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.
Because of the stigma associated with this condition, some of those who do seek treatment attempt home-based or natural remedies. A good understanding of such treatments is necessary to avoid any potential hazards. One should note that just because some constipation treatments are natural, it doesn't mean they are 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.
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.
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.
Because of the stigma associated with this condition, some of those who do seek treatment attempt home-based or natural remedies. A good understanding of such treatments is necessary to avoid any potential hazards. One should note that just because some constipation treatments are natural, it doesn't mean they are 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.
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.
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.
About the Author:
The writings provided for constipation treatments will be informative to many. Uncover the newest information and articles in regards to constipation home remedies.
No comments:
Post a Comment