The Usefulness Of Home Remedies For Constipation
Constipation is a rather widespread condition that is thought to affect about 15% of all people. Most people do not try to treat it and even fewer seek help from a health authority. Likely because this is an embarrassing condition to most people which gives them great reluctance to report their condition to their personal physicians.
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.
Amongst herbal remedies, the most widespread may be senna. Years ago cascara was another herb that was used, but the FDA put its foot down due to safety concerns. Senna can still be obtained as an herbal substance. Many will find the tea form easy to take and effective, whereas others might find the capsule more convenient. In both forms, senna derives its efficacy from the presence of anthraquinoids, a class of compounds that stimulates the intestines.
A different kind of home constipation treatment is mineral oil. When taken orally, the oil coats the outer surface of the stool and other stomach contents, helping them retain fluid. With more fluid, the stool isn’t as hard or dense and thus moves more efficiently through the colon. Such a mode of action is in contrast to senna which exerts its effects chemically. Mineral oil is termed a lubricant laxative even though it acts nothing like engine oil lubricant or any other lubricating oil.
The most common type of home-based constipation treatments would be fiber-based agents. A well-known example is psyllium. Psyllium is a plant whose seeds are very high in concentration of fiber. It can be ground into powder form and dissolved into water for drinking. At general health stores and major pharmacies, psyllium is sold under various labels like Metamucil.
The linseed, otherwise known as flaxseed, is an additional high-fiber source. It’s occasionally treated like psyllium and crushed into powder form. Taking it not only helps with constipation due to its fiber, but may reduce cholesterol according to limited reports. More research will confirm or invalidate these results. The oil of the linseed is not often used.
Additional information and advice should be sought from a health professional with regards to natural constipation treatments. A doctor possesses more knowledge and understanding of the subtleties or dangers associated with treatments. For example, some natural laxatives may be effective but have harmful effects on people with certain conditions. Any subject wishing to take these agents should become aware of these harmful effects.
Read the most up-to-date information in relation to treatment of constipation. Extra resources provided for natural remedies for constipation can be located here.
