Laxatives Stool Softener

Laxatives Stool Softener

Constipation is a condition that is characterized by difficult evacuation of the bowel due to hardening of stool. It is a common health problem that causes a host of distressing symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements, bloating, abdominal pain, feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel, etc. Since the fecal matter becomes very hard and dry, the lining of the rectum and anus may get damaged during bowel movement, thereby resulting in pain, bleeding, or hemorrhoids. This medication is commonly prescribed for people, who are not in a situation to strain during defecation due to some health conditions, like hemorrhoids, pregnancy, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Stool softeners, called emollient laxatives, prevent hardening of the feces by adding moisture to the stool. The active ingredient in most stool softeners is a medicine called docusate. Agents containing docusate do not by themselves stimulate or increase the number of bowel movements. They are used more to prevent constipation than to treat it. Stool softeners are used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid straining during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. They soften stools, making them easier to pass.

What is the Best Stool Softener?
The incidences of constipation and hardened stool are common in all people, irrespective of the age group. For use in both children and adults, the best stool softener is natural based or plant derived formulations. Though, medications available in the form of liquid, syrup, tablets and capsules work well in serving the same purpose, they are not recommended for regular use. This is because our body becomes habitual and gets used to them very easily. And the outcome of frequent use of medications is dependence on them for constipation treatment.

Natural Stool Softener
Coming to the home remedy, you will find many options. In order to select an effective alternative, examine the working mechanism of the stool softener and after effects that take place in the body. After taking natural stool softener, one may experience significant changes in bodily functions. In case of any sudden change in bowel movement that lasts for a longer period, one should seek medical attention.

For Children
When it comes to natural stool softener for children, feeding lukewarm water is the best remedy. Water softens the stool and induces bowel movement on a regular basis. For constipated baby, fill the feeding bottle with warm water and feed it occasionally. In case of constipation in toddlers and children, milk of magnesia can be fed in appropriate amounts. As it tastes bland, one can mix milk of magnesia with fruit juices at the time of serving.

Regarding Pregnancy
So, is it safe to use stool softener during pregnancy? Yes, using stool softener by pregnant women is safe, provided that it is based on natural ingredients. In addition to drinking ample amounts of water and adding high fiber diet, one should incorporate mild physical activities. Other natural stool softener choices that can be used during pregnancy are mineral oil and psyllium husk. Though over-the-counter stool softener is considered safe for the mother and baby, it is best to avoid it as far as possible.

For the Elderly
The best stool softener for elderly is consuming stewed prunes and figs. These are natural laxatives effective for softening stool and regulating bowel movement. Ingesting mineral oil just before going to bed helps in lubricating and softening stool. Similar to constipation treatment in children, drinking lots of healthy fluids and adding fiber rich foods are suggested for managing constipation in elderly people.

Natural Remedies
1. Psyllium Husk: It is derived from the gel-coated seeds of a herb called Plantago ovata. It has a high fiber content, and also absorbs water, thereby ensuring the passage of stools. It is also effective when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, etc. While taking fresh psyllium husk or the powdered version, drink ample amounts of water. You can also take psyllium seeds to cleanse your colon.

How to Consume...
Mix the seeds in 8 ounces of water. Have a glass of water after drinking the mixture.

2. Flaxseed: It contain omega-3 fatty acids. It attracts water in the bowel and breaks down the hard stools, making it easier to excrete them. It is extremely important to drink a sufficient amount of water for this remedy to work. It is always better to use seeds instead of flaxseed oil because the seeds add necessary bulk to the stools, thereby facilitating passage of stools. Grinding the seeds before consumption will be more effective as powdered form contains more fiber than the seeds.

How to Consume...
Swallow 1 tbsp. whole seeds, followed by 2 cups of water. Or, mix 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds with 2 cups of water and drink. Drink plenty of water at regular intervals for better results. If you want to use flaxseed oil for relieving constipation, mix 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil with low-fat yogurt. You can add ½ tsp. honey for a better taste. Take this mixture 1 hour before bedtime for better results.

3. Fenugreek: It falls under the category of bulk herbal remedies for constipation treatment. The seeds of fenugreek are a rich source of mucilage (a thick, sticky substance produced by plants), which prevents constipation by softening hardened stools and promoting their elimination. They also soothe the inflamed mucus membranes.

How to Consume...
Take 1 tbsp. fenugreek seeds and soak them in water for at least an hour. Make a paste of soaked seeds and consume it with a glass of warm water. Boil the seeds several times to get rid of the bitter taste. Take 1 tsp. of seeds followed by a glass of water, before bedtime.

4. Rhubarb Root: It is a type of purgative herb that can provide relief from constipation. It is considered as the safest amongst all purgative herbs, because other herbs of this category cause forceful elimination of the wastes from the body, irritating the lining of intestines. These herbs should not be used on a daily basis.

How to Consume...
Take ½ tsp. rhubarb root tincture 3 times a day. You can also add 1 tbsp. of the herb to 2 cups of water and drink the extract followed by another glass of water.

5. Aloe Vera Juice: An effectual home remedy for softening stool is consuming aloe vera juice. As per medical research, aloe vera juice contains anthraquinone glycosides, which are active components of most laxatives.

How to Consume...
For treating hard stools and constipation, you can drink ½ cup of aloe vera juice twice daily. Drink it in the morning, and before going to bed. Also, make sure you drink adequate amount of water after consuming the juice.

6. Barley: Barley is also touted as a good laxative. It contains 6 grams of fiber, out of which 1.5 grams are soluble fibers and the remaining 4.5 grams are insoluble. The insoluble fiber soften the stool, making it more bulky, thereby helping it move easily through the digestive tract.

How to Consume...
First, boil clean barley seeds in water for some time and drain the water by using a muslin cloth. Drink this barley water for stimulating bowel movements. In case, you do not feel the urge to defecate even after 3 hours, drink another glass of barley water.

7. Mineral Oil: It is often considered as one of the most effective remedies for temporary treatment of constipation. After mineral oil enters the body, it lubricates the stool and helps in smooth waste excretion without inflaming the rectum and anus.

How to Consume...
You can take mineral oil during bedtime. Bowel movements are expected within 6-8 hours after taking this natural laxative.

8. Water and Healthy Fluids: One should drink at least 6-8 glasses daily. If there is enough body fluid, the colon will not absorb water from feces, thereby allowing smooth bowel movement. For severe constipation, prune juice is also a great remedy. For many people, drinking hot beverages also helps to relieve constipation. Coffee and tea make good stimulants for metabolism and allow smooth bowel movements.

Healthy Foods
Consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich sources of dietary fibers. Avoid refined food products. It would be best to take whole grains, cereals, brown bread, and rice. Identify foods that relieve constipation and try to include them in the diet.

Avoid Foods that Cause Constipation
Usually, foods that are low in fiber cause constipation. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you avoid foods that are low in fiber. Cut down on the intake of the following food items:

• Dairy products- ice cream, cheese, butter, milk
• Red meat such as beef, pork, etc.
• Foods high in sugar- cookies, pastries, cakes, pies, etc.
• Frozen meals
• Caffeinated drinks- coffee, black tea, hot chocolate
• Fried foods

In addition to the aforementioned remedial measures, you should also follow self-care tips. Fix a particular time for bowel movement every day to minimize the risk of passing hardened stool. Follow the right lifestyle choices. Exercise regularly and refrain from the consumption of unhealthy food items.

Stool softeners Benefits and Draw Backs:
Stool softeners help by adding moisture to the stool, allowing for easier passage through the bowel. Stool softeners come in liquid or pill form, and usually contain docusate. They do not actually increase or stimulate bowel movements. Stool softeners are recommended for preventing constipation and for relieving the straining associated with constipation, but not for relieving constipation.

Benefits:
• Safe for elderly and pregnant patients
• Effective for relieving pain associated with anal fissures and/or hemorrhoids

You can expect to see results from a stool softener one or two days after initial use. However, every individual is different so it can take from three to five days for results. While stool softeners are generally safe and effective, be aware that there can be some interaction with other over-the-counter medications.

Draw Backs:
• Not recommended for use in conjunction with mineral oil or other lubricant laxatives.
• Stool softeners can increase the toxicity and absorption of ingested lubricant laxatives.
• Once absorbed into the body, they can cause an increase in inflammation of the liver, spleen, and lymph glands.

Myotcstore Related Products:

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Dulcolax Stool Softener Liqui Gels - 25 ea