Whenever we eat, we set our digestive system in motion. The substances our body needs are assimilated, the waste ones eliminated. In addition to the urine, the waste would be excreted via the faeces. Sometimes it can happen that you have difficulty evacuating. Perhaps we are guests at other people’s homes and are holding back or we are taking in little water and less fiber. Whatever the cause, if we have problems with our intestines we seek help and most of the time we go to the pharmacy to take a laxative.
They would fight constipation and many prefer them to cooked prunes or pears, but laxatives are often bought randomly. There are tablets, jams, capsules and even suppositories that could stimulate intestinal transit. Few people know, however, that laxatives are divided into various types and that each would have possible side effects.
Types
On the market in general there would be:
- laxatives that would increase stool mass. Generally they are fibers to be taken with plenty of water. If we take them in excess or for a long time, they could cause blockages, especially if we drink little water. The obstructions would also appear if you suffer from some gastrointestinal pathologies or to other organs. Another side effect could be meteorism;
- laxatives called irritants or stimulating the walls of the intestine. The excess would cause pain and diarrhea. Furthermore, prolonged use could weaken the natural movement of our intestine, thus making the peristaltic waves weak;
- the lubricating ones would be glycerin suppositories or vaseline oil. An excess could make you lose control of the evacuation or make it difficult to absorb some elements;
- finally, the osmotics would recall water to make the stool soft. They could cause kidney problems.
They would fight constipation and many prefer them to natural remedies, but beware of the possible consequences of laxatives
In general, it would always be advisable to consult with your doctor to understand what is best suited to our case. Laxatives could interfere with treatment or worsen a pathological situation. Furthermore, any abuse would have consequences of varying degrees.
Especially for children, pregnant women and the elderly you should be careful and always seek medical advice before buying and taking laxatives of any kind.
Finally, specialists generally recommend trying to prevent constipation by taking the right amount of vegetables, fruit, legumes and above all water and various liquids. Even mild physical activity may help.
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