Best Laxative for Constipation

A person feeling constipated experiences infrequent painful bowel movement. This is because the stools become hard and hence, defecation turns out to be a daunting task. Use of laxative is often the first line of treatment for patients suffering from constipation.

The best laxative is one that consists of natural ingredients and devoid of any artificial chemicals. Naturally getting rid of constipation is the best solution to overcome irregular bowel movement safely. The following articles throws some light on best laxative for constipation.

Feeling constipated stems from following a wrong diet. Less intake of fluids, especially, water and more consumption of carbonated drinks can also contribute to the formation of hardened fecal matter. Being physically inactive, yet another facet of modern lifestyle also may lead to constipation. Healthy lifestyle modifications is the key to overcome constipation. It is discussed below.

A diet high in fiber is the safest laxative for constipation. Constipation has often been attributed to following an inappropriate diet. With junk foods taking precedence over healthy diet, more and more people seem to be getting affected with constipation.

Eating high fiber foods daily can work wonders to ensure smooth bowel evacuation. Basically fiber adds weight to the fecal matter, which allows speedier movement of stools through the intestine. This works to relieve and avoid constipation.

The obvious sources of fiber are vegetables and fruits and their inclusion in the diet is a natural way to promote easier defecation.

Eating vegetables in raw form act like a natural laxative and is very effective to beat constipation. So by simply adding a dish of vegetable salad and whole grain bread to your lunch menu, constipation relief is guaranteed. Thus, with intake of salad it's time to say good-bye to constipation worries.

Having prune juice is yet another solution to promote regular bowel movement. Prune juice provides a laxative effect that helps in relieving constipation. Many consider prune juice as the best laxative for constipation.

Prunes are loaded with natural fiber. Therefore, taking prune juice laxative softens the stools, thereby encouraging pain free bowel evacuation. Just one glass of prune juice daily is a proven remedy to cure constipation.

Psyllium husks derived from the seeds of the plant Plantago Psyllium are also good sources of dietary fiber and so their usage in the form of supplements works to relieve constipation.

Now, how does psyllium husks act like a laxative? Upon exposure to water, psyllium husk expands substantially. This causes formation of bigger and softer fecal matter, making it easier to defecate. Take this supplement with a glass of water and you would definitely experience relief from constipation.

A point to note that psyllium supplements are recommended for short-term use only and one should not use it as a preventive measure for constipation.

With most of our time spent at the office, there is very less physical activity in our daily routine. Long hours of sitting activity can take a toll on our health and make a person feel constipated. This habit of leading a sedentary lifestyle has to be broken in order to get rid of constipation.

For many, exercise is the best laxative for constipation. Devoting just 40-45 minutes for exercise can work wonders to restore healthy bowel movement. Fast paced walking for half an hour everyday acts as a natural laxative and stimulates bowel movement.

Over-the-counter chemical based laxatives for constipation might provide some relief but they come with an 'extra baggage' of side effects that may have minor health issues like belching and diarrhea to serious ones such as gastrointestinal blockage.

So, one must stick to natural laxatives for relieving constipation. When it comes to preventing constipation, the age-old remedy involving fiber diet and plenty of water intake is recommended.