10 Best Laxatives Supplements of 2024 That Give Good Results

Overview

Laxatives are over-the-counter medications that are effective in promoting regular bowel movements, relieving constipation, and improving digestive health. Constipation brings forth difficult, infrequent, and painful bowel movements.

Some best stool softener for daily use or laxatives is as effective as over-the-counter products in preventing and treating constipation. Natural laxatives include green leafy vegetables, warm water, high-fiber foods, prunes and figs, and water.

Within a few hours of taking over-the-counter laxatives, they begin to take effect. Some may take days but still work effectively. While laxatives are an effective solution in treating and preventing constipation, excessive use of laxatives may cause changes in body minerals and salts and cause electrolyte disturbances.

“Constipation occurs when there is a sluggishness in bowel movements which makes stool movements through the digestive tract slow, this ideally increases the absorption of water leaving the stool hardened,” says Joshua Russell, M.D., of Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care.

For regularity purposes, most people are advised to use natural laxatives compared to over-the-counter laxatives in their routine. This is because they are inexpensive and safe and may pose minimal side effects.

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How Do Laxative Supplements Work?

Laxatives are available in a wide range of varieties, each with a different function. It is advisable that you consult a doctor to help pick a good laxative for you to avoid potential unwanted effects.

That is, sometimes the product may depend on the user like we have best stool softener during pregnancy, best stool softener for hemorrhoids, best stool softener for adults and so on.

Besides, the broad category of this product line is as follows;

Stool softener

These allow more water to be absorbed into the stool making them softer and easier to pass. Stool softeners are available in tablet and pill form, and they include docusate calcium and docusate sodium.

Bulk-forming laxatives

These laxatives make the stool rich with soluble fiber allowing it to absorb water and form larger stools. As the stool becomes larger, it leads to the contraction of the intestines allowing the stool to come out. Bulk-forming laxatives are considered the safest option.

You should begin with lower doses of these kinds of laxatives to avoid negative side effects. Bulk-forming laxatives are available in capsule and powder form and they include Citrucel and Metamucil.

Osmotic type laxatives

These laxatives increase the frequency of bowel movements by retaining more fluid in the colon resulting to softer stool. Osmotic laxatives may take between 8 to 12 hours to start working. Osmotics are available in caplet, suppository, liquid, and enema form, and they include polyethylene glycol and magnesium hydroxide solutions.

You should note that high doses of osmotic laxatives may lead to diarrhea.

Lubricant laxatives

These laxatives form a coating on the surfaces of the stool making it moist. These softer stools make it easier for them to pass. Lubricant laxatives are available in enema and liquid form, and mineral is one example of a lubricant.

Stimulant laxatives

The harshest kind of laxatives available on the market. they speed up the digestion process to cause a bowel movement. You should not use stimulants for many days. Sennosides and bisacodyl are an example of stimulant laxatives. These are available in liquid, chewable, pills, tablets, and powder form.

Saline laxatives

They draw moisture into the small intestines. This increases the pressure in the intestines and stimulates a bowel movement. Salines are available in pill form and they include magnesium citrate and sodium phosphate.

However, “Most people with mild or less constipation will only require or benefit from ‘bulk-forming agents’ such as dietary fiber, besides, taking more water and fluids may be all that is needed to resolve some issues,” says gastroenterology specialist Andy Barnett, M.D.

Should You Take a Laxative When You Have Constipation?

Constipation usually goes away on its own and one may not require using a laxative. Making changes to your diet by including fiber-rich foods and warm fluids may help alleviate constipation. However, in severe cases of constipation, a laxative may be needed.

According to the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association, some patients with severe constipation may require to use laxatives to cleanse their colon.

You can treat or avoid constipation by;

Eating foods rich in soluble and insoluble fibers (whole grains foods, bran, oats, fruits, vegetables)

Taking adequate fluids throughout the day (particularly warm water)

Staying active most times of the day (doing some exercise)

If all fails, get yourself a laxative to help pass stool

Who Can Benefit from Laxatives Supplements

The several types of laxatives such as salines, lubricants, osmotics, and stimulants work in different ways. An over-the-counter laxative may come with some side effects that is some people prefer natural laxatives like water to avoid the unpleasant effects.

