If you are constipated, it might very well be due to the processed foods you eat, full of chemicals and preservatives. If this is the case, wouldn’t you rather avoid treating your constipation with more chemicals?
As well as the food you eat, constipation can be caused by not drinking enough water, and it can also be a side effect of some medicines. If you suffer from constipation, you will want to explore a range of natural remedies. Drinking more water and eating more fiber is a good starting point. If neither of these is effective however, you might want to consider a natural stool softener.
Lets take a look at how your colon processes waste, to gain a better understanding of how a stool softener works. Your colon absorbs water from waste passing through your body. However if your colon absorbs too much water, your stools become too hard and constipation is the result. Stool softeners, which are also called saline laxatives, draw and hold more water into your colon, so that stools stay hydrated and can pass through easily. Stool softeners are nowhere near as harsh as other laxatives which actually irritate the bowel and force it to convulse. However they can have occasional side effects including cramping or nausea. If these occur, you should consult a health professional before continuing use.
Other than saline stool softeners, there are plenty of good natural remedies to try. Prune juice is perhaps the most well known, and can have a quick effect. In fact, liquids are really the only natural stool softener although Senna is sometimes sold under this name. Fruit can also help due to its high fiber content. Yoghurt is also useful as it can boost the balance of friendly bacteria in your gut. These help break down foods you eat more completely.