Best Constipation Cure

Laxatives can provide temporary relief from constipation, but they are not generally recommended as a treatment for chronic or severe constipation. Medical experts advise against the prolonged use of laxatives for several reasons:

• They can mask the underlying causes of your constipation
• They can inhibit the absorption of medicines and hamper the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and other nutrients
• They can damage the colon and diminish the body’s ability to perform an unaided bowel movement
• They can be habituating and can lead to serious health issues if abused

Laxatives treat the symptoms, not the disease. Constipation is often caused by lifestyle or psychological factors. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes, as are stress and depression. Dietary factors are of course very important. Constipation sufferers may not be getting enough fiber in their diet. Foods that are low in fiber include cheese, meat, eggs, white rice, white bread, pasta, chips, chocolate, cake, ice cream and other sweets, fast food and pre-prepared foods in general. Certain medications can also cause constipation. These include anti-depressants, pain pills and iron supplements.

Bulk-forming laxatives, considered to be the safest type with the fewest side effects, can interfere with the absorption of some medicines, including aspirin, warfarin and carbamazepine. Mineral oil, a lubricant laxative, decreases the absorption of vitamins A, B, E and especially vitamin K which is an important factor in blood clotting. Habitual use of stimulant laxatives can lead to malnutrition.

Stimulant laxatives, if used habitually, cause the nerves and musculature of the colon to wither, resulting in a loss of colon function and response to laxatives.

Another category of laxative, stool softeners, are generally safe but may induce side effects in some users. these include throat irritation, cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, stool softeners can induce an allergic reaction that can cause hives, skin rashes or swelling.

To sum up, over-use of laxatives, especially the stimulant laxatives, can have a pernicious effect on your colon and end up making your constipation worse. Actually, prolonged use of laxatives is on of the leading causes of constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives are a safe and effective treatment for mild or occasional constipation, but should not be used for longer than one week. For moderate to severe constipation that does not respond to over-the-counter products, you should consult a doctor.

13 Responses to “Are Laxatives The Best Cure for Constipation?”