You should keep in mind that prescription and OTC laxatives may help relieve the symptoms of constipation, but they do not treat any digestive issues. Too much use of laxatives may cause digestive issues and make the body reliant on them.

“The market is full of different types and forms of laxatives including pills, enema, detox tinctures and herbal teas to help people with constipation easily pass stool,” explains Dr. Axe Co-Founder of Ancient Nutrition.

Our bodies are naturally made to detoxify and cleanse on their own, as long as they are provided with the correct nutrients for that. Chronic or short-term constipation may be caused by;

• A diet that lacks fiber
• Lack of enough sleep
• Stress
• Dehydration

A normal person should have three or more bowel movements in a week. Should the number reduce then you may use a laxative.

Who May Not Benefits from Laxatives Supplements

The methods available for treating constipation are not expensive and are straightforward. Changing your diet and lifestyle by consuming more fibers, drinking water, and exercising. Before consuming any laxative supplement, it is wise that you consult your doctor. Some digestive problems may not be treatable by these laxative supplements.

Oral supplementation with laxatives may not be helpful for;

People with cardiac or kidney dysfunction – Laxative supplements with high magnesium content should be avoided by people with these medical conditions. If you really need to take them, talk to a doctor.

Individuals on specific medication – In case you are on antibiotics or diuretics, consults a specialist as laxatives may interfere with their effectiveness.

People with bowel obstruction – Laxatives may not be helpful for people whose intestines have blocked. See a doctor if you have bowel obstruction.

People who have previously abused laxatives – consult a doctor for alternative treatment options for your constipation if you have a history of abuse of laxatives

Types of Laxatives

Everybody enjoys having a healthy digestive system with regular bowel movements. Constipation causes discomfort, but the good news is we have laxatives on the market to help treat constipation. There are many types of laxatives with different functions and they also help you pass stool without difficulty.

A publication in the National Library of medicine discusses the various laxatives used in treating constipation.

Osmotic laxatives help draw water into the colon to help soften the stool to support easier bowel movements and passing of stool. Osmotics rarely cause stomach cramping unlike stimulant laxatives.

Stimulant laxatives encourage the intestines to contract thereby causing sudden bowel movements. Stimulants may cause cramps and stomach discomfort.

Bulk-foaming laxatives allow the formation of bulkier stools by using water in the small intestines. Large stool stimulates contraction of the intestines and promotes a bowel movement.

Some laxatives may inhibit the absorption of nutrients and minerals into the body. It is important that you choose a gentle laxative that lubricates the anus and does not cause pain when passing stool.

What To Look For When Choosing Laxatives Supplements

The effectiveness and efficacy of a laxative may vary from one person to another. So it may be hard to tell which laxative is best for you. Unless you are sure of a particular laxative, then;

It is best to begin with a bulk-forming laxative

If you are still unable to pass stool, you can try an osmotic laxative to replace the bulk-forming laxative

If the poop is still difficult to pass, you can go ahead and try a stimulant laxative.

Seek medical help if you are still constipated after trying a number of laxative options. It is important to note that laxatives are not recommended for children unless the doctor has advised so. People with chronic illnesses like ulcerative colitis should not take laxatives.

Are Laxatives Supplements Helpful for Constipation?

Laxatives are medicines that help promote bowel movements for people who are having trouble-passing stool. According to the Journal of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, constipation is a common digestive problem, which may be treated by natural means before trying laxatives supplements.

Who Should Not Consume Laxatives Supplements?

Laxative supplements do help relieve constipation. However, not all people are allowed to take them as it may pose some adverse side effects. People with kidney and cardiac conditions should not take laxatives as they may contain higher magnesium levels. Pregnant women and individuals on specific medication should not take laxatives unless advised by the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

There are many factors that bring about constipation, including not drinking enough water, eating a diet with low fiber, and having stress.

While there are natural methods to help relieve constipation, laxative supplements are another option.

Laxative are supplements that help soften stool to promote regular bowel movements. If you are unsure of which supplement to use, you can talk to your doctor to help you pick the best.