Constipation is a digestive problem that makes you spend hours in the toilet. But how to deal with this condition just by using homemade laxative?
After reading this article, you will be familiar with some of your kitchen’s most robust laxative foods and drinks.
Regular work of the digestive system
Before finding out the importance of some strong laxatives, you need to know the function of our digestive tract.
The oral cavity and the stomach are responsible for breaking large molecules of food into smaller ones. While the small intestine absorbs nutrients and delivers them to the bloodstream, the remaining parts of the food are moved to the large intestine through bowel movements.
The colon forms stool from waste, electrolytes, unwanted nutrients, and water. This mixture becomes a solid matter that can pass quickly through the digestive system to reach the rectum, ready to go out.
Why do we need the homemade laxative for constipation?
Constipation can occur at times for many different reasons. Risk factors for this condition include lack of fibre intake, dehydration, stress, or lack of sleep. Millions of people worldwide suffer from constipation.
This status is caused by fewer bowel movements than usual, which happens to almost everyone. The length of bowel movements varies between people: some have three times per day while others have once or twice a week. If the intestine muscles are not contracted within three days, the stool will become harder and impossible to pass through.
The severity of constipation increases over time. Typically, you know that you are constipated by noticing these signs and symptoms:
- Fewer bowel movements
- Straining while having bowel movements
- Rugged and small stools that are difficult to pass
- Bleeding anal tissues while defecating
- Cramping abdomen
Although this condition is not usually serious, it still can lead to some complications, such as haemorrhoids or faecal impaction. These diseases require a more extended treatment period and adversely affect the patient’s quality of life.
That is why we need to use prescribed and home laxatives to get over constipation.
Quick laxatives solutions
Another name for a laxative is purgative. Constipated patients use laxatives to improve bowel movements or soften the stool. It is also prescribed before colonoscopy or anal surgery to empty the stool matter.
Many forms of laxatives can be inserted into our bodies: pills, tablets, liquids, ointments, and enemas. Each has its own beneficial and adverse effects. Depending on the particular case and the treatment purpose, your doctor will indicate the most suitable one for you. Sometimes, you will need more than one type of laxative at home.
However, you need to be aware of the real benefits of laxatives. They will not solve any problems from the roots but help ease the symptoms of constipation. If you have discovered the digestive tract’s underlying condition, it is better to follow the specific treatment.
Besides laxative solutions to deal with constipation, probiotic is another excellent choice for your health.
Is laxative dangerous?
Before using any type of laxative, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks of the drug. Laxative abuse is increasing over time.
People are overusing this “panacea,” but they overlook its hidden dangers.
Most people do not know that prolonged use of stimulant laxatives is a potential risk of “laxative dependency”, – which weakens the body’s natural desire to defecate. In thesecases, the colon’s haustral folds are severely damaged and unable to move the fecafaecalter independently. Among chronic constipation, 28% reported losing haustral folds within one year of using stimulant laxatives.
Meanwhile, bulking agents may cause abdominal cramping, bloating, or gas. This condition usually happens whenever you increase your dietary fibre intake suddenly. Bulking laxatives also reduce the body’s ability to absorb some particular drugs – that is why they can not be used with another medication at the same time.
The side effect of lubricant laxatives is decreasing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from the intestine. Besides, like bulking agents, mineral oil also dilutes some medications and supplements into the digestive system.
Other acquired problems while using laxatives may include:
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Lack of digestive enzymes
- Edema
- Tired or headaches
- Damaged digestive tissues
- Alternative diarrhea
- Life-threatening side effects
Fastest-acting household laxatives
While several health issues related to laxatives may occur, we can use home remedies for laxatives to overcome constipation. Knowing how your body organs work will improve your health noticeably.
Your diet plays a vital role in the digestive tract in particular and the whole body in general. The toxin level will increase if there is a lack of water and nutrient intake because the function of the main detoxifying organs (the liver and kidney) is slowing down. If we provide proper nutrients and hydrating fluids, our body will activate the systematic responses to clean and detox independently.
Instead of relying on laxative pills and capsules, it is better to build up a healthy diet with fiber and avoid junk foods such as snacks and sweets. Because this is a long-term strategy, it may take time for your body to get used to the changes in your diet.
