Laxatives work in different ways to stimulate bowel movements. They include bulk-forming laxatives which absorb water, stool softeners which increase water absorption, lubricants which coat the intestines, osmotic laxatives which retain water, and stimulant laxatives which speed digestion. Overuse of laxatives can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and damage organs. Natural alternatives like fruits, vegetables, seeds, probiotics, and water can also have laxative effects and are generally safer options.

2.  Laxatives are often used to help people become
“regular” by stimulating a normal bowel
movement .
 Typically the stool is formed by the absorption
of waste , unwanted nutrients , electrolytes and
water within the gut .
 Laxatives can have powerful effects on your
digestive health .

3.  Bulk forming laxatives
 Stool - softeners laxatives
 Lubricant laxatives
 Osmotic type laxatives
 Saline laxatives
 Stimulant laxatives

4.  Bulk-forming laxatives: These move through the body
undigested, absorbing water and swelling to form stool.
 Stool softeners: They increase the amount of water absorbed by
the stool to make it softer and easier to pass.
 Lubricant laxatives: These coat the surface of the stool and
intestinal lining to keep in moisture, allowing for softer stools and
easier passage.
 Osmotic-type laxatives: These help the colon retain more water,
increasing the frequency of bowel movements.
 Saline laxatives: These draw water into the small intestine to
encourage a bowel movement.
 Stimulant laxatives: They speed up the movement of the digestive
system to induce a bowel movement

5.  stimulant laxatives — which are also thought to be
the most over-used. These products cause a laxative
effect by stimulating the lining of the intestines and
making the muscles of the digestive system contract,
while also increasing stool’s hydration.
 laxatives are osmotic and hyperosmolar laxatives,
which are hydrating agents that draw fluids into the
intestines. An enema is the type of laxative inserted
into the rectum so it can directly deposit saline fluid.
 “Bulking agents” are types of fiber treatments that
are the mild laxatives most doctors recommend first
to patients for increasing slow transit time.
 Lubricant laxatives work by making stools
“slippery,” usually with mineral oils that coat the
intestinal walls and prevent stool from drying out

6.  dehydration (fluid loss)
 electrolyte imbalances
 acid/alkaline base changes
 the inability to produce enough digestive enzymes
 edema (water retention)
 dizziness and light-headedness
 damage to the colon and digestive organs
 alternating diarrhea and constipation
 complications with the cardiovascular systems
 weight loss or gain
 other life-threatening side effects, including death
when overused

7.  Fruits, veggies, seeds, probiotic-filled foods and more
can have a laxative effect as natural stool softeners .
 1. Aloe Vera
 Aloe vera is one of the oldest and well-researched
natural laxatives there is. Sometimes called aloe
“latex,” this substance comes packed with enzymes,
vitamins, minerals and electrolytes that help heal the
gut
 For example, anthraquinones are a type of compound
present in aloe that act like a laxative by increasing
intestinal water content, stimulating mucus secretion
and increasing intestinal peristalsis naturally
(contractions that break down food).

9.  Chia Seeds
 One of the benefit of chia seeds is its ability to work as
a natural laxative. Chia seeds combined with liquid
form a gelatinous substance that easily moves through
your intestines. As a great way to increase the fiber in
your diet, chia seeds swell and expand in the digestive
tract, absorbing water. They’re best for constipation
when you also increase your fluid intake, helping them
move through the gut easily.
 Flaxseeds
 Flaxseeds are an excellent source of fiber, which adds
bulk to your stool and helps it pass through your
intestines. As an added bonus, flaxseeds work to treat
both constipation and diarrhea . One tablespoon (10
grams) of flaxseeds provides 2 grams of insoluble fiber,
plus 1 gram of soluble fiber .

10.  Leafy Green Veggies
 Not only a great source of fiber, leafy greens also
provide plenty of magnesium. Magnesium
deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in
adults, so eating more comes with many benefits,
including better digestive health. Magnesium is an
electrolyte that has the natural ability to safely soften
stool and help draw in water from your gut.
 Without enough magnesium, it’s hard for stool to
easily move through your system, especially since
magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, which can
help stop cramping in the abdomen. If you notice
that increasing magnesium-rich foods results in
your stools becoming too loose and watery, you can
adjust your intake until its comfortable and back to
normal.

