Constipation is a problem that affects millions of people around the world. As the experts point out, it can be triggered by functional causes (the most common), anatomical, muscular, nervous, endocrine, metabolic, or ingestion of substances. There are many ways to combat it, including natural laxatives for constipation.
Indeed, according to specialists, lifestyle modifications and conservative therapies are preferred to treat constipation. Most people usually get over it with their help, and they are a perfect alternative to commercial laxatives. They can also help you combat chronic constipation.
Contents
Three types of natural laxatives
Before teaching you the best laxatives to treat constipation, we will first briefly review its different types. Indeed, not all work similarly; the following are generally distinguished.
1. Stimulant laxatives
They are also called purgatives or cathartics. They act by stimulating the muscles of the intestine since they have certain compounds that operate on the nerve endings of the colon, causing movements that favor defecation.
The adverse effects of stimulant laxatives have to do with the length of time they act in the body. Once taken, they can continue to work for up to 8 hours. It is advisable to consume them before going to sleep so that they act during the night.
2. Mechanical laxatives
They are fiber-rich laxatives that increase the volume of feces, retain water, hydrate the walls of the intestine, and help peristaltic movements more naturally, favoring evacuation. They can be rich in soluble or insoluble fibers. The action is lighter than stimulants and is recommended as a first measure when there is constipation or problems going to the bathroom. They normalize the organism’s functioning, and it is recommended to accompany them with foods with probiotics, such as yogurt.
3. Osmotic laxatives
These laxatives increase the amount of water in the intestine, which softens the stool. Their action resembles the mechanics; they have many minerals and force the intestine to eliminate liquids. Among the osmotic, we can find plums. The intense effect requires drinking lots of water or isotonic drinks to recover the lost fluid.
Why use natural laxatives instead of commercial ones?
It is not uncommon for people who suffer from constipation to develop a dependency on commercial laxatives. Sometimes this can lead to episodes of abuse towards them. As the experts warn, abusing laxatives induces electrolyte and acid-base changes that can affect the renal and cardiovascular systems; they can also be life-threatening.
Most constipated people appeal to the use of stimulant laxatives since their effects are felt more quickly. They are often used continuously, partly due to misconceptions that they improve bowel function. Natural laxatives for constipation do not generate dependency, so there are no risks associated with their use.
11 natural laxatives for constipation
Most natural laxatives are mechanical, although some are also osmotic. That is, they group enough fiber to promote the evacuation of feces. We leave you with a list of the best ones you can use.
1. Plums and honey
Studies and research support using plums and honey to improve intestinal function and reverse episodes of constipation. The former achieves this due to its high fiber content, while love does the same, thanks to the incomplete absorption of fructose.
Instead of using them separately, we invite you to use them together to create a natural laxative to treat constipation. Doing it is very easy; keep in mind the following:
- Place six plums in a pot with one and a half cups of boiling water, cover, and soak overnight.
- In the morning, strain, place a tablespoon of honey, and drink. Please do not throw away the plums; you can eat them daily.
2. Aloe vera
Experts have used aloe vera as a natural and soothing remedy against the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Constipation is usually one of them, so you can use this plant as a laxative. Do so based on the following criteria:
- Cut a stem of aloe vera or aloe vera and chop it.
- Put some water to boil. Please wait to cool down and pour it into a glass jar with a tight lid.
- Add the pieces of aloe vera and cover. She takes to the fridge.
You can consume it twice a week maximum. It is one of the best natural laxatives, but it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or people who take blood thinners.
3. Grape and flaxseed juice
Flaxseed is known to have properties that are helpful in controlling bouts of constipation and diarrhea. As for grapes, it has been suggested that a diet rich in these fruits may be beneficial as a conservative treatment. Let’s see how you can use both:
- Make a juice with some grapes (up to about a cup) and add a tablespoon of flaxseed powder.
- Drink on an empty stomach for no more than a week in a row.
4. Castor Oil Compresses
Scientific studies have corroborated the effectiveness of castor oil as a natural laxative for constipation. It has even been used in older people to control symptoms positively.