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subject: Remedies For Treating Constipation Causes [print this page]


The most prevalent type of constipation is known by the descriptor "idiopathic" or "functional". The meaning of these words imply that the root cause is not known, but the condition is clearly diagnosed from its symptomatic effects. Often the first constipation remedies offered is dietary fiber infusion. In the event that this is not effective (which is approximately 70% of cases), patients can try out medical laxatives.

Generally the opinion among the scientist and researcher population is that using laxative constipation remedies 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.

Roughly the myths concerning laxatives can be divided into three types. First, some believe that laxatives cause nerve damage to the colon. Second, some believe that cancer can be caused by laxatives. Third, some believe in the concept of laxative "intolerance" and "rebound" effects, resulting in worsening constipation after medication.

Regarding the first, evidence regarding nerve damage first came to light in studies of patients who were taking laxative constipation treatments for a long time and had discoloration in the lining of the bowel. In addition, these patients were found later to have intestinal nerve damage. However, early studies were not double-blinded and controlled, leading many researchers to believe that nerve damage and laxative use was a correlative rather than causal relationship. That is, people with constipation had a higher chance of having nerve damage already, regardless of whether they were taking 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.

With respect to the third, informal evidence from self-reporting patients suggested the idea of rebound and intolerance to laxatives. Well-controlled studies, on the other hand, showed that in patients who had used medication for as long as 30 years still benefited from consistent usage. Animal studies suggested also a lack of the intolerance effect.

Laxatives seem to be a helpful part of the treatment regimen to combat constipation. The reports of these three kinds of side effects needs to evaluated against case studies which show the opposite: that long term side-effects are not a given.

by: Yuri Kakharov




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