Natural Laxatives
A Guide to Natural Laxatives
Next time constipation rears its ugly head, you may just want to consider trying natural laxatives before hitting the Ex-Lax. Although the elderly and women are most likely to become constipated, nearly everyone experiences this condition at some point in their life. A person is considered to have “regular” bowel movements if they have one at least every two days. Going more than three days without a bowel movement is not regular and indicates that one is constipated.
You might be wondering what causes constipation. There are many causes of constipation—not all of them very “scientific”. For instance, failing to drink enough water and eat high-fiber foods are a few causes of constipation, but it has also been suggested that constipation can result from being stressed out. Other causes include eating too many dairy foods, frequent use of antacid medications containing calcium, depression, pregnancy, colon cancer, and even waiting or “holding” a bowel movement too long.
The symptoms of constipation are pretty easy to recognize. The inability to have a bowel movement should be the first clue. Many people also experience abdominal pain which may or may not be accompanied by a swollen abdomen. Vomiting may also occur, although this can also be associated with other underlying conditions and cannot solely be used to diagnose constipation.
Whether you want to live a more natural lifestyle or if you’re simply worried about the effects of taking store-bought laxatives, natural laxatives could be the best solution for you. Many everyday foods are high in fiber, which is exactly the trick to get one’s colon functioning properly again. Whole grain is very high in fiber. A couple of bowls of your favorite whole grain cereal could provide some much-needed relief, especially if you suffer from abdominal bloating or pain.
If you aren’t much of a grain person, then you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of fruits that are also high in fiber. Bananas, mango, pineapple, papaya, grapes, raisins, dates, and figs are just a few tasty fruits that are high in fiber. Try chopping up a few different ones and enjoy a nice fruit medley. Have one each day until you’re able to make regular bowel movements.
Fiber-rich vegetables are very easy to incorporate into one’s diet as side dishes in main meals or simply on their own for a healthy snack. Some of the best vegetables for constipation are spinach, beets, turnips, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and squash. Beans are also another excellent source of fiber that can have you making regular movements in no time!
It is important to understand the dangers of overusing laxatives. Store-bought laxatives, as well as some natural laxatives in the form of herbal supplements, are safe to be used in short-term circumstances, however if they are used too frequently or for too long the colon can become dependent upon them. Never take laxatives for a longer duration than the directions advise. If one is considering taking herbal supplements to relieve constipation, they should first consult their doctor to determine how long they should be taken as well as how much is safe. Some herbs can also have an effect on certain medications, so this should also be taken into consideration.
The good thing about using natural laxatives in the form of everyday food is that you can eat as much as you want. Whereas store-bought and herbal laxatives can make the colon so dependent that it can’t function on its own, fiber-rich foods do not cause this issue. Most of the foods listed above should be included in a well-rounded diet anyway, which would prevent constipation from returning.