls into these newly exposed highly salty locations inducing now enhanced water retention over time thus facilitating elimination rates.

  1. Magnesium citrate/Milk Of Magnesia
    MOM enjoys popularity thanks largely due to rapid effects noticed along with comfortable dosages – simple hand-measured cups of powder mixed with water, making it highly user-friendly. But please mind that dosages must be followed precisely otherwise you run the risk of using too immoderately resulting in diarrhea and dehydration.

  2. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
    Ideal for use whilst traveling as PEG does not cause explosive bowel movements; instead they gradually pull fluid into stool until expulsion occurs comfortably.

Bulk Forming Laxatives

These are renowned dietary fiber products which bulk up stools naturally through drawing in and absorbing fluids setting up a natural movement stimulation:

  1. Psyllium Husk
    Psyllium is an aggregate packed with fibers beneficial to gut health ideally suitable for long-term supplement taking – this one assists regarding hard bowel activity by bulking up before evacuation thus aiding easier expelling without trigger additional stress or internal swelling.

  2. Methylcellulose
    Derived from cellulose methyl supplements are separated easily upon passing faeces leftover substances pushing them along easing excretion.

Part III: Conclusion

So, which laxative should you choose? It depends on your situation and preferences!

If you need quick relief, consider stimulating laxatives like bisacodyl or senna. Stool softeners may work if you’re experiencing discomfort due to rectal pain or surgery, while osmotics can be useful if travelling but generally slower working than some other varieties mentioned above such as Bisacodyl/Senna..

Finally , when it comes down to fibre related products bulk forming agents such as psyllium husk may result in helping out chronic constipation over time while methylcellulose works more quickly albeit less noticeable results.. We hope that after reading our guide, finding the best option will feel much simpler!

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