Finding Out About Natural Constipation Remedies

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 commonly used herb is the senna plant. The senna plant has powerful laxative properties due to high concentrations of anthraquinones. Anthraquinones have been found to increase intestinal activity and speed up movement of stool. It can be obtained as either tablets or in bags of leaves to be prepared as a tea. The cascara plant also has a history of being a natural laxative but has since been banned by the FDA.

While senna is a chemical agent that stimulates the colon to move its contents more quickly, mineral oil is an entirely different kind of agent used as a natural constipation treatment. When taken by mouth, it enters the intestine where it coats the stool. Since oil is a water repellent, the stool becomes protected against loss of fluid. This enables it to remain bulky and therefore move more quickly. Doctor and scientists call this a lubricant laxative which is a bit of a misnomer.

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.

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.

Get for free the latest news and facts concerning constipation treatments. If you are intent on causes of constipation, come check out our site.