The recommended amount of fiber our body needs per day is 25-40 grams, and even more in men or bigger people. It is better to get fiber from natural foods instead of artificial ones.
You should pay more attention to the high fibre intake from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Nuts and legumes are also important sources of fibre, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
One important thing about natural laxatives is to find the most suitable food type, as each is different. If you are allergic to carbohydrates, do not try them, even if they are super laxatives for someone else. In opposition, it may cause constipation issues or irritated bowel syndrome (IBS).
Five most powerful laxatives foods
Before seeking any over-the-counter drugs, please keep in mind that there are lots of quick-acting laxatives available in your kitchen. Here are some suggestions:
Chia seeds
People collect this edible seed from a desert plant that grows in Mexico. Our body can absorb the nutrients from unprocessed chia seeds instantly. One tablespoon of this seed contains:
- About 70 calories.
- 2 grams of protein.
- 4.5 grams of fat.
- 6 grams of carbohydrates.
- 5.5 grams of fibre.
- A high amount of vitamins and minerals.
As you can see, chia seeds are an excellent source of fibre intake. More than that, the gel coat of the seed, when expanded in water, will add bulk to the stool. With stimulating bowel movements, chia seeds are the fastest laxative for constipation.
Eating one tablespoon of chia seed will provide 19% of the recommended daily fibre. There are many ways for you to use this “all-natural laxative“:
- Sprinkle them on any type of salad
- Eat them with your bread crumbs
- Could you put them in yoghurt, smoothies, or milk?
- Add them to any dishes and cake
- Smash them into a sauce and put them in the dough before baking
Aloe Vera
Ancient Indians used this succulent plan to cure constipation for centuries. Based on the results of many studies, scientists believe that aloe vera should be used as a second-line agent in the treatment of chronic constipation.
It contains the clear gel and latex substance that work as lubricant laxative foods in the intestinal tube. The gel is a jelly-like matter that fills within the leaf’s space, while the latex is found under the plant’s skin.
There are different forms of aloe vera: juice, gel, and capsules. For adults, you can take up to 1 gram of aloe vera capsule as a natural laxative. The recipe for aloe vera juice is mentioned in part “DIY laxative” below.
However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of the over-the-counter stimulant laxatives that contain Aloe Vera are unsafe. Thus, it would help if you asked your doctor for advice before using Aloe products.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseed or linseed is a sesame-size seed collected from the flax plant. It contains a high source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and lots of vitamins and minerals. The mucilage compound in the seed covers the stool and the bowel lining with a slippery surface. That is why flaxseed benefit is similar to the lubricant laxative.
One thing to remember when using flaxseeds to release the most potent laxative effects is to crush or grind the seed before eating it. A thick coat covers the most vital elements, and it will not work unless broken.
Similar to chia seeds, flaxseeds can be used in a variety of dishes. But make sure that you consume plenty of water, too, or the fiber in the seed may become stuck inside your bowel and cause constipation.
Green vegetables
If you want to know the simplest home remedies for bowel movement, the answer is leafy green vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and cabbage are the most effective ingredients as they contain high fibre and magnesium.
Magnesium helps draw water from the large intestine and soften stool, making it easier to pass through. This electrolyte also helps relax the muscles of the whole body, including the abdominal muscles. Consuming more green vegetables will stop the cramping stomach and prevent constipation.
Yogurt
Yogurt provides the good bacteria inside the intestine system and helps balance the microbiological environment there. Therefore, constipation or diarrhoea no longer affects your healthy digestive tract.
Yogurt is not the only food that contains probiotics agents: you can eat kimchi, kombucha, or kefir instead. Those fast-acting laxatives are the ultimate choice as they are available at the supermarket at a reasonable price.
Best laxative drinks
Coconut water
Coconut water is an alternative to plain water. It is not just tasty with a touch of sweet flavour; it also balances the body’s electrolytes and prevents dehydration. A one-cup serving of coconut water provides 16 times more potassium than Gatorade with the equivalent amount.
However, drinking too much coconut water may result in loose stool, which is not comfortable. To prevent unwanted side effects, limit the amount to four glasses per day.
