Useful Tips for Finding Good and Effective Laxatives

Not everybody is blessed with the ability to go to the bathroom when they need to. Some people suffer from constipation which complicates matters and makes relieving oneself extremely difficult and uncomfortable. If you are one such individual, perhaps you might be thinking of using laxatives. That may be the right solution for you, but there is much to consider first!

It is extremely important that if you are thinking of using laxatives, you should speak to your doctor first. Improper or unnecessary use can be very bad for your health and digestive system.

This post will tell you what you need to know in order to find a good and effective laxative once your doctor has given you permission to go ahead:

Using Guides

It is possible to find guides specifically naming laxative products all over the internet. If you are trying to relieve constipation, these guides are worth reading. You do not have to be a medical expert or a genius to read them as most are broken down into simple terms and concisely weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of specific products.

If you have no real experience of laxatives then guides are the best place to turn to for laxative support.

Please note that guides can only help you to buy a laxative not give you advice on whether it’s a good idea for you to take them or not. Only a doctor can give this kind of advice.

Reading Reviews

A product’s reviews should be one of the first places you turn if you are interested in learning more about it, even for something such as laxatives as side effects may be mentioned.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can buy a product simply because somebody has recommended it to you. Reviews of a product will help you to determine whether it is worth using or not.

That said, bear in mind some disreputable companies pay for fake reviews which exaggerate their products’ advantages. You can easily spot these kinds of reviews as they tend to be written in the same style and are posted one after the other in quick succession.

Asking Doctors

The importance of talking to your doctor or physician can’t be overstressed. Laxatives are not something you should routinely take without their approval.

A lot of people think that laxatives are harmless but this is not true; they can be very bad for your digestive system if taken excessively. Your physician will be able to tell you whether you need laxatives or not. Do not just take them because you are constipated and have read that they hold promise as a treatment.

Visiting Pharmacies

Not all laxatives need to be prescribed; it is possible to buy them over the counter. If you have just moved to a new area and are not registered at a doctor’s surgery or are struggling to get an appointment, then head down to your local pharmacy.

Most pharmacists are more than qualified to advise you on whether or not laxatives should be taken. If the pharmacist you speak to thinks you should take them, they will likely offer you a weak or mild laxative. Strong ones can usually only be purchased with a prescription.

Shopping Around

Do not buy the first laxative you find just because the reviews look good. Spend some time doing research and learning about all of the products there are for you to buy.

While one product might look good there could be one that’s much better you just haven’t learned about yet. Shopping around will help you to get the best deal and find the product that is right for you; if you end up buying a product that you are happy with make sure that you leave a positive review on the manufacturer’s site so that you can help people in the same situation as you find the products that are ideal for them in the future.

Prescription Medicines

As mentioned previously you can get laxatives prescribed by your doctor. To do this all you need to do is visit them and speak to them. Most doctors will prescribe mild laxatives at first to see if they help. If mild laxatives do not work then your doctor might want to investigate you for a bowel obstruction. Strong laxatives may then be prescribed or you might need surgery.

The causes of constipation are not always easy to determine which is why it is important to see a doctor as they will be able to perform any tests you need.

Quite often, although not always, the problem is diet related. According to the NHS, these are the most common causes of constipation:

• Not enough fibre in the diet
• Not enough fluids
• Lack of exercise
• Long periods of laying or sitting down
• Side effects of other medications
• Stress

Research shows that approximately 90% of adults in the UK do not have enough fibre in their diets. If constipation is an issue, try eating more fruit, vegetables and whole foods, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Conclusion

Until you have conducted extensive research into laxatives and know everything about them, purchasing laxative products is unwise. There are an almost endless amount of guides and learning resources you can use to further your knowledge of laxatives. Give them a read-through before taking them even if your doctor has recommended you take some.

Laxatives are used to help people empty their bowels. If you are constipated you may be thinking of using laxatives but until you have spoken to your doctor, taking laxatives is unwise. If you are struggling to get a doctor’s appointment, a pharmacist might be able to help you instead.