Natural stool softener

Jane — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:48:06 +0000

When you suffer from constipation, wouldn’t you rather put a natural stool softener into your body than a harsh laxative or commercial one that may make you feel even worse?

Constipation is a problem effecting millions of people everyday. It can be caused by anxiety and stress as well as eating the wrong foods such as a diet high in meat and dairy products, not getting enough water into your system, or even certain medications. Experts say we should have two or more bowel movements every day in order to flush out the necessary toxins, although for some people a bowel movement every second day can still be considered normal. One of the first signs of constipation is a headache as a result of the excess toxins followed by sharp pains in the lower stomach or even bloating.

The most natural natural stool softener is water. It takes the recommended eight glasses of fluids a day (which can include your coffee, tea, juices, etc.) to allow your colon to use the fluid in your stool to help transfer of fecal matter to the large intestines. There much of the water is reabsorbed for hydration and to balance your electrolytes. Not enough water leads to a dry and hard stool.

Coffee in the morning stimulates the metabolism and acts as a mild diuretic while prune juice is an excellent natural laxative.

Eating more fiber or taking a fiber supplement helps regulate the fluid in the stool by adding bulk to fecal matter and attracting water to it. Fresh fruit, vegetables, bran, and whole grain foods are excellent fiber sources.

Yogurt with its probiotics promotes healthy intestinal flora and aids in regularity.

Are you aware that exercise and physical activity increases your metabolism and moves stuff around in order to avoid constipation? So be as active as possible.

For temporary and infrequent relief, mineral oil is a natural stool softener if taken before bed so it can work overnight.

Senna is used even in hospitals for constipation and can be purchased to be used in a tasty tea. Hot fluids help to initiate bowel movements.

Try to be patient because it sometimes takes one to three days for natural stool softeners to take effect. Take the softener at night before bed with 8 ounces of water or juice. Read the dosage directions.

Confer with your doctor about your desired stool softener program and diet.

Stool Softeners

Jane — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:56:47 +0000

When your colon and digestive tract is healthy, your colon absorbs water from fecal matter, and allows the remaining substance (stools) to pass through and out of your body. Constipation occurs when your colon absorbs too much water, causing your stools to become hard and difficult to pass. There are plenty of good ways to treat constipation, including diet and lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and medication such as laxatives. Increasing your fluid intake and getting more fiber in your diet is always a good first step if you are constipated. Laxatives are usually the last resort to treat constipation, but stool softeners are a milder option that can be tried before a harsher laxative. Stool softeners might also be the preferred option – such as when a pre-existing medical condition like heart disease means you should avoid straining during a bowel movement.

Stool softener

Stool softeners, also called saline laxatives, work by holding more liquid inside the colon so that fecal matter doesn’t become dry as it passes through. Stool softeners have a very different mechanism than other laxatives, which work by forcing your body to expel waste. As such, treating constipation with stool softeners is generally considered safer than with other constipation medication – however they should be avoided by people on low sodium diets, or with kidney failure. Follow the directions of your health professional when using a stool softener and as with any other constipation treatment, a doctor should be consulted if symptoms are serious or persistent. One alternative for treating constipation is Senna. Although Senna is described as a natural stool softener, it is really a laxative and should be treated as such, and overuse avoided. Senna works by irritating your colon and forcing the expulsion of it’s contents.

Stool softeners come in several forms – capsules, tablets, or liquid. They are usually taken before bed, with water or other liquid – Colace stool softener is an example of a common brand, and comes in a liquid form. Some people prefer taking it with something with flavor to mask the taste, which can be bitter. The medication should take effect fairly quickly, improving bowel function within a few days. Don’t continue use for more than a week unless directed by a doctor. A gentler alternative, which is also safe for long term use, are phsyllium husks or Metamucil. It is important to drink extra water when taking a stool softener as it assists in flushing out the toxins and, in the case of phsyllium husks, they absorb fluid in the intestines to make a bulk which is then needed to be flushed out, scrubbing the bowels as it does so to remove all waste.

Side effects of stool softeners

Side effects can include cramps or nausea, and you might experience some irritation if taking a liquid form of the medication. If you experience pain, vomiting or swelling of the throat or airways, you should consult a doctor straight away. However the medication is effective for the vast majority of people.

Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » natural stool softener

Natural stool softener

Stool Softeners