Most people who suffer from constipation manage a type known as functional or idiopathic constipation. This type of constipation is so called because the underlying cause is not identifiable, yet the condition can be easy diagnosed due to the symptoms. Treatment at first consists of increased dietary fiber. If this is ineffective, patients are recommended to try a laxative.

Generally the opinion among the scientist and researcher population is that using laxative constipation treatments properly is safe. But as constipation is occasionally a chronic condition that necessitates use of laxatives over long periods, suspicions about unintended side-effects and health issues have arisen. One problem is the development of myths regarding this line of medication.

There are three kinds of misconceptions about laxative usage. The first is the idea that long term use causes nerves in the gastrointestinal tract to be damaged. The second is the idea that long term use leads to higher chance of cancer. The third is that the gut starts to become “immune” to laxatives and perhaps suffer “rebound” effects that worsen constipation.

With respect to the first, reports first surfaced in studies on patients who had been using laxative constipation treatments for a long term. Studies of the colonic lining showed a discoloration. Follow-up showed that some had nerve damage. THe problem is that these studies were not well controlled with a placebo population. Critics say that patients with constipation already have higher predisposition to nerve damage. Later studies did not hold up the causal link between constipation medication and laxatives.

With respect to the second, reports linking laxatives to cancer were suggested by experimentation on animals. Rats fed extreme doses of anthraquinones had higher mutations in cells, leading to cancer-like problems. But the studies were not easily translatable to the human context because the doses were very non-realistic. Similar studies with extreme concentrations of aspartame sweetener and peanut oils show a cancer link, but are rarely relevant for realistic human consumption.

Regarding the third, it seems that anecdotes from patients who were seeing decreased efficacy gave rise to the belief of laxative intolerance. However, studies both in rats and in paraplegic patients who had been on laxatives for as long as 34 years showed that the efficacy of laxatives remained more or less undiminished over these long times.

It would seem that laxatives should not be discounted for their great utility against constipation because of these misconceptions. Patients should continue to research for themselves and ally with their doctors to understand the evidence concerning laxative efficacy.

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The condition of being constipated is endemic to the population of most countries with an incidence rate pegged at about 15%. Most of the people who are afflicted make no attempt to treat, and even less ask for advice or help from a health services figure. This is understandable as the condition is somewhat embarrassing, which explains the general reluctant to report to physicians.

As a result of the stigma attached to this intestinal condition, a large number of people try self-treatment with natural or home-based methods. An enlightened perspective of these natural agents should be obtained to avoid negative health impact. “Natural” is not a term implying hazard-free.

The most popular herbal remedy may be the senna plant. Senna contains anthraquinones, a class of chemicals that has the effect of stimulating the intestines. The cascara plant played some small role many years ago but was effectively banned by the FDA on account of evidence that it was harmful. Nowadays senna is available in capsule or tea form amongst others. Senna has played a historical role as a laxative and continues to do so today.

While senna is a chemical agent that stimulates the colon to move its contents more quickly, mineral oil is an entirely different kind of agent used as a natural constipation treatment. When taken by mouth, it enters the intestine where it coats the stool. Since oil is a water repellent, the stool becomes protected against loss of fluid. This enables it to remain bulky and therefore move more quickly. Doctor and scientists call this a lubricant laxative which is a bit of a misnomer.

Most people don’t know about senna and mineral oil, but almost everyone knows that fiber is a great remedy for constipation. The psyllium plant is one of the best sources of fiber. The husks of its seeds are turned into powdered form and sold at nutrient and supplement stores. Metamucil is but one of the many companies who manufacture products made from psyllium.

The linseed, otherwise known as flaxseed, is an additional high-fiber source. It’s occasionally treated like psyllium and crushed into powder form. Taking it not only helps with constipation due to its fiber, but may reduce cholesterol according to limited reports. More research will confirm or invalidate these results. The oil of the linseed is not often used.

Additional information and advice should be sought from a health professional with regards to natural constipation treatments. A doctor possesses more knowledge and understanding of the subtleties or dangers associated with treatments. For example, some natural laxatives may be effective but have harmful effects on people with certain conditions. Any subject wishing to take these agents should become aware of these harmful effects.

Readers wanting to understand more can browse over to learn about constipation treatments. Some of these ideas were graciously supplied by a site on treatments for chronic constipation.