Reasons To Take Clean Laxatives

Laxatives are medications that can be taken orally to encourage bowel movements in order to get relief from gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation. There are many different types of laxatives available, all of which work in slightly different ways, and the instructions for each type of laxative can vary from product to product.

For this reason, it is always important to make sure that you carefully read the drug facts label on laxative medication, as this label contains information regarding safe usage, proper dosing, active and inactive ingredients, and any warnings or side effects associated with the medicine.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your laxatives before using them for the first time, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

With so many different types of laxatives available, you may be tempted to purchase the first product you see out of convenience. However, many commercial products, including laxatives, contain many different artificial additives, such as colors and flavors, and these ingredients are not necessary.

Understanding the benefits offered by clean medicine, made with the same active ingredients you need, but without artificial fillers, can help you make more informed decisions the next time you need to buy an over-the-counter laxative.

What Types of Laxatives Are Available?

There are several different types of laxatives available, and understanding the difference can help you make the best choice for your needs.

The main types of laxatives include the following:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: Bulk-forming laxatives do not get digested by your body, but instead work to absorb liquid in your intestines and swell into a soft and bulky stool. The bowels then get stimulated like normal because of this bulky mass. Bulk-forming laxatives are typically available over the counter or through prescription for the treatment of constipation.
• Hyperosmotics: Hyperosmotics are laxatives that encourage bowel movements by drawing water into the bowel from the body tissues that surround it. This allows for increased bowel action and softened stools. There are three main types of hyperosmotic laxatives which can be taken orally, including saline type, lactulose type, and polymer type.
• Lubricant laxatives: Lubricant laxatives are taken by mouth and work to encourage bowel movements by coating your bowels and stool mass in a waterproof film which helps keep moisture in the stool.
• Stimulant laxatives: Stimulant laxatives are also known as contact laxatives, and they work by acting on the wall of your intestines. This type of laxative can help increase the muscle contractions that move stool along.
• Stool softeners: Stool softener laxatives encourage bowel movements by helping the liquids in your body mix into the stool in order to prevent dry and hard stool masses. This makes it easier to pass the stool.

Of these types of laxatives, stimulant laxatives are a popular option used by patients to treat constipation. Senna is usually the active ingredient in over-the-counter stimulant laxatives, and this ingredient is a natural option made from the leaves and fruit of the senna plant. Senna is considered to be safe for most people when used correctly.

When Should an Over the Counter Laxative Be Used?

If you are experiencing constipation, it may be time to try a laxative, but it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before you begin using an over-the-counter medicine product. Your doctor can work with you to determine what type of medicine, if any, may be necessary, and they may also be able to recommend certain products that might be best for your needs.

Additionally, your doctor can help you determine whether or not your symptoms are a sign of something more serious, in which case it may not be appropriate to self-treat.

However, if you are struggling with minor constipation, and you are certain that it is not a sign of a more serious condition, you may be able to safely use over-the-counter laxatives.

You may also want to try the following lifestyle and dietary changes before using a laxative, or alongside an over-the-counter laxative:

• Making sure to get plenty of fiber from your diet by incorporating foods like bran, oats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting enough exercise

All of these things can help establish bowel regularity, and can work in conjunction with a laxative medication in order to calm your symptoms.

Choosing a Laxative: Why Clean Medicine Matters

Clean medicine products are those that are free of artificial inactive ingredients, but still have the same active ingredient you find in your common OTC medicine.

Instead of choosing the first product you find on the shelf, it may be beneficial to take the time to read the product label before making a purchase. The drug facts label on an over-the-counter product includes a list of all of the active and inactive ingredients in the product, and reading this list carefully can help you avoid any unwanted ingredients.

You should hone in on products that contain very minimal inactive ingredients, and products with inactive ingredients that are non-GMO, gluten-free, and certified vegan. Products that are made with clean and real ingredients.

Clean laxative medications are a great way to find fast and effective relief from your symptoms with the same active ingredients you need, but without the artificial inactive ingredients commonly found in OTC medicines.

Proper Usage of Laxatives

Clean laxative medications are a great way to find fast and effective relief from your symptoms with the same active ingredients you need, but without the artificial inactive ingredients commonly found in OTC medicines.

You should always follow the instructions on the label of your medicine product, and make sure not to take too much medicine at once, or administer a dose too frequently. Taking too much medicine at once could cause some unpleasant effects and could even be dangerous in some cases.

You should also avoid using your medicine for longer than is recommended, as using laxatives for extended periods of time could interfere with your body’s natural ability to regulate your bowel movements. If you have questions about how you should be using your medicine, you should call your doctor before you use the medicine in question.

Certain laxatives may cause some mild gastrointestinal side effects, but if you experience side effects that are particularly severe or that you suspect may be a sign of an allergic reaction, call your doctor promptly and describe your symptoms to them — they will be able to guide you through any necessary next steps.

The Bottom Line

Over-the-counter laxatives are a highly convenient way to get fast and effective relief from symptoms like constipation, and there are plenty of different options available when you are in need of a laxative.

Different types of laxatives work in slightly different ways, and understanding how the options differ may help you make the best choice for your individual needs.

Senna is one of the most popular laxatives, and it is a stimulant laxative that encourages movement in your intestines and bowels in order to pass the stool. Senna is a natural, plant-based ingredient, and it can be helpful to focus on laxative products that only contain clean and organic ingredients.

Products that are made with the same active ingredients, but without the artificial fillers found in most OTC brands, can help bring you relief and the knowledge that you made a clean medicine choice for you and your family.

If you have questions or concerns about your laxative, you should consult your doctor.