Free sale, harmless apparent and surrounded by myths, laxatives are presented in pharmacies, but also the well -being and self -care linear of supermarkets. In recent years, the so -called ‘natural laxatives’ has become one of the most demanded food supplements, thanks to its relationship, often erroneous, with weight control, the’ stainless diet.
A regret of all this is not a product that must be taken lightly. Anna Vila Martí, dietitian-nutritionist, member of the Research Group «Methodology, methods, models and results of health and social sciences (M3O) «In the research line Nutrition, food behavior, gastronomy and sustainability From the Vic University and the number of the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietary, a tea is and for us and the laxatives should be used.
What is the laxative and to be used?
A laxative is a substance that is used to Facilitate the evacuacy of feces when they are not eliminated in a normal way. Its way of facilitating this evacuation varies with the type of laxative. «Aumar can be the size of the feces for evacuyn, incementary, the water captain, the volume and facilitate evacuation, etc.»
This action is not harmless. «The laxative is a substance that is specifically administered at a specific time and can produce undesirable side effects. That is why it is best to have a diet rich in fiber (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes) and an adequate water intake to facilitate the usual evacuation of the feces,» he explains.
Types of laxatives
Although all have the same objective, that is, relieve constipation, choose one or the other will depend on the different clinical needs and contexts. Knowing your differences is key to responsible and effective use.
Thickening agents
They work absorbing water in the intestine and increase and volume of feces. The wheat bran and the Plantago ovata Good son examples of this type of laxatives. «Its use is safe but requires a high intake of water so that the effect is desired,» warns Vila Martí.
Stool softeners
They favor the passage of feces through the intestine. As an example we find the sodium docuso or mineral oil that are used in postpartum, postoperative or in case of hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Osmotic laxatives
“They increase the withholding of water in the intestine to stimulate motility. We find it in sugars without absorbable such as lactulous, lactitol or sorbitol or magnesium sulfate. It is used in pre-colonoscopy intestinal cleaning or in severe severe elo. Dietitian-nutritionist. In this case it is necessary to be careful because» its provision can cause proprietary use. In addition, it is advisable in serious renal insufficiency. «
Laxative stimulants
With this type of product, intestinal peristalism, the secret of water and electrolytes is estimated. «They cause an irritation of the intestinal mucosa, which causes colon contractions. That is why they serve exclusively for punctual use in case of acute constipation. Its usual use is not recommended since they can chorefunctionality in motility motility.» Examples son the sen or the sacred shell.
How to use the laxatives safely
The use of laxatives safely requires knowing when you have to take them, for how long and what a type as the case may be. In addition, it is recommended to follow medical indications and avoid self -medication.
Special cases
In some cases, special care must be taken because the effects could be serious, on Dido, in children, pregnant women and babies, thus in patients with diabetes. In these population groups, the first thing to do is study the cause of constipation and depending on this, Find the most appropriate laxative and always under medical supervision.
What laxative is more effective for a colonoscopy?
Currently, species products are used to eliminate the entire content of the digestive tract (lactulose or magnesium sulfate) along with a diet with low fiber content (the famous diet for colonoscopy or very low soft fiber diet in fiber).
Sin embargo, some studies question the intake of these specific diets and laxative abuse. «They can be obtained equal at the image level without so many modifications.»
How should a laxative diet be?
So that the diet that is consumed has a laxative effect naturally, “at least one dish of raw or cooked vegetables in meals and at least three pieces of fruit per day should include. In addition, you will also include integral, secondary fruits.
Vegetables, fruits
All fruits and vegetables son, in mayor or lesser extent, fiber and sorbitol sources, so a usual intake contributes to facilitate evacuation. A special case is that of passing plums for which EFSA is authorized a statement of healthy propidity for its contribution to intestinal transit.
Infusions and other more effective laxative drinks
Infusions, in themselves, have the capacity to the water intake. In the market, some can be acquired with species functions can aumine the benefits:
- Malva: Contains mucilages that soften the feces and facilitates lubrication.
- Casia Angustifolia: It is a colon stimulant, its use can cause intestinal irritation and is contraindicated in the Emarazo, Breastfeeding or infamous intestinal diseases.
- Sacred shell: It is a soft stimulant of delayed effect (acts after 6 hours after its intake). It should not be used chronicly.
Avoid constipation
The indications of the to avoid the constipation of Son will be a salible diet with an adequate contribution of water and the regular fiber intake a start of fruits, vegetables, cereal integrals, legumes and these fruits. , Empower should not be put in a specific food because the effect is achieved with the food pattern.
In addition, it is very important to suggest an active lifestyle, because physical activity and sport facilitate intestinal motility.
Likewise, it should be avoided delaying the time to go to the bathe, because it makes later the subsequent deposits, as well as seek to habitle a schedule to go to the bathroom, for example, dessese to have breakfast, even if it does not feel the need.
At the home of taking fiber supplements, the amount of gradual for a better tolerance, distributing it in several shots throughout the day. The use of laxatives should only be done with health supervision.
The Aldi Council
In case of habitual diarrhea or constipation, consultation with a dietitian-nutritionist to assess how your diet may be contributing to it.
Anna Vila Martí. Academic of the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diploma in human and dietary nutrition (University of Barcelona, 2000), License in Food Science and Technology (University of Vic, 2003) and Doctor in Nutrition and Metabolism (University Rovira I Virgili, 2013). Researcher of the Member of the Research Group in Food, Health and Welfare of the University of Vic. He has developed his professional career in the amit of the food industry in the R&D departments of companies such as Las Comas-Cumoi (Olot), Bellsolà (Aiguaviva) or Bimbo (Barcelona) and since 2008 as a professor added in the gradual of human nutrition and humanite and diet and diet of the University of the Diet of the diet of the diet of the diet of the Dieté of the University of the University. Vic. Actually, apart from teaching and research, he is responsible for the external practice of nutrition students and the coordinated end of the end of the degree of the faculty of health and well -being sciences of the Vic University. It has some publications in magazines such as nutrition of nutrition nutrition and pediatric nutrition.
