Best Laxative

Constipation, often referred as a painful bowel movement, is a condition in which the colon (large intestine) finds it very difficult to push the fecal matter, as the stools are no longer soft. They are dry and hard, thus interfering with regular bowel movement. There are plenty of treatment options to get rid of hardened stools, and one of them is laxatives.

Best Laxative for Constipation

Foods high in fiber are often recommended for people suffering from constipation. This is because fiber rich foods help to soften the stool. No wonder, dietary fiber is an integral part of a healthy diet as it does not allow the stools to becomes dry and hard. So, when it comes to taking laxatives for constipation, using fiber stool softeners would be the best option.

It is observed that the body responds quite well to fiber stool softeners. Also, referred as fiber supplements, prolonged use of these laxatives will not cause any harmful side effects. These fiber supplements are considered to be the best laxatives to lose weight. Hence, long-term use of laxatives mentioned below for people with chronic constipation, is usually not a cause for worry.

Metamucil
Constipation sufferers commonly use this fiber supplement to restore normal bowel movement. It is specifically formulated to increase weight and volume of the stool, thus making it easier for the colon and the rectum to eliminate stools. Available in powder and capsule form, metalmucil promotes smooth evacuation of the waste matter, in turn improving the health of the patient. Metamucil contains a high amount of natural fiber, that helps to cleanse the colon and detoxify the body. Made from 100% natural fiber, Metamucil will certainly benefit to ease constipation.

Citrucel
This is another safe alternative to cure constipation. Citrucel is the answer to irregular bowel movement. This fiber therapy can work wonders to cleanse the colon and provide relief from constipation. Citrucel is basically derived from a plant fiber, known as methylcellulose, and is well tolerated by the body. Many consider citrucel as the best laxative due to its ability to soften the stools and provide painless bowel movement. With the usage of citrucel, one may forget the feeling of bloatedness, which is a common complaint among constipation sufferers. Citrucel induces softness in the stool, thus allowing stress free removal of waste matter.

Benefiber
In order to relieve constipation, one needs to improve fiber intake. This can always be achieved by including Benefiber in the diet. Wheat dextrin, the main component of Benefiber is a natural soluble fiber that can contribute immensely to increase bulk volume of the stool. By adding bulk to the stool, the colon finds it simpler to remove the fecal matter. Available in capsule, tablet and powder form, Benefiber can work wonders to restore strain free bowel movement. While using Benefiber, make sure you have enough water throughout the day.

Peri-Colace
The double action of these supplements not only softens the stools but also encourages movement of intestinal muscles. This makes it easier for the colon to get rid of trapped feces. Its two main constituents senna and docusate sodium work together to relieve constipation. Docusate sodium loosen the stool by adding moisture to it. On the other hand, senna, a herbal extract acts as an intestinal stimulant.

Best Laxative for Children

Dietary modifications are considered to be the best remedy for constipation. However, in case a modified diet fails to improve constipation symptoms, then use of a good laxative is the only option to ease the discomfort. Some of the most preferred laxatives to treat constipation in children are given below:

Milk of Magnesia
Also referred as magnesium hydroxide, milk of magnesia is a solution that is given orally to children to relieve constipation. As it has an unpleasant taste, children may find it difficult to consume, so it is generally mixed with health drinks such as milk shake. In order to make the stools soft, it encourages flow of fluid through the colon. It does this by extracting fluids from the nearby tissues of the colon. Milk of magnesia is indeed beneficial to flush off the fecal matter from the intestines.

Flax Oil
Usage of flax oil can also help to eliminate constipation in children. It is an effective solution to get rid of compactness in stools. Flax oil is basically a nutrient and high in omega 3 essential fatty acids and vitamins. Laxatives like mineral oil not only take away the constipation symptoms but also deplete the body of its essential vitamins. This is not the case with flax oil as it promotes absorption of the vitamins.

Natural Laxatives

In most cases, constipation has been linked to improper diet. Today, people are more inclined towards eating junk and fast foods than following a healthy diet. Also, many prefer carbonated soft drinks as a substitute for drinking water. This habit of swapping water intake with consumption of carbonated drinks has to be stopped immediately. All in all, one should ensure that water is consumed adequately everyday and foods high in fiber (raw vegetables (salad) and fruits) are made an indispensable part of our diet. This is the best and the safest solution to relieve and keep constipation at bay. Fruits like pears and prunes are high in fiber and so can naturally rectify bowel dysfunction. Amongst the healthy drinks, prune and apple juice should be the first choice when it comes to relieving constipation. Whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread are also good sources of fiber and can help to stimulate bowel movement.

Caution

To be honest, long-term use of laxatives is not advised as it can bring side effects that can have a negative impact on the patient's day-to-day routine. Completely depending on laxatives for bowel evacuation for long periods of time, often leads to malfunctioning of the intestines. Also, children should be given appropriate laxatives only after consulting a well qualified doctor. Temporary usage of laxatives is the best way to safely say 'goodbye' to constipation.

Remember, dietary modifications such as drinking plenty of water and having high fiber foods, hold the key to keep bowel problems at bay. Laxatives come into picture only when an appropriate diet does not help to soften the stools.