11.  High-Fiber Fruit (Berries, Figs, Apples,
Prunes, Pears)
 Fruit provides high levels of fiber and water in addition antioxidants,
which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the digestive
system. While fresh fruit such as berries, melon and apples are more
hydrating and filling, dried fruit like figs, prunes or dates are also a
good source of dietary fiber when in a pinch, especially when you
consume several at once.
 Fruits that contain pectin fiber (apples or pears) are especially good
choices, since pectin stimulates your bowels. Apple cidegar vinegar is
also an excellent option for naturally treating constipation For most
people, fruit helps relieve constipation while also making you feel
comfortably full, but again it comes down to individual reactions to
various kinds.
.


12. Lemon- lemon juice helps to stimulate the gut and cleanse the
intestines. Add a few teaspoons to a glass of water to get some
relief.
 Prunes. Prune juice has its reputation for good reason. Drink one
glass a day to help relieve and prevent constipation
Coconut Water
 Coconut water is good for you for many reasons — not only does
it taste great as an alternative to plain old water or sugary drinks,
but it also helps with maintaining healthy electrolyte levels,
preventing dehydration and clearing out your urinary tract. For
centuries, coconut water has been used for a natural hydration
boost due to its high electrolyte content, especially potassium
(which it provides 12 percent of your daily value of in every one-
cup serving).
 In fact, coconut water can be so healing for constipation that some
people find drinking too much loosens stools to an uncomfortable
level, so start slow

13.  Berries
 Most varieties of berries are relatively high in fibre, making
them a great choice as a mild natural laxative.
 Strawberries contain 3 grams of fibre per cup (152 grams),
blueberries provide 3.6 grams of fibre per cup (148 grams)
and blackberries boast 7.6 grams of fibre per cup (144 grams) .
 The American Dietetic Association recommends 25 grams of
fibre per day for women and 38 grams of fibre for men to add
bulk to stool and prevent chronic disease .
 Berries contain two types of fibre : soluble and insoluble.
 Soluble fiber, such as that in chia seeds, absorbs water in the
gut to form a gel-like substance that helps soften stool .
 Insoluble fiber does not absorb water, but moves through the
body intact, increasing the bulk of stool for easier passage .

14.  Legumes
 Legumes are a family of edible plants that include
beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas and peanuts.
 Legumes are high in fiber, which can encourage
regularity.
 Studies show that butyric acid could aid in the
treatment of constipation by increasing the
movement of the digestive tract .
 It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent to
reduce the intestinal inflammation that may be
associated with some digestive disorders, like
Crohn's disease or inflammatory bowel disease

15.  Oat Bran
 Produced from the outer layers of the oat grain, oat
bran is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber,
making it a good choice as a natural laxative.
 In fact, just 1 cup (94 grams) of raw oat bran packs in
a whopping 14 grams of fiber .
 A 2009 study evaluated the effectiveness of oat bran
in the treatment of constipation by using it instead of
laxatives in a geriatric hospital.
 They found participants tolerated oat bran well. It
helped them maintain their body weight and
allowed 59% of participants to stop using laxatives,
making oat bran a good alternative to over-the-
counter products

16.  Water
 Water is essential for staying hydrated as well as
maintaining regularity and preventing constipation.
 Research shows that staying hydrated can help
alleviate constipation by improving the consistency of
stool, making it easier to pass .
 It can also amplify the effects of other natural
laxatives, like fiber.
 In one study, 117 participants with chronic
constipation were given a diet consisting of 25 grams
of fiber per day. In addition to the increased fiber,
half of the participants were also instructed to drink 2
liters of water per day.
 After two months, both groups had an increase in
stool frequency and less dependence on laxatives, but
the effect was even greater for the group drinking
more water .

17.  Bananas
 Bananas are high in pectin, a soluble fiber that
normalizes bowel function. This makes them a
natural bulk-producing laxative, and a great
way to promote easy digestion. Since bananas
have a high potassium content, eating a banana
a day will help restore valuable electrolytes to
your intestinal tract.
 Bananas also contain a natural compound called
fructooligosaccharide, which can help beneficial
bacteria proliferate in your large intestine.
 Be sure the bananas you pick are fully ripe.
Unripe bananas contain heavy starches and can
cause constipation.

18. The Bottom Line
 There are many natural laxatives that can help
keep you regular by increasing stool frequency
and improving stool consistency.
 In addition to using these natural laxatives,
make sure you stay well-hydrated, follow a
healthy diet and make time for regular
physical activity.
 These steps will help prevent constipation and
keep your digestive system healthy