Herbal laxatives tea
Most people choose herbal teas for relaxing and soothing purposes, but their laxative properties are not very common. However, some special ingredients should be highlighted in your favourite tea list to deal with constipation. Cascara and Senna’s herbs are potential laxative drinks that you want to try.
Both herbal teas above help reabsorb water in the colon and keep the stools moisturized. Cascara and Senna teas are two of the best home remedies for bowel movements. Combined with the water you drink while enjoying the tea, they help you acquire the recommended daily fluid.
Senna is one of the best laxative teas, although it may have a bitter flavour. Thus, you should add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or sugar to it. The lower the dose of this herbal tea, the better, or some possible adverse effects can appear. If you overuse this herb, it could lead to a dehydrated body and electrolyte disorder.
It would help if you understood Cascara with the peel of coffee cherry blossoms – also called Cascara. The full name of the herb is Cascara Sagrada. Cascara is the primary ingredient in many over-the-counter laxative herb teas as it improves bowel movements. However, doctors recommend using this drinkable laxative for no longer than two weeks, or it may cause abdominal cramps and dependency.
If you can not find both of these ingredients in the store, you can still make herbal laxative tea with other ingredients, such as peppermint or black tea.
Fastest-acting laxative fruits
The list of fruits that cure constipation is endless, but we will introduce ten of the best ones that are great tasting and easy to find.
Bananas. The fibre consumption in bananas will add bulk to the stool and promote the digestive process. Moreover, potassium element helps regain valuable electrolytes to your body.
Avocados. Avocados’ fat content makes them a unique fruit among all species. People eat avocados for cholesterol-lowering and laxative purposes. Due to the high fibre amount (200 grams of avocados contain 14 grams of fibre), your defecation is much easier than before.
Prunes. Prunes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, and their consumption is equal to that of avocados. Besides, this homemade laxative includes a lot of sorbitol, which absorbs water inside the colon.
Apples. “One apple a day keeps the diseases away.” The fibre content in apples is called pectin. A medium-sized apple has three grams of fiber, plus numerous vitamins and minerals.
Pears. This type of fruit is famous for its lightly sweet flavour and fibre content. One hundred eighty grams of pear (equivalent to one medium-sized fruit) has 6 grams of fiber, including the peel. It would help to eat the whole pear without peeling the skin for the best result.
Blackberries. Unlike the low-calorie aspect, blackberries are full of rich nutrients and fibre. The extraordinary element in this fruit is Xylitol – which contributes to the sweet taste and laxative effect.
Blueberries. This tiny fruit has many health benefits, including a laxative effect. One cup of blueberries contains 4 grams of fiber and 80 calories. However, the fiber content is less than that of blackberries with the same portion.
Melon. It contains high liquid content along with soluble fiber. With 1.4 grams of fiber per cup combined with water, it helps soften the stool and improve the intestine function.
Pineapples. People consider pineapples the King of fruits due to their rich nutrients and health benefits. It should be on your list of natural homemade laxative for constipation.
Apricots. Last but not least, apricots are a noticeable source of fiber. To get the best results, eat the whole one or dried apricots.
DIY laxative
With the list of proper laxative foods above, it is much easier for you to prepare a meal using some of those ingredients. But how to combine them in the most effective way and still keep the original flavor? Or how to make laxatives at home? We will give you some of the greatest and easiest recipes.
Fruit yogurt
Prepare:
- 1 litre of cow milk
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon of yogurt (at room temperature)
- Fruits (up to your choice: blackberries, blueberries, pears, and bananas)
Let’s do:
- Start by heating the milk to 85°C. Please pay attention to the pot and stir it thoroughly to prevent the milk from burning.
- Then, let the milk cool down to 43°C before adding two tablespoons of existing yoghurt. Stir the mixture well, then put it into an air-free container.
- Store the mixture in a warm place (about 38°C) and let it firm for at least seven hours.
- The yogurt is ready, and now you can add chopped fruits and enjoy your delicious homemade laxative.
- The remaining yoghurt can be used as a starter to cultivate bacteria the next time.
