Constipation is not just a matter of the bowel movement problem itself, but also pain, the need for frequent and ineffective visits to the toilet, and the constant pondering of how to remedy it. Can constipation be eliminated by using natural extracts? What are effective and safe remedies for constipation?
The problem of constipation – can it affect everyone?
It certainly does. People of all ages suffer from constipation, starting from the earliest years (or even months) to old age, when constipation even increases. Constipation also does not bypass pregnant women, who unfortunately very often suffer from it (let’s not forget that pregnant women and children can regulate bowel movements only with diet). The problem of constipation is a matter of physiological reactions to a poor diet or lack of exercise, but also the result of pathological changes in the body.
What is constipation – definition
Constipation, also known as obstruction, or colloquially constipation, is difficulty passing stools. The problem of constipation is also diagnosed when bowel movements occur less frequently than every two days.
Constipation – causes of occurrence
The causes of constipation should be sought mainly in daily eating habits and lifestyle. If the diet is not rich in fiber and liquid foods, and at the same time we lead a sedentary and stressful lifestyle, with little physical activity, then constipation can occur very often. This is the so-called physiological basis of constipation. The causes of constipation can also have pathological origins. Mainly, they involve intestinal disorders: obstruction, scarring and cancerous lesions. In addition, constipation can result from poisoning of the body with lead or arsenic. Also, some medications, especially strong painkillers and narcotics, cause constipation that is difficult to treat.
Aloe vera and buckthorn – herbs and tea for constipation with proven effectiveness
In medicine, there are basic remedies for constipation, which is often the result of poor eating habits and low physical activity can be leveled by changing the diet and introducing daily exercise. It is also advisable to use preparations containing appropriate plant extracts on an ad hoc basis. Certainly, aloe vera is an effective agent of natural origin, used in leveling constipation. In particular, it is worth recommending a combination of aloe vera extract with buckthorn bark extract (Alax drug) providing enhanced laxative action and at the same time a relatively rapid effect.
Alona, the concentrated juice of various species of aloe vera, contains so-called anthraglycosides (these compounds are characterized by a mild or strong laxative effect, depending on the structure of the molecule). The mechanism of aloe vera’s laxative action is to reduce the “escape” of sodium ions and water from the intestines into the blood, while provoking an influx of water from the blood into the intestines, so that fecal masses are liquefied. The liquefaction of fecal masses, results in an easier and painless bowel movement.
Bark of buckthorn also contains anthraxes. The mechanism of action of buckthorn is to irritate the nerve endings of the intestines, resulting in an increase in their peristaltic movements (which allow the movement of fecal masses) and inhibition of water removal from the intestines.
The effect of buckthorn bark can be considered slightly laxative, and aloe vera – strongly laxative. The first effects of the above plant extracts can occur even after 8 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to take laxatives before bedtime, so that in the morning you can easily have a bowel movement.
However, if constipation continues despite lifestyle changes and we are unsure of the cause, we should see a doctor.
What to look for when choosing laxatives?
First of all, it is worth checking:
- Does the preparation have the status of a drug or a dietary supplement?
Although this seems to be of little importance to the patient, since both types of preparations are purchased at the pharmacy, the opposite is true. Why? Mainly because dietary supplements do not have a number of tests necessary for the registration of medicines, including tests confirming their effectiveness and safety, or the actual content of active substances.
- What ingredients does it contain?
Usually, the content of two ingredients with a laxative effect produces a better effect than the presence of only one. Both for reasons of safety of use (two-component drugs may contain therapeutic substances in smaller doses than single-component ones) and effectiveness (synergism of action, i.e. intensification of the desired effect due to the use of two ingredients with similar properties). Therefore, it is worth looking for a preparation that, in addition to aloe extract, also contains buckthorn extract (such as Alax).
- Who is it intended for?
Preparations containing aloe vera and having a laxative effect can be used in people over 12. year of age. They cannot be used by pregnant or nursing women. In addition, laxatives are not recommended for people with hypersensitivity to anthracyclics, as well as for people with diagnosed intestinal diseases, appendicitis. For people using cardiac, diuretic, steroid drugs, the use of laxatives should be consulted with a doctor (as there is a risk of changing the effectiveness of the drugs used).
- How to use a particular preparation?
The use of the product depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. In the case of the drug Alax, it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets, shortly before bedtime and sip them with a glass of boiled water.
- How soon will the laxative effect appear?
The laxative effect should appear relatively quickly, but not immediately. Such an action is important, since an excessively rapid effect may be the result of too much irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the convenience of the patient’s use, it is usually recommended to take the drug before bedtime, expecting an effect in the form of a bowel movement after about eight hours (that is, after waking up).
Drugs for constipation – Alax
Alax is an over-the-counter constipation medication, which contains powdered aloe vera leaf juice and dry extract of buckthorn bark. Thus, it combines the laxative effect of two plant raw materials, which are leaders in the treatment of constipation – aloe vera leaf extract, characterized by a strong laxative effect, and buckthorn bark extract, with weaker laxative properties. It is worth noting that with Alax, the therapeutic effect should occur relatively quickly, that is, as soon as about eight hours after application.
Check out: herbs for digestion
Can preparations (such as herbs for laxation) be used continuously?
Due to the mechanism of action of most laxatives, which is to stimulate the large intestine to work, they should not be taken continuously. If they are taken continuously, our intestines will become lazy and will not provoke bowel movements on their own. That’s why it’s important to take laxatives only when there is occasional constipation.
