What Are Osmotic Laxatives & How Do They Work
Osmotic laxatives are just one type among various laxatives available, which also include stimulant laxatives, stool softeners like mineral oil, and bulk-forming laxatives like fiber supplements. Osmotic laxatives operate through a process called “osmosis,” which essentially means they pull water into the intestines and colon.
To visualize it, think of your intestines as a tube. The space inside this tube is known as the lumen. In situations of occasional constipation, this lumen can get clogged with fecal matter. Like a milder version of an enema, osmotic laxatives draw additional water into this space, loosening the stool and making it easier to pass. However, because they bring extra water into the colon, there’s a risk of dehydration.
Types of Osmotic Laxatives
There are various chemical compounds that fall under the category of osmotic laxatives, available in different forms like liquids, powders, and chewable tablets.
Saline Laxatives
These laxatives might contain ingredients such as magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium citrate, sodium phosphate, and sodium sulfate. Some saline laxatives can be bought over the counter, while others may be prescribed by your doctor before surgical procedures.
Poorly Absorbed Sugars
Certain sugars like lactulose, sorbitol, mannitol, lactose, and sugar alcohols are fermented by gut bacteria rather than being digested. This fermentation process produces fatty acids that help draw water into the colon. However, this can also produce gas, which may lead to bloating and cramping.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 3350)
Polyethylene glycol, also known as macrogol, is a polymer not absorbed by the digestive tract. It is often used to prepare someone for surgery by thoroughly emptying the intestines.
Milk of Magnesia (Magnesium Hydroxide)
Magnesium hydroxide, commonly referred to as milk of magnesia, is another widely-used osmotic laxative. While it often contains harsh chemicals like sodium hypochlorite (bleach), magnesium itself can be a useful laxative when included in an oxygen-based colon cleanser.
Are Osmotic Laxatives Healthy For Your Digestive System?
Osmotic laxatives are widely accessible and frequently used, but that doesn’t mean they are without downsides. They can be uncomfortable and dehydrating, potentially causing imbalances in the gut and other parts of the body.
Long Wait Time
Osmotic laxatives can take a while to work. Although some people might get relief within hours, it’s not uncommon for them to take days to act. This delay can be especially frustrating if you’re looking for quick relief. In the meantime, users often experience uncomfortable gas, bloating, and cramping.
Usually Harsh & Uncomfortable
Many people report that using osmotic laxatives is not a comfortable experience. Symptoms like painful gas, bloating, weakness, and lethargy are common.
Imbalances the Body
These laxatives draw water into the colon, which can result in a lack of water in other parts of your body. Common side effects include electrolyte and fluid imbalances, leading to dry skin, fatigue, increased heart rate, and stress on the kidneys. Long-term use can also negatively impact gut bacteria.
Laxative Dependency
Frequent or long-term use of osmotic laxatives can lead to dependency, making it difficult to have bowel movements without them. Even when recommended by healthcare professionals, their use is generally limited to the short term. Extended use can lead to a condition known as “cathartic colon,” where the structure and function of the colon are altered due to laxative use.
What Is the Best Remedy for Occasional Constipation?
When dealing with occasional constipation, you need both immediate relief and a long-term plan to prevent recurrence.
I recommend using Oxy-Powder, which employs ozonated magnesium oxides to release oxygen into the colon. This helps to gently but effectively cleanse the entire digestive tract, providing relief from occasional constipation. Oxy-Powder works overnight, so you’ll wake up with a cleared bowel without waiting for days.
In my experience, oxygen-based intestinal cleansers offer a gentle, fast, affordable, and natural solution for occasional constipation.
Maintaining Long-Term Regularity
Occasional constipation happens, but if it’s becoming more frequent, it’s time to reassess your habits and make some changes to prevent it.
Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for life, health, and wellness, including maintaining regular bowel movements. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day to stay hydrated.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Base your diet on raw, organic fruits, vegetables, gluten-free whole grains, and legumes. These foods are not only nutritious, but they also provide natural fiber and enzymes that support digestion. Try to consume around 50 grams of fiber daily to keep your digestive system functioning well.
Take Care of Your Liver
Your liver produces bile, which is crucial for digestion and regularity. Avoid overloading your liver with toxins from poor diet or other sources, as this can slow bile production. Limit alcohol and unhealthy fats, and incorporate bile-stimulating foods like turmeric, celery, and beets into your diet. Performing a liver cleanse a few times a year can also be beneficial.
Live a Healthy Life
A balanced lifestyle that includes staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep promotes overall digestive health. Regular exercise, even just stretching or walking, can make a significant difference. High-intensity physical activity is even better. Your external physical health often reflects your internal health, so make daily activity a priority.
Cleanse Your Gut
Regularly cleansing your colon and intestines can be one of the best ways to promote digestive health. Our environment exposes us to toxins daily, which can impact our digestive system, liver, and kidneys. Cleansing these systems helps maintain overall health.
Balancing your gut flora is also crucial. A healthy gut microbiota supports digestion and overall health. Include fermented foods in your diet and consider a high-quality probiotic supplement with multiple strains and at least 75 billion CFUs.
If you’re ready to improve your digestion and overall health, try a 30-day gut health cleanse. Our Gut Health Kit provides everything you need to reset and balance your gut.
Points to Remember
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the colon, which helps dislodge compacted waste. While commonly used, they are often unpleasant and can cause nausea, gas, bloating, and cramping. It’s better to avoid the need for laxatives by following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising daily, and maintaining good gut and liver health.
If you’ve tried everything and occasional constipation becomes frequent, consult your healthcare provider. There may be underlying factors that need to be addressed.
