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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

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Posted on Thu, 18 Aug 2016
Question: Hello doctor,
I am an alcoholic and am away from alcohol since last 10 days .. I have a concern of constipation ... I tries to get lactulose but it needs priscription in usa ... So can i use castor oil as a laxative ? Can you please help ..
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, castor oil can be used

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Yes, castor oil can be used as a laxative.

It has been used as a laxative for awhile and is generally safe to use. It is a stimulant laxative.
This means that it promotes the contraction of the bowel so that stool can leave the intestines.

In most cases the dose is approximately 1 tsp to 1 tbs a day. It should not be used for more than 7 days at a time.

After the acute relief it would be best, if possible , not to use this or any laxative too often because persistent use prevents to bowel from working on its own and can actually worsen constipation.

Constipation can be difficult to deal with, prevention measures include: (1) use of a lot of fluids- not including caffeine drinks because they cause the body to lose fluids by increasing urination

(2)at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, this means with each main meal and snack

(3)whole wheat/grain products to also help with fiber

(4)consider fiber supplement since it can sometimes be difficult to get enough dietary fiber eg metamucil, cetrucil or benefiber

(5)physical activity

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 minutes later)
Thanks a lot doctor... I hope castor oil wont be a problem to my liver or stomach if i am having some problem i am not aware of.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not known to affect these areas

Detailed Answer:
HI

If the history of alcohol use is long, it is understandable to be concerned about the liver and stomach

Castor is not known to cause complications in these areas.

Some persons who use it may experience nausea and abdominal cramps as the bowel try to get rid of the stool but there are no permanent effects in the majority

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation

Brief Answer: yes, castor oil can be used Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Yes, castor oil can be used as a laxative. It has been used as a laxative for awhile and is generally safe to use. It is a stimulant laxative. This means that it promotes the contraction of the bowel so that stool can leave the intestines. In most cases the dose is approximately 1 tsp to 1 tbs a day. It should not be used for more than 7 days at a time. After the acute relief it would be best, if possible , not to use this or any laxative too often because persistent use prevents to bowel from working on its own and can actually worsen constipation. Constipation can be difficult to deal with, prevention measures include: (1) use of a lot of fluids- not including caffeine drinks because they cause the body to lose fluids by increasing urination (2)at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily, this means with each main meal and snack (3)whole wheat/grain products to also help with fiber (4)consider fiber supplement since it can sometimes be difficult to get enough dietary fiber eg metamucil, cetrucil or benefiber (5)physical activity I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions