When considering adding a stool softener to your daily routine, it is important to understand exactly how it will work in your body and which product you should use for the best results. There are many different types of stool softeners, ranging from ones only intended for use for about a week to ones that are safe for much more long term use. In your body’s digestive system, a healthy colon is able to extract water from our feces to reabsorb back into the body and then eliminate the remaining waste, however, sometimes the colon extracts too much water and the remaining waste that is to be eliminated becomes too hard and causes tremendous pain. A stool softener is able to help water stay inside the feces (or stool) which in turn prevents it from become dry, hard and painful. These types of products will also help to gently stimulate the lining of the colon to help the stool pass as painlessly as possible.
Stool Softener Uses
These products are generally used to help people find relief from constipation for any number of reasons. Stress, heart problems, digestive disorders and hemorrhoids are the most frequent reasons why people turn to an over the counter stool softener. These products usually take about 1 to 3 days to see the best results and depending on the brand of product you are using, can and should only be taken for the specified period of time present on the directions of the box it can in. If you have any questions about how long you should be taking this product for, it is always best to double check with your doctor.
Some products are designed to help prevent constipation while others work to relieve it. You know you are suffering from constipation when you have irregular bowel movements combined with hard stools that are difficult to eliminate.
How To Use A Stool Softener
These products come in many different forms such as: pill, liquid, syrup, powder and capsule. It is always recommended that you stay well hydrated during the period of time you are taking a product of this nature. It is also usually required that a specific amount of water be taken with the product in order to give the body the amount of water it needs to soften the stool properly – the medication utilizes the water to add it back to the stool and soften it.
These products are usually taken as needed but do require a period of time in the range of 1 to 3 days to see the best results, you should always check with your doctor and what he recommends is the best way to use the product specific to your individual needs. The best stool softener is going to be the one that works to eliminate your problems in the safest way possible.
Many people are in search of the best natural stool softener; outside of any over the counter products there are many home remedies you may consider and consult a health care professional about. Adding fiber to your diet is one great way to help naturally supply your colon with what it needs to function better.
Stool Softener Side Effects
There have been a few reported side effects of stomach and bowel cramps, nausea, vomiting and even throat irritation from some forms of the liquid version of the product. If at any point you believe yourself to be experiencing side effects, you should discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately. You also should avoid taking any kind of ibuprofen (such as Advil, Tylenol or Aspirin) while using this product.