Take laxatives when constipated, is it really necessary?

Have you ever dealt with constipation by taking laxatives? These laxatives, which are easy to find everywhere, are often the solution to dealing with constipation quickly. But do you really need to take laxatives when you are constipated? Are laxatives safe for consumption?

What causes constipation and difficulty defecating?

In general, constipation or constipation is defined as a condition that occurs when you have less than 3 bowel movements a week.

But don't worry if you have a schedule of only one bowel a week, it doesn't mean you have constipation. In fact, everyone has a different schedule of bowel movements, this is due to the digestive system and bowel movements that each one has. However, most people do experience 3 bowel movements - which means you need to have a bowel movement - in a day for up to three weeks.

Then how do I know that I have constipation? Constipation occurs when your bowel movement comes later than your usual schedule. In addition, if you experience constipation, you will also experience several other symptoms, such as a full stomach, abdominal pain, bloody bowel movements, and feeling dissatisfied after defecating.

How to cure constipation naturally without laxatives

Constipation usually occurs due to poor lifestyle and unhealthy food choices. Therefore, before you switch to using laxatives, you should try to change your lifestyle and habits first, such as doing:

• Routinely and consume lots of fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruit and wheat.
• Drink lots of fluids every day, try to keep drinking mineral water
• Get regular exercise

With changes in lifestyle like that, it is hoped that constipation will heal naturally without having to use drugs. However, if constipation occurs for a long time and does not go away even though you have tried to change your habits, then it is recommended to take laxatives.

Before taking laxatives, first know the type

Laxatives have the main function of smoothing bowel movements and removing food debris that has accumulated in the stomach. Before deciding to use laxatives so that your constipation is cured, you should first know the types of laxatives that are available:

• Purgative bulk-forming This drug works almost the same as the fiber in the body, namely by absorbing more water in the body so that the stool becomes softer, bigger, and easier to remove. Examples of this type of laxative are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel).
• Osmotic laxatives, increases the water content in the intestines, thus making it easier for bowel movements to remove waste Examples such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol.
• Stimulant laxatives, works by stimulating bowel movements to make it faster. In addition, this drug is able to affect the nerves that move the intestinal muscles so that the speed of bowel movements increases. Examples include bisacodyl, senna and sodium picosulfate.
• Lubricant laxatives, or stool softeners that work by increasing the water content between the surface of the intestinal wall with feces, so that stool can pass easily.

Which laxatives are right for me?

Although laxatives have been around for a long time, until now there is still little scientific evidence that proves the efficacy of laxatives in overcoming constipation or about which type of laxative is better. However, most people who use laxatives will choose a type laxative bulk-forming first and usually the drug will immediately give side effects between two to three days after use.

If your stool is difficult to pass and feels painful, then osmotic laxatives are the right medicine to solve your problem. Meanwhile, if the dirt that comes out is soft but still difficult to remove, it's better if you take stimulant laxatives. However, the best thing that can be done to determine what laxative is right, is to discuss with your doctor so that it suits your needs and condition at that time.

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