Natural laxatives

A laxative is a substance that helps to empty the bowel. It is used to both relieve and prevent occasional constipation.

Once administered, the laxative effect usually appears after 6 to 12 hours.

There are four different types of laxatives:

Thickening agents: relieve constipation by absorbing more liquid in the intestines, causing the stool to increase in size to make you want to have a bowel movement.

Stool softeners: these lubricate and soften the stool in the intestine, making it easier to pass. To keep them effective, drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Osmotic laxatives: attract and retain fluids in the intestine from other tissues and blood vessels to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. It is advisable to drink plenty of water when using this type of laxative.

Stimulant laxatives: speed up the speed at which stool passes through the intestines by irritating the lining of the intestines. Regular use of stimulant laxatives is not recommended as they can lead to dependence.

Among the different types, glycerine suppositories or micro-enemas are the fastest-acting laxatives, working in less than 15 minutes.

There is a wide variety of brands of laxatives that can be found on the pharmaceutical market to treat constipation problems. Any of them can be useful, the important thing is that they have the right active ingredient, such as glycerol in the case of glycerine suppositories.

An enema is a procedure in which a liquid medicine or remedy is introduced into the rectum and colon through the anus in order to cleanse both the rectum and the intestines.

Enemas have a regulating action on the intestinal flora, and can be confused with other laxative-type medicines. But, unlike them, they have many more benefits and do not irritate the colon.

To give an enema correctly, follow the steps below:

1. Choose a comfortable position.

2. Carefully insert the tip into the rectum, slowly.

3. Once in place, squeeze the bottle to apply the solution.

4. Maintain the same position until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.

Glycerine suppositories are laxatives whose action is due to the power of this active ingredient, which draws water into the rectum, stimulating and increasing the urge to defecate.

Glycerine suppositories help to solve problems of occasional constipation by softening the stool and stimulating bowel movements.

To place a suppository correctly, carefully follow the instructions below:

1. Squat down or lie on your side, with one leg bent and the other straight.

2. Slowly and firmly push the suppository into the anus, inserting it into the rectum from the blunt side (not the tip).

3. Push until it does not come out again when released.