The best kind of laxative to use depends on the cause of constipation.
Difference between stool softener and stimulant laxative.
But which one should you choose to cure your constipation.
Stool softeners differ from laxatives in their effectiveness functions and side effects.
First of all let s sort out the difference between stool softeners and laxatives.
Psyllium one type of bulk forming laxative has been used with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol.
Mechanical and chemical processes break food down into molecules that are absorbed through your intestines and the resulting waste is eliminated during a bowel movement.
By contrast stimulant laxatives such as cascara bisacodyl and castor oil.
Fiber supplements make your stool bulkier so it s easier to pass.
When bowel movements are slow some people really do need stimulant laxatives dr.
A stool softener is a type of.
They take 6 to 12 hours to work.
A laxative is a substance that you use to help you have a bowel movement.
These stimulate the muscles that line your gut helping them to move poo along to your back passage.
Laxatives come in liquid tablet gum capsule granule or powder forms.
They work by drawing water into the stool making it softer and more comfortable to pass.
The stool eventually gets bigger which causes movements in the intestine and help the stool to pass quickly.
Stool softeners are only a type of laxative.
Because of this most stool softeners take one to three days to be effective.
The first choice she recommends is a senna based stimulant laxative.
They do not directly cause bowel movements.
Bisacodyl also called by the brand name dulcolax senna also called by the brand name senokot sodium picosulfate.
Your body relies on the nutrients from the foods you eat for survival.
Among laxatives stool softeners are considered to be the safest.
Stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl and cascara trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along.
A big difference that can be seen between stool softeners and laxatives is that the former does not stimulate bowel movements.
Be aware that these supplements can also cause bloating.
These laxatives form a gel in your stool and thereby help in holding more water in your stool.
Stool softeners prevent or treat constipation by making the stools less hard.