Aloe Vera juice
Prepare:
- 1 large Aloe Vera leaf
- 200 grams of rock sugar
- 10 grams of salt
- Water
- A citrus (optional)
Let’s do:
- Peel the rind of Aloe leaf using a sharp knife
- Remove the yellow layer beneath the rind (to avoid the bitter flavor)
- Chop the Aloe gel into small cubes
- Soak the gel in salted water for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
- Put the Aloe gel into a blender and blend the mixture until it becomes smooth
- Add rock sugar into a pot of boiling water and wait until the rock is completely dissolved
- Remove the pot from heat, and put Aloe gel into the pot
- Let the juice cold down, add citrus juice and pour it into a bottle
- Keep the bottle in the fridge and enjoy.
Different types of laxative you should know.
Besides those mentioned items, there are several kinds of laxative for you to choose. Each laxative has its working mechanisms, from stimulating muscle contraction to depositing saline fluid. Here is some information about over-the-counter and prescribed laxatives that are familiar to you:
Stimulant agents
This fast-acting laxative, also known as contact laxative, acts on the digestive lining. The wall of the intestine consists of the mucosa, nerve plexus, and a thin layer of muscle. By working on these parts, stimulant laxatives accelerate muscle contractions along the stool matter and improve stool hydration. The onset of action in the colon of this drug lasts for six to ten hours.
This is one of the strongest laxatives and the most overused, too. Some common brands of stimulant laxatives are Correctol, Dulcolax, Ex-lax, and Senokot. However, using this kind of laxative regularly is not recommended.
Bulk-forming agents
This drug provides fiber to your body, thus increases the water content and bulk of the feces. It is suitable for normal and slow-transit constipation as the stool mass can pass quickly through the colon. While using bulking agents, it is essential to drink enough water to avoid flatulence and potential obstruction.
Most doctors recommend using these fast-acting laxatives first because it is one of the gentlest drugs. Constipated patients can take the bulking laxative for long-term treatment without serious side effects, except for bloating or gas. But if you undertake other medications simultaneously, remember to take fibre at least two hours before (or one hour after).
Fiber is the main ingredients in many over-the-counter laxatives, such as Benefiber, Citrucel, Equilactin, and Fiber-lax. It also has many fruits, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.
Stool softeners
They are commonly known as emollient laxatives (including Colace, Diocto, and Gibs-Eze). Homemade stool softeners contain anionic surfactants (or docusate) that bring water and fats to the stool mass, making it easier to move through the colon tube. However, they do not stimulate bowel movements but just allow patients to have bowel movements without cramping.
Also Read: Stay Regular: 10 Laxative FAQs
It might take at least 72 hours or a week for any homemade stool softener to be efficient, so it is not suitable for chronic constipation. Doctors indicate these agents to prevent constipation and boost intestinal function after surgery or giving birth.
This article will teach you about nature’s most excellent homemade stool softener.
Lubricant agents
As the name “lubricant” implies, this type of laxative covers the stool with a thin layer of slippery lipids to prevent it from drying out. Meanwhile, mineral oil coats the intestinal lining, facilitating faecal movement.
Although it seems beneficial, these strong laxatives should be used as a short-term solution for constipation, as they may leave behind possible adverse effects.
Hyperosmolar laxatives
These substances allow the intestine to hold more water by stimulating the osmotic effect. Collecting fluid from surrounding tissues makes the complex and dry stool soft and can pass through the colon.
There are two ways to take this type of laxative: oral and rectal route. While it takes days for oral tablets to be active, a rectal enema can solve the problems in just 15 minutes. It is also the fastest laxative for constipation. However, some patients may suffer a local irritated colon after treating by enemas.
Here is the most potent and fastest homemade laxative for constipation problems. After reading this article, you have learned to use some foods as efficient household laxatives. Hope that this information is helpful and fully provides what you are searching for.
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REFERENCES
[ 1 ] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works
[ 2 ] http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation#1
[ 3 ] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9649012
[ 4 ] http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-chia#2
[ 5 ] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/
[ 6 ] http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/aloe/safety/hrb-20058665
[ 7 ] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152533/
[ 8 ] http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/truth-about-coconut-water#1
[ 9 ] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxative