Liquid Laxative

The Benefits And Cautions Of Taking A Liquid Laxative

It is not uncommon for an individual to look to a liquid laxative at some point to feel relief from constipation. Your body needs to excrete waste to be healthy. Therefore, if you are constipated, a liquid laxative may be what your body needs to help it get back on track.

What Is Constipation?

No one really likes to talk about constipation but for those suffering, it can be frustrating and even painful. It is reported that it primarily affects the elderly and women. Constipation occurs when your bowel movements become either less frequent or difficult.

The average length of time that occurs between bowel movements from one person to another varies greatly. For some, they are used to going several times a day while others only go a few times per week. You should know that if you go more than three days without a bowel movement, it is a good idea to use a liquid laxative because if you wait longer than that, your stools are hardened and they are much harder to pass.

You are constipated and in need of a liquid laxative if you have any of these symptoms for three weeks:

If you strain over 25 percent of the time while you are having a bowel movement.
If your stools are hard over 25 percent of the time.
If you have an incomplete evacuation over 25 percent of the time.
If you have less than two bowel movements in any given week.

Causes Of Constipation

There are many causes of constipation that result in you needing a liquid laxative. If you can recognize what is causing your symptoms you will be able to work on prevention later.

Inadequate water intake. Remember, soda and coffee do not count as water.
Not enough fiber.
Not enough exercise or activity.
A disruption in your diet such as taking a vacation or switching schedules at work.
Consuming large amounts of dairy.
Stress.
Suffering from hemorrhoids so you resist a bowel movement.
Overuse of laxatives.
Antacid medications that contain aluminum or calcium.
Medication.
Eating disorders.
Depression.
Irritable bowel syndrome.
Colon cancer.
Pregnancy.

Laxative Tea

The most popular liquid laxative that you can use to help with your constipation is laxative tea. This tea is made of various herbs that promote regularity to relieve constipation. These special herbs help the body detox.

The primary ingredient in these liquid laxative teas is senna. This is an herb that comes from a low branching shrub and is a proven, very effective stimulant laxative.

Other ingredients that can be added to a liquid laxative tea are ginger, rhubarb root, white mulberry, licorice root, fennel, dandelion, coriander, caraway seed and anise. Ginger is generally used to help with the cramping that a liquid laxative can cause. The white mulberry, dandelion and licorice root help to promote detoxification, support a healthy liver, balance the body and increase energy.

Caraway seed and coriander are two herbs that help with digestion when added to your tea. They are a great substitute if you do not have ginger on hand to help with the cramping.

Cautions

It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking a liquid laxative, especially if you are either pregnant or nursing. Failure to have a bowel movement or if bleeding occurs after using such laxatives could mean that you have a more serious problem than constipation. Laxatives of any type can become very dangerous if they are used improperly. Some people will try to use a laxative tea with a weight loss tea which can result in diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps.

Additionally, senna is a stimulant that can cause dependency and lead to abuse. These teas can also cause electrolyte disorders and potassium deficiencies that can result in irregular heartbeat and even death. Liquid laxatives can be very helpful to relieve constipation but should never be used for extended periods of time.