A laxative is a medicine that helps you have a bowel movement.
A laxative is a medicine that makes it easier to evacuate the belly . These types of preparations are used to promote the elimination of feces , causing defecation .
For example: “The doctor suggested I take a laxative if I don't have any news in the next few hours,” “I already feel better: the laxative has taken effect,” “The specialist suspects that the disorder could have been caused by excessive consumption of laxatives.” .
Use of laxatives
Laxatives are usually given in case of constipation (a condition that involves a lack of regular movement in the intestines, with infrequent bowel movements). The constipated person usually feels stomach discomfort: by ingesting the laxative, it is expected that they will be able to evacuate the belly and regain well-being .
Laxatives may also be used prior to a rectal or bowel evaluation . In this way, the patient can evacuate and clean the colon and the doctor can carry out his work without problems.
It is important to keep in mind that the abuse of laxatives can cause serious problems, promoting the development of intestinal paralysis, pancreatitis and hemorrhoids, among other illnesses.
Plums are natural laxatives.
Classification according to type
There are various types of laxatives that are given orally or in suppository form. It is possible to classify laxatives as emollients , surfactants and osmotics , depending on their action.
It should be noted that certain foods are natural laxatives since, due to their composition, they contribute to the evacuation of the womb. Plum, apple, tomato, orange, onion, ginger, saffron, broccoli, chard, walnuts and Omega-3 oils are some of them. The best-known natural laxative, however, is water , which moisturizes the intestine and regulates intestinal flow. Some of them are described in detail below.
Examples of natural laxatives
The plum
This fruit is recognized as "nature's laxative" and is rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, iron, dietary fiber and potassium. On the other hand, it provides us with bacteria that benefit the intestines, which makes it ideal for any diet that aims to cleanse the colon.
The apple
Its high levels of pectin serve to stimulate the intestines and also facilitate their movements with the necessary fiber. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective natural foods with a laxative function, and can be taken in small doses dissolved in water every morning.
The tomato
It is a very effective laxative, rich in vitamins K, A and C. Tomato provides us with 10% of the fiber needed daily and has a large amount of lipopene, an antioxidant that helps protect the colon and prostate against cancer. The most recommended variety of tomato is the organic one: directly from the crop to our plate.
Citrus
Both orange, lemon and lime are acidic fruits that no one beats in detoxification power; In addition to washing toxins from the body, they promote the digestive tract with enzymatic processes. We must not forget that vitamin C, which is usually associated with citrus fruits, has the power to transform toxins into digestible material. Orange, specifically, gives us an average of 13% of the fiber that is recommended to be consumed daily.
The onion
Onion contains an antioxidant called quercetin, vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, fiber and vitamin C. It is known to help reduce cholesterol , relieve the symptoms of certain allergies and congestion, and fight ovarian and breast cancer. , bladder and lung, and that eliminate toxic metals from our body. As if all this were not enough, it is a great natural laxative and facilitates the regulation of intestinal movements.