Constipation is a bowel disorder that affects many, up to 15% of the general population. A large majority don\’t even try to treat the condition, and a great fraction of those who do do not ask for advice from health professionals. The reluctance to seek advice is understandable, given that constipation involves embarrassing biological functions.
Due to the embarrassing nature of this condition, many of the people who look for treatment try out home-based and natural therapies. An informed understanding of these remedies is needed to obviate potential dangers. In particular, it\’s remarked here that natural constipation treatments aren\’t automatically safe.
The most popular herbal remedy may be the senna plant. Senna contains anthraquinones, a class of chemicals that has the effect of stimulating the intestines. The cascara plant played some small role many years ago but was effectively banned by the FDA on account of evidence that it was harmful. Nowadays senna is available in capsule or tea form amongst others. Senna has played a historical role as a laxative and continues to do so today.
Mineral oil is another home constipation treatment used by many people. Unlike senna, it doesn\’t act as a chemical stimulant of the colon. Instead, mineral oil coats the stool while its in the intestinal space, which helps it retain fluid. Soft, bulky stools move more quickly through the intestine. This class of agents is called a lubricant laxative, although the name is a bit of a misnomer as its mode of action is nothing like lubrication in an engine by engine oil.
Most people don\’t know about senna and mineral oil, but almost everyone knows that fiber is a great remedy for constipation. The psyllium plant is one of the best sources of fiber. The husks of its seeds are turned into powdered form and sold at nutrient and supplement stores. Metamucil is but one of the many companies who manufacture products made from psyllium.
Flaxseed or linseed is another well-known natural source of fiber. The seeds are sometimes ground into powder like psyllium. Some research indicates that people taking psyllium can benefit from lower cholesterol. But as is with many scientific results, these bear closer scrutiny and study. Linseed oil is not taken as it has a strong odor.
It\’s true of any natural treatment that the advice of a health professional be sought. A physician has much more expertise and knowledge than a layman on whether a natural constipation treatment is reasonable or not. Even if it\’s effective, any particular treatment may have warnings on who should and shouldn\’t take it. Acquiring more knowledge about the warnings should be of paramount importance for any subject.
This and related topics on treatment of constipation are accessible to all. Discover the newest research and articles in regards to chronic constipation.
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