The Usefulness Of Home Treatments For Constipation
February 9, 2010 by Milton Lee
Filed under Diet
Constipation is a rather widespread condition that is thought to affect about 15% of all people. Most people do not try to treat it and even fewer seek help from a health authority. Likely because this is an embarrassing condition to most people which gives them great reluctance to report their condition to their personal physicians.
As a result of the stigma attached to this intestinal condition, a large number of people try self-treatment with natural or home-based methods. An enlightened perspective of these natural agents should be obtained to avoid negative health impact. “Natural” is not a term implying hazard-free.
The most commonly used herb is the senna plant. The senna plant has powerful laxative properties due to high concentrations of anthraquinones. Anthraquinones have been found to increase intestinal activity and speed up movement of stool. It can be obtained as either tablets or in bags of leaves to be prepared as a tea. The cascara plant also has a history of being a natural laxative but has since been banned by the FDA.
A different kind of home constipation treatment is mineral oil. When taken orally, the oil coats the outer surface of the stool and other stomach contents, helping them retain fluid. With more fluid, the stool isn’t as hard or dense and thus moves more efficiently through the colon. Such a mode of action is in contrast to senna which exerts its effects chemically. Mineral oil is termed a lubricant laxative even though it acts nothing like engine oil lubricant or any other lubricating oil.
More widespread than either of the above are natural constipation treatments based on fiber. A popular one is psyllium. The psyllium plant is famous for having seeds that contain a lot of fiber. The seeds are usually processed into fine powder form which can then be dissolved. Retailers like nutritional supplement stores carry brand names like Metamucil which are incarnations of psyllium.
The linseed, otherwise known as flaxseed, is an additional high-fiber source. It’s occasionally treated like psyllium and crushed into powder form. Taking it not only helps with constipation due to its fiber, but may reduce cholesterol according to limited reports. More research will confirm or invalidate these results. The oil of the linseed is not often used.
Additional information and advice should be sought from a health professional with regards to natural constipation treatments. A doctor possesses more knowledge and understanding of the subtleties or dangers associated with treatments. For example, some natural laxatives may be effective but have harmful effects on people with certain conditions. Any subject wishing to take these agents should become aware of these harmful effects.
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