How can you help constipation with supplements?
The use of vitamins and minerals or other supplements, under medical supervision and discarded any intestinal disease, can help constipation.
Among all the supplements we can use the following:
- Vitamin C with magnesium: Vitamin C has laxative properties. It has been proved that daily doses of 3000 mg divided in three doses help to relieve constipation. Magnesium potentiates the action of vitamin B. The dose of this mineral is usually about 400 mg daily.
- Psyllium seeds (zaragatona): Because of its fiber content they produces an increase in peristalsis or bowel movements. This is caused by the increase in size that produces this substance when it absorbs water, which leads to the need for evacuation. At the same time, their mucilages exert a softening action on the walls of the intestine so that it can help to evacuate without being aggressive or irritating. Unlike other laxatives, it does not cause pain or cramping in the stomach. (The usual dose is form 1 to 3 tablespoons a day dissolved in water or juice. It is required to drink 2 liters of water at least to avoid intestinal retention)
- Bran: The usual use of bran helps improve constipation.
- Brewer’s yeast: Taking brewer’s yeast supplement can help profiting food better, being also very suitable for those with problems of constipation.
Less desirable preparations: stimulant laxatives
There are some other stimulant laxatives that should only be taken when no other remedy is possible. Its usual use can cause a “lazy colon”, used to working only when this type of drug is provided.
There are plenty of people who have developed this type of laxative dependence and they have many problems of constipation, since they are forced to take these type of products in order to be able to defecate.
These stimulant laxatives never should be taken during pregnancy or lactation. Among the main products we can point out the following:
- Buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana)
- Cassia (Cassia spp.)
- European alder buckthorn or glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)
More information about constipation remedies.
