Change of environment, travel, changes in diet are the main causes of stool problems. Often, to normalize digestion, you have to take medications. For acute constipation, experts recommend taking a saline laxative (you will learn the name from the article), which has the fastest effect.
Mechanism of action
Sodium and magnesium sulfate, phosphate ions are used as active components of saline laxatives. These substances are able to retain fluid in the intestinal lumen. A large volume of water helps to soften the feces, increases the osmotic pressure. Some substances can irritate receptors located on the intestinal mucosa, which improves peristalsis.
S alts are not absorbed by the mucous surface of the intestinal tract and pass through it unchanged. S alt laxative works quickly enough. The reaction of the intestine can be observed within 2-3 hours after taking the drug. For long-term use, such laxatives are notfit.
When should I take it?
Any laxative drugs can only be used as an additional therapy. With frequent constipation, you should undergo an examination and identify the cause of the pathological phenomenon. Experts recommend taking saline laxatives only for acute constipation. Also, such drugs are used when cleansing the intestines before therapeutic fasting or diet. This helps to cleanse the intestines of toxic substances. It should be remembered that laxatives of this group cannot be used continuously during the entire fasting period.
An indication for the use of a saline laxative is also preparation for the diagnosis of the intestine. The rapid action of drugs allows them to be used for poisoning with poisons (mercury, arsenic, s alts of heavy metals). The active components of the drugs prevent the absorption of dangerous substances into the blood. In the process of interaction, sulfates of these metals that are safe for the system are formed.
Benefits of saline laxatives
Osmotic (s alt) laxative has a quick therapeutic effect and is not addictive. Some drugs from this group are able to stimulate the process of digestion of food and improve the production of gastric juice. Magnesium sulfate has a positive effect on the condition of bone tissue, myocardium.
Laxatives based on sodium and magnesium sulfate are recommended after deworming therapy. The drugs will helpremove dead parasites and their waste products from the body.
What are the disadvantages?
It is important to remember that a delicate problem like constipation can only be de alt with temporarily with laxatives. S alt laxatives do not affect the true cause of the pathological phenomenon. Such medicines should only be taken in case of acute constipation and in the absence of contraindications.
Frequent use of saline laxatives can cause electrolyte and water-s alt imbalance, dehydration. Exceeding the dosage is fraught with the development of bradycardia, a decrease in blood pressure.
Side effects of saline laxatives
If the rules for the use of laxative s alt medicines are not followed, side effects may develop. Most often they manifest themselves in the form of pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, bouts of vomiting and nausea. You can judge the violation of the water-s alt balance by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, convulsions, arrhythmia.
If you use saline laxatives for chronic constipation, you can weaken the normal bowel tone, which will negatively affect the ability to empty yourself.
Who should not take a saline laxative?
It is quite possible to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of constipation at home. Many are helped by drugs from the group of saline laxatives. At first glance, such means may seem the safest. However, they are not suitable for all patients. Tocontraindications include the following pathological conditions:
- pain in the abdomen of unknown etiology;
- hemorrhoids in the acute stage;
- severe diseases of the stomach, intestines, kidneys;
- appendicitis;
- hypersensitivity to ingredients;
- high blood pressure;
- dehydration;
- gallstone disease;
- pregnancy, lactation.
Glauber's s alt
Among saline laxatives, one of the most effective is mirabilite (sodium sulfate, Glauber's s alt). The drug is available in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution. The action of sodium sulfate is based on water retention in the intestines, due to which the liquefaction of feces occurs.
In medicine, the substance is used to eliminate the symptoms of acute constipation. Also, Glauber's s alt can be used for prophylactic bowel cleansing before therapeutic fasting.
When using a saline laxative, it is recommended to consume more pure water to avoid dehydration and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalance.
To prepare the solution, you need to dilute the powder in clean warm water. The dosage of sodium sulfate for adults is 15-30 g. It is possible to use the drug in pediatrics. The dosage is calculated depending on the age of the child.
Magnesium sulfate for constipation
Magnesium sulfate is an effective saline laxative thatpopularly known as magnesia, Epsom s alt or bitter s alt. In medical practice, this substance has been used for a long time to treat a variety of pathologies. In addition to the laxative effect, magnesium sulfate has antispasmodic, choleretic, anticonvulsant, hypotensive and vasodilating properties.
Magnesium sulfate works quite gently and does not cause discomfort, like some other laxatives. Once in the intestine, the substance creates a high osmotic pressure there, which, in turn, improves peristalsis. A small part of the substance is absorbed into the bloodstream, but is quickly excreted from the body through the kidneys.
According to the recommendations of experts, magnesia should be used if intoxication of the body has begun against the background of constipation. Deterioration of well-being, the appearance of pain in the abdomen are the first signs of a pathological condition. Magnesium sulfate promotes rapid bowel cleansing before colonoscopy and other similar studies.
How to take?
Powder for the preparation of the solution can be purchased at the pharmacy. A sachet usually contains 20 or 25 g of magnesium sulfate. To eliminate the symptoms of constipation, magnesium sulfate powder is dissolved in 100 ml of warm water. The dosage is usually calculated based on the age and weight of the patient.
Daily dose should not exceed 4 tablespoons. Adult patients should take 20-25 g of magnesium, children (over 6 years old) - 5-10 g. For younger childrenage category, the use of magnesia as a laxative is allowed only on prescription.
Magnesium sulfate does not completely dissolve in liquid and also has a pronounced bitter taste. Therefore, