Dietary fiber.
When it comes to fiber, the best way of adding dietary fiber to the diet is increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables that are eaten. This means a minimum of five servings of fruits or vegetables every day. For many people, however, the amount of fruits and vegetables that are necessary may be inconvenient, and this still may not provide adequate relief from constipation.
When it comes to fiber, the best way of adding dietary fiber to the diet is increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables that are eaten. This means a minimum of five servings of fruits or vegetables every day. For many people, however, the amount of fruits and vegetables that are necessary may be inconvenient, and this still may not provide adequate relief from constipation.
Emollient laxatives
Lubricants contain mineral oil - plain oil or an emulsion of that oil – which resides within the intestine and typically coats the stool, preventing the removal of water from the stool, which results in softer stools. But only short term use is recommended because oil can absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the intestines and may lead to deficiencies if it is used for too long.
Lubricant laxatives
A lubricant laxative works by coating the surface of the stools, which helps the stools hold in water so they move out of the body more easily. For example, glycerin suppositories lubricate the inside of the anus, or the outside opening to the intestine, and make it easier to pass hard stools.
Herbal laxatives
Herbal laxatives – An herbal laxative aid constipation, but it is important not to use herbal laxatives too long, since you can become dependent on them. Psyllium is a popular laxative to purchase in bulk over the counter, although it carries a warning of developing an allergy. Two other herbs include cascara and senna, which is a stronger and cheaper herb that is used mostly in North America. Both of these herbs are considered to be irritating, and they work by aggravating the intestines. This in turn causes the body to evacuate the bowels. These herbs are safe only for a short period of time in small amounts.
Hyperosmolar laxatives
Hyperosmolar laxatives – Made from an unabsorbable compound that remains inside the colon and retains water, hyperosmolar laxatives result in a softer stool. These laxatives may be digested by colonic bacteria and turned into gas or abdominal bloating. The gas can be reduced by reducing the dose. Hyperosmolar laxatives are safe for long-term use.
Saline laxatives
Saline laxatives – These laxatives work within a few hours to help soften the stool, containing non-absorbable ions including magnesium, sulfate, phosphate, citrate, magnesium hydroxide, and/or sodium phosphate. These ions remain in the colon and cause water to be drawn into the colon. Magnesium also stimulates the colonic muscles. Magnesium-containing laxatives are partially absorbed from the intestine and into the body, and then eliminated from the body by the kidneys. Saline laxatives should not be used regularly, and they can often cause diarrhea.
Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives – Most stimulant laxatives contain cascara, or castor oil, senna and aloe, and they are usually very effective. However they can cause severe diarrhea with resulting dehydration and electrolyte loss. They often cause intestinal cramping, and there are concerns that chronic use of stimulant laxatives may damage the colon. Interestingly, prunes also contain a mild colonic stimulant.
Senna, enemas
Senna enemas – Senna is a natural plant that is both a stimulant and mild irritant to the colon. A senna enema which often works well for cases of obstinate constipation.
Electrical pacing of the colon.
Electrical pacing of the colon – A newer, experimental method to relieve constipation include using electrodes implanted into the colon’s muscular wall. An implanted stimulus generator may supply electrical stimuli to the muscles that are associated with a target portion of a patient's gut through an electrical lead and electrodes. A sensor may be provided to detect when the target portion of the colon is experiencing constipation.
Dehydrocholic acid
A stimulant laxative, this can be used to treat certain biliary tract conditions. Some of the stimulant laxatives include: bisacodyl, casanthranol, dehydrocholic, phenolphthalein, senna, sennosides, and cascara sagrada with various combinations such as aloe and phenolphthalein castor oil.
Stool softeners
Otherwise known as emollient laxatives, stool softeners contain a compound called docusate, which is a wetting agent that improves the ability of water within the colon to penetrate and mix with stool in order to soften it. Stool softeners are used in the long-term treatment of constipation, but it may take a week or more to work. Emollient laxatives are commonly used to soften the stool temporarily for individuals with hemorrhoids or after childbirth or surgery*.