Laxatives can play a role in combating occasional constipation. A plethora of laxatives are available over-the-counter in a variety of forms, ranging from powders to pills and gum. Dietary fiber found in highly concentrated fiber bars often serves the same purpose of relieving constipation. A high fiber diet also can help to prevent constipation in the first place. At the same time, both high-fiber foods and laxatives can produce side effects.
How They Work
Fiber bulks up your diet and passes through your digestive system, carrying waste products with it. Soluble fiber turns to gel during the digestive process and slows digestion. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, adds bulk to your waste products and speeds up the waste process. Some laxatives provide bulk to your stools and act as fiber supplements. Other laxatives stimulate your intestinal muscles and trigger contractions that cause a bowel movement.
Natural Elimination
According to MayoClinic.com, your body shouldn't need additional help having a bowel movement. The number of bowel movements you have can vary from three times a day to three times a week, creating natural elimination that doesn't require extra fiber or laxatives. If you do develop constipation, your first line of treatment should be natural fiber found in foods such as high-fiber bars, fruits, vegetables or whole grains. Drinking extra water can promote a healthy bowel movement and exercise can stimulate your bowels.
Complications
Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can affect your ability to have healthy bowel movements. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, chronic constipation can be a serious side effect of IBS. Eating high fiber foods and fiber-laden supplements can irritate your sensitive digestive system and worsen your symptoms. You should talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment for chronic constipation. Your intake of laxatives or fiber supplements then can be monitored to make sure you don't expeerience more serious side effects from the treatments.
Side Effects
Eating a large amount of fiber bars can lead to gas, stomach cramps and bloating. You may develop diarrhea from consuming too much fiber. While fiber-laden supplements like fiber bars can deplete your system of valuable minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium, those minerals can be replaced if your supplements also contain added mineral nutrients. Fiber-based laxatives often cause similar side effects as fiber bars. Laxatives also can cause an electrolyte deficiency that can lead to weakness, abnormal heart palpitations and seizures. Using laxatives on a regular basis can affect your colon so that it relies on the supplements for stimulation; that decreases your colon's ability to have normal bowel movements.
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