If you have problems going to the bathroom, there are very effective foods and remedies.
Therefore, part of what we eat should not be limited to providing the nutrients necessary for our cells to function; They must also allow digestion to occur in the best possible way, avoiding unnecessary complications and favoring that we can absorb vitamins and nutrients and evacuate what does not serve us or that would be toxic if accumulated.
In this article we will focus on this last stage of the digestive process, that of theevacuation of feces, and we will see a selection of the best natural laxatives that we can have in our day to day. In addition, we will know its characteristics through brief descriptions of its benefits.
What is a laxative?
A laxative is any product that, applied to the body, facilitates defecation. Thus, in the face of problems such as constipation or intestinal phenomena related to it, it is very common to recommend the use of laxatives.
In addition, in practice these products have been designed or selected so that they do not have many side effects in the body, so that their main influence on the body is to promote the elimination of feces, and not other organic phenomena that could harm or harm us.
However, to some extent virtually all laxatives are capable of producing side effects to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the amount used and the characteristics of each person who uses them.
- You may be interested: “The 15 medicinal plants with more properties and benefits”
Medications and laxatives
On the other hand, when talking about laxatives it is often assumed that we are talking about products designed through research in medicine. However, there are also natural laxatives, which are not part of a product marketed by a specific brand or entity but have effects comparable to those of those products sold in pharmacies.
In this case we are talking about little or no processed products, which in some cases can even be considered ingredients of preparations that we consume in our homes, and that have sometimes been traditionally used as home remedies, beyond medical intervention. Its effect is usually less intense than that of laxatives belonging to the clinical context, but they can also help combat problems such as constipation.
In any case, if the intestinal problem persists after the first application of these natural laxatives, it is important to stop using these home remedies and see a specialist. The same thing happens when this complication of digestion is accompanied by other symptoms that may be indicators that there is a pathology.
The best natural laxatives
Let us now see which are the best natural laxatives that we can find in stores, parapharmacies, supermarkets or herbalists.
It should be remembered that the fact that they are little processed products does not free them from presenting certain risks in some cases, so it is advisable not to consume a large quantity of these when it comes to products that we do not normally find in our diet and, preferably, do so by consulting before to the doctor or complementing another treatment.
1. Cabbage
This well-known vegetable that is easy to combine in recipes is a natural laxative to take into account, thanks to its high content of insoluble fibers . Of course, it is important to chew it well to prevent it from accumulating in the digestive tract, since it has a lot of vegetable cellulose.
2. Frangula
This medicinal plant has properties to take into account when it comes to lightening intestinal transit . Of course, the laxative element is of the hydroxyanthracenic type, which implies that it has a delayed effect and becomes noticeable after 5 or 6 hours: you should not consume this plant before going to sleep.
3. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a great source of fiber that are also easy to combine with a wide variety of dishes. You can use them both in desserts (combined with yogurt, for example) and in first and second courses, in condiments or even as a base for some recipes.
You just have to keep them soaking so that they expand and take on a soft and gelatinous consistency.
4. Supplements without
The senna plant is used as a natural laxative, and the truth is that its effects are very powerful. In fact, they can become too much, and the abuse of this ingredient is risky: basically, it irritates the walls of the intestines and this causes the stool to slide until it is evacuated.
To avoid as far as possible the dangers associated with senna, instead of preparing a tea with this plant, use a food supplement that contains it, and above all, do not abuse them . It cannot be the first option you turn to when faced with constipation, nor should you consume it on a regular basis.
5. Plums
This easy-to-get fruit hides an important (and well-known) laxative effect . They contain soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, so in the process it can help you lower cholesterol levels.
Of course, it is still fruit, so it should not be abused if you do not want to consume too much sugar.
6. Aloe Vera Juice
Use the juices of this plant as a laxative drink of natural origin . You can take it in the morning or at snack time. Aloe Vera is a great ally for many ailments, and it also has laxative effects.
7. Bilberry
This shrubby plant is a medicinal plant with side effects to take into account, so it is important not to prolong its consumption and use it in small doses . What makes boldo a natural laxative is the way it stimulates the secretion of bile in our digestive system.
8. Flax seeds
Flax seeds make stool less compact and have a more spongy consistency , thanks to the large amount of pectin and mucilage they contain. They can be used in parallel to the medical treatment of gastritis , among other digestive disorders.
9. Dandelion
This medicinal plant can be used in the preparation of tea , and has a laxative effect that should not make us lose sight of how careful we must be with its consumption (due to the possible side effects it can cause).
The way in which it acts by promoting intestinal transit is to stimulate the secretion of bile into the small intestine, which is linked to a moderate laxative effect: the same mechanism that occurs in boldo.
10. Carrots
The carrot is a vegetable full of pectin , which, although it is not exactly dietary fiber, has a function very similar to this.
Use this natural laxative in stews, salads, side dishes or even in desserts.
11. Okra
This relatively little-known African plant in Western countries is rich in water and pectin , which helps keep stools soft and easy to pass through the intestines.
12. Watermelon
Few foods will contribute as much to softening stools as cantaloupe . In addition, it is a delicious ingredient that you can use in first, second and desserts.
13. Cascara sagrada
This plant native to America was already used as a laxative by native tribes. Its rich content of hydroxyanthracenic derivatives is what gives it these beneficial properties for the evacuation of feces.
14. Celery
Celery is another of these vegetables that should not be missing in the kitchen if we are suffering from constipationor a similar problem, since it is very rich in fiber. You can use it in stews and stews, or even in purees and soups.
References
- Albillos, A., Lledó, J.L. (1996). Treatment of constipation. Therapeutic Information of the National Health System. 20(5): 93 – 102.
- Brown, N.W., Treasure, J.L., Campbell, I.C. (2001). Evidence for long-term pancreatic damage caused by laxative abuse in subjects recovered from anorexia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 29 (2): 236 – 238.
- Oster, J.R., Materson, B.J., Rogers, A.I. (1980). Laxative abuse syndrome. Am. J. Gastroenterol. 74 (5): 451 – 458.
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