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Is Metamucil Advisable For Constipation?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Jun 2017
Question: I like to use senna tea for constipation and I am concerned about laxative addiction. I estimate I drink it (1 cup) about 4 or 5 times (not in a row, but spaced out) per month. Is this amount safe to consume without becoming dependent on a laxative? Is something like Metamucil a safer alternative?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Senna is good only for short term.In long runs its addictive.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.

Metamucil is a much safer option.Metamucil contains psyllium husk and is a a natural fiber. Basically it absorbs water from the intestines swells up hence presses the stool which is there sticken to wall of intestines.Mechanism of action is very natural and does not stimulate or inhibit any system so much better option them senna tea.
Take a ayurvedic remedy triphla churna once daily with half cup of water(search online).

Though not asked some other suggestion would be helpful to you are-
-Linseed: is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. One teaspoon of linseed with warm water should be taken at night for bulk and lubrication.
-Proper chewing: The diet alone is not enough. Food should be properly chewed-each morsel for at least 20 times.
-Taking a short walk is a good way to get some light exercise. Walking time should be gradually increased until it reaches 20 minutes.
-You should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps push the food through the intestines and also helps lubricate intestinal tissues. When the body is dehydrated, the intestines absorb the fluids from the food waste, which in turn leads to hardened stools
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also important as these substances contribute to dehydration.
-Use fish oil and castor oil-Fish oil is believed to encourage healthy digestion and castor oil produces a laxative effect when ingested
-Fruits and vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, aid in alleviating symptoms of constipation,Whole-grain bread, XXXXXXX oatmeal, beans and lentils can also relieve the problem so use it Instead of highly processed rice, eat brown rice, millet or bulgur.
-Eat 2 cups of fruit 3 cups of vegetables and about 35 grams of fiber per day
fruits: Generally all fruits, except banana and XXXXXXX fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
Guava fruit when eaten with seeds, gives roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels.
Grapes: have also proved highly beneficial in overcoming constipation. The grapes have the cellulose; natural sugar and organic acid make them a natural laxative fruit. Not only they clean the bowel, but also tones up the stomach and intestines to relieve the chronic constipation.
-While sitting on the toilet, support the feet on a small stool in order to achieve a normal position that aids in bowel movement.

Hope i was helpful.Follow ups are welcome.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Is Metamucil Advisable For Constipation?

Brief Answer: Senna is good only for short term.In long runs its addictive. Detailed Answer: Hi there, Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. Metamucil is a much safer option.Metamucil contains psyllium husk and is a a natural fiber. Basically it absorbs water from the intestines swells up hence presses the stool which is there sticken to wall of intestines.Mechanism of action is very natural and does not stimulate or inhibit any system so much better option them senna tea. Take a ayurvedic remedy triphla churna once daily with half cup of water(search online). Though not asked some other suggestion would be helpful to you are- -Linseed: is extremely useful in difficult cases of constipation. One teaspoon of linseed with warm water should be taken at night for bulk and lubrication. -Proper chewing: The diet alone is not enough. Food should be properly chewed-each morsel for at least 20 times. -Taking a short walk is a good way to get some light exercise. Walking time should be gradually increased until it reaches 20 minutes. -You should drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Water helps push the food through the intestines and also helps lubricate intestinal tissues. When the body is dehydrated, the intestines absorb the fluids from the food waste, which in turn leads to hardened stools - Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is also important as these substances contribute to dehydration. -Use fish oil and castor oil-Fish oil is believed to encourage healthy digestion and castor oil produces a laxative effect when ingested -Fruits and vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, aid in alleviating symptoms of constipation,Whole-grain bread, XXXXXXX oatmeal, beans and lentils can also relieve the problem so use it Instead of highly processed rice, eat brown rice, millet or bulgur. -Eat 2 cups of fruit 3 cups of vegetables and about 35 grams of fiber per day fruits: Generally all fruits, except banana and XXXXXXX fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Guava fruit when eaten with seeds, gives roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels. Grapes: have also proved highly beneficial in overcoming constipation. The grapes have the cellulose; natural sugar and organic acid make them a natural laxative fruit. Not only they clean the bowel, but also tones up the stomach and intestines to relieve the chronic constipation. -While sitting on the toilet, support the feet on a small stool in order to achieve a normal position that aids in bowel movement. Hope i was helpful.Follow ups are welcome.