What Does laxative Mean
A laxative is a drug which facilitates the evacuation of the stomach . 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 have no news in the next few hours" , "I already feel better: the laxative has taken effect" , "The specialist suspects that the disorder could be caused by the excessive consumption 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 a stomach discomfort: by ingesting the laxative, it is expected that they can evacuate the stomach and regain well-being .
Laxatives can also be used prior to a rectal or bowel evaluation . In this way, the patient manages to evacuate and clean the colon and the doctor can carry out his work without problems.
There are several types of laxatives that are given orally or in suppository form . Laxatives can be classified as emollients , surfactants, and osmotics , depending on their action.
It is important to bear in mind that the abuse of laxatives can cause serious problems, promoting the development of intestinal paralysis, pancreatitis and hemorrhoids, among other ills.
It should be noted that certain foods are natural laxatives since, due to their composition, they contribute to the evacuation of the belly. 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 allows the intestine to be moisturized and regulates intestinal flow. Some of them are described in detail below.
Natural laxative
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 has the purpose of cleaning 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 it can be taken in small doses dissolved in water every morning.
Tomato
It is a very effective laxative, rich in vitamins K, A and C. Tomatoes provide 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 the cancer . The most recommended variety of tomato is the organic one: directly from the crop to our plate.
Citrus
As much the orange as the lemon and the lime are acid fruits to which nobody wins in detoxification power; In addition to flushing toxins from the body, they promote the digestive tract with enzymatic processes. It should not be forgotten that vitamin C, which is usually associated with citrus fruits, has the power to transform toxins into digestible material. The orange, specifically, gives us an average of 13% of the fiber that is recommended to consume daily.
The onion
Onion contains an antioxidant called quercetin, vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, fiber and vitamin C. It is known to help lower cholesterol , relieve symptoms of certain allergies and congestion, which fight cancer of the ovaries, breasts , 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 bowel movements.