Laxatives can be effective for relief of short-term constipation, however if used for longer periods of time than two weeks, they can start to affect the function of your colon and cause dependency.

Many different types of laxatives are available.

Prescription and over-the-counter laxatives contains drugs that may have side effects and should only be used for short periods.

Herbal laxatives contain herbs, such as senna and cascara sagrada that directly stimulate the walls of the large intestine, causing them to contract and move the stool. These can be very effective but can cause cramping and should be used only for occasional bouts of constipation as they can also create dependency.  The herbs are not effective at removing hardened fecal matter from the walls of the intestines.

Osmotic laxatives are compounds (such as various magnesium salts, some salts of sodium or potassium and sorbitol) that prevent absorption of water by the intestine, thereby increasing the water in the colon. In other words, they cause diarrhea.  Diarrhea can deplete the body of vital minerals and cause dehydration and fatigue.  These can be very effective but other than relieving constipation, they do nothing to improve the health of the colon.

Bulk laxative agents are non-absorbable, vegetable fibers such as bran and psyllium husks which stimulate bowel action with their bulk. They can be somewhat effective in absorbing old fecal matter.  However these bulking agents can also irritate someone with a sensitive colon and cause gas and bloating. If someone is really constipated, these fibers can actually cause more constipation. It is very important to drink lots of water with these bulk laxatives as they can also absorb water from the colon, which can contribute to more dry stools.

Tagged as: colon