If you’re looking to supplement your diet with a little help for constipation or bloating, you’re in luck. There are a number of natural remedies out there that you can take that are known to be effective. In fact, you might be surprised by the number of herbal products that you can find. These can include fiber, laxatives, and priobiotics, among others.
Laxatives
If you’re struggling with constipation, there are many laxative supplements that you can use. But be sure to consult a doctor first. Some of them can cause serious problems. Also, they may be habit-forming. Taking more than the recommended dose can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Constipation is a condition in which the bowel does not move often enough, causing painful, hard stools. You can prevent or alleviate constipation with exercise, a healthy diet, and certain lifestyle changes. While it’s possible to improve constipation without laxatives, some people have found them useful for occasional irregularities.
Laxatives come in different forms, such as pills, teas, enemas, and detox tinctures. These products may be used by themselves or in combination with other medications.
Stimulant laxatives are intended to encourage bowel contractions. They can be taken at the beginning of a bowel movement or when symptoms occur. However, they should be used only in severe cases of constipation. Overuse can lead to dependency.
Bulk-forming laxatives, on the other hand, contain ingredients that draw water into the stool and make it easier to pass. These laxatives usually work within a few hours. A bulk-forming laxative can be purchased over the counter, and are usually gentle.
Several osmotic laxatives are also available. These products draw water into the bowel and hydrate the poo. This can increase the number of bowel movements. It is best to use these laxatives along with fluids, however.
Natural laxatives can be found in certain foods, such as guar gum. In addition, some laxatives are in the form of herbal teas and beverages.
Some over-the-counter laxatives can cause diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance. Consult a GP if you experience these side effects.
Priobiotics
If you are looking for ways to reduce bloating and constipation, you may want to consider probiotics supplements. Probiotics are beneficial for a variety of reasons, but they are especially useful for those who suffer from these symptoms.
Probiotics are generally safe. However, it’s important to choose a probiotic supplement that contains multiple strains of beneficial bacteria. This ensures that your gut microbiota is properly balanced. You should also avoid ingredients that can impair your gut lining.
It’s also a good idea to check out the probiotic’s CFU count. These will vary, but most contain at least 30 billion CFUs. There are also a few that offer higher CFU counts.
In addition to the CFU count, you’ll want to make sure that the supplement you choose is free of allergens. Some people are allergic to wheat, dairy, or cornstarch, which can inhibit the effectiveness of the supplement. Also, be aware that some supplements contain binders, which can have side effects.
When considering a supplement for bloating and constipation, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that you’ll probably need to take it at least once a day. Ideally, you’ll take it with breakfast.
A well-made supplement will include ingredients such as hypromellose, sucrose, and antioxidant preservatives. These will help ensure that the supplement’s probiotics do their job.
Taking a probiotic is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, it can be an effective way to support digestion and your immune system.
Probiotics can also be used to relieve symptoms of certain digestive disorders, including diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. You can also consult with your doctor for advice on choosing a probiotic that’s right for you.
Fiber
Fiber supplements are a great way to help improve your digestive health and get more fiber into your diet. But there are some important things to keep in mind before you decide to add a fiber supplement to your daily routine.
First, you should talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking fiber supplements. This can help you avoid drug-nutrient interactions.
Secondly, you should choose a product that has a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber can provide bulk to stools, while soluble fiber can make them easier to excrete. Soluble fiber is also a good choice if you have a risk of heart disease, as it has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Third, you should drink plenty of water when you’re taking fiber supplements. Water is essential to maintaining a healthy digestive tract. If you don’t drink enough, you may experience constipation or gas.
Finally, you should find a fiber supplement that’s the right size for you. For adults, the typical dose is one scoop mixed with 10 to 12 ounces of water. You can opt for powders or capsules. Capsules are a convenient option, but you’ll often find that powders have more added sugars.
As you shop around for your fiber supplements, make sure you find a product that’s reputable. A reputable brand will have no artificial sweeteners, gluten, or dairy. And they should meet the FDA’s cGMP standard.
While it’s true that you can get fiber from a wide variety of sources, you’re probably better off going for the most natural. Natural sources tend to be more gentle on the gut, so they’re more likely to help you maintain healthy digestion.
Chinese herbs
If you’re having problems with bloating and constipation, there are a few herbs you can try. But if you’re looking for a quick fix, don’t forget to eat a healthy diet. You can use a tincture to drink, or take a herbal decoction.
Herbs can help reduce the bloating and constipation that comes with digestive issues. They are not as harsh on your body as some Western drugs, and they are safer.
In China, hundreds of herbs are used to treat a wide range of diseases. Some are available over the counter in Australia.
Chinese medicine views the human body as a whole system. It’s a natural, holistic approach to health that’s been around for centuries. The herbs can be taken in raw or powdered form.
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats gastrointestinal problems with herbs. A practitioner can recommend which combination of herbs to take. These blends can also be mixed with tea to reduce bloating.
One of the most common herbs for abdominal bloating is Goldthread Rhizome, which is found in several formulas. It has a warming effect on the spleen, and encourages urination. Other herbs include Evodia, Pinellia, and Magnolia bark.
Another herb that helps alleviate bloating is Fresh Ginger. This warming herb is particularly useful in treating seafood poisoning.
The Chinese Herbal Medicine MaZiRenWan (MZRW) is an effective and safe alternative to senna. Studies have shown that this supplement has a more prolonged effect than senna.
Before embarking on a treatment for bloating and constipation, you should consult with your doctor. He or she can also suggest herbs that are more suitable for your needs. For example, if you have a sensitive stomach, it’s important to avoid spicy foods and alcohol.
Peppermint oil
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or bloating, peppermint oil supplements may be right for you. Many people with IBS find that peppermint helps ease their symptoms.
Peppermint is an herb with many benefits. It calms the stomach muscles and can also reduce nausea. Aside from that, peppermint contains the ingredient menthol, which has been shown to have antispasmodic properties.
One study of 52 patients found that peppermint oil capsules helped improve symptomatic relief. The results showed a drop in abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. Another study reported a reduction in flatulence and stool frequency.
However, while peppermint oil appears to have some benefits, it is not without its drawbacks. It may also irritate the esophagus, mouth and stomach. For these reasons, it is best to discuss therapeutic doses with your doctor.
The medical community is starting to recognize peppermint as a useful herbal supplement. Studies have shown that it can be used as a topical remedy, although studies have suggested that topical applications of peppermint have been associated with skin necrosis.
While the effects of peppermint oil on bloating and constipation are still debated, a recent review suggests that it has a positive impact. According to researchers, the ingredient menthol has been found to stimulate TRPM8 receptors, which are important for modulating inflammatory responses in the intestine.
In addition, the American College of Gastroenterology recently recommended that peppermint oil be considered for the treatment of IBS. However, the scientific studies behind this claim are limited.
In contrast, a 2019 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology studied the effects of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers evaluated 12 randomized trials spanning five decades. They found that peppermint oil significantly improved the symptoms of patients with IBS.
