Leafy greens like spinach , kale, and cabbage work in a few different ways to improve regularity and prevent constipation. For example, each cup 25 grams of raw kale provides 1 gram of fiber to help increase regularity and only has about 9 calories Leafy greens are also rich in magnesium. This is the main ingredient in many types of laxatives, as it helps draw water into the intestines to help pass stools Sennosides are compounds that work by accelerating the movement of the digestive system to stimulate a bowel movement.
They also increase fluid absorption in the colon to aid in the passage of stool Apples are high in fiber, providing 3 grams of fiber per cup grams One study showed that pectin sped transit time in the colon.
It also acted as a prebiotic by increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut to promote digestive health Some research has found that consuming olive oil could be an effective way to alleviate constipation.
In studies, olive oil has been shown to promote bowel movements and improve the symptoms of constipation Rhubarb contains a compound known as sennoside A, which provides some potent laxative properties. Sennoside A decreases the levels of AQP3, a type of protein that regulates the water content of stools.
This leads to a laxative effect by increasing the absorption of water to soften the stool and ease bowel movements Rhubarb also contains a good amount of fiber to help promote regularity, with 2. Produced from the outer layers of the oat grain, oat bran is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, making it a good choice as a natural laxative. In fact, just 1 cup 94 grams of raw oat bran packs a whopping They provide lots of fiber, with 7.
They also contain a type of sugar alcohol known as sorbitol Sorbitol acts as a laxative when consumed in large amounts Several studies have found that prunes can increase stool frequency and improve consistency better than other natural laxatives, including psyllium fiber Kiwifruit has been shown to have laxative properties, making it a convenient way to ease constipation. This is mostly due to its high fiber content.
One cup grams of kiwifruit contains 5. Kiwifruit contains a mix of both insoluble and soluble fiber. It also contains pectin, which has been shown to have a natural laxative effect It works by increasing the movement of the digestive tract to stimulate a bowel movement Magnesium citrate has been shown to be more bioavailable and better absorbed in the body than other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium oxide Magnesium citrate increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract, which causes a bowel movement If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.
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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with caution. Products and services. Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with caution Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. By Mayo Clinic Staff. He or she will tell you what type of laxative is best for you.
You should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked. If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally.
Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines. If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles. By using biofeedback therapy, you can change how you make your muscles work. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks.
Learn more about how you can help prevent constipation with eating, diet, and nutrition. This moves the stools out. Bulk-forming laxatives generally are the safest type of laxative.
To reduce your risk of side effects, you should start slowly. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking bulk-forming laxatives. Gradually increase how much you use until you get the results you want. These coat the surface of the stools to make them slippery. Doing this helps the stools move out of the body more easily.
Glycerin suppositories lubricate the inside of the anus the outside opening of the intestine. This makes it easier to pass hard stools out of the body. These help mix fluid into stools to soften them.
This makes stools easier to pass out of the body. An example of a stool softener is docusate 1 brand name: Colace. These cause the intestine to hold more fluid. This softens stools and helps the bowel move them out. Examples include polyethylene glycol 1 brand name: Miralax and magnesium hydroxide solution brand name: Milk of Magnesia. These are the harshest type of laxatives. They cause the bowel to squeeze or contract to move the stools out.
Bisacodyl 1 brand name: Dulcolax and sennosides 1 brand name: Senokot are examples of stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives should not be used for more than a few days.
When these laxatives are taken for a long time, the bowel can lose its muscle tone. It will usually go away on its own. Or you can make changes in your diet and other habits. You can prevent or treat constipation by:. You may try all of these things and still be constipated. That is when taking a laxative may help you. Before you take an OTC laxative, read the directions on the drug facts label. This will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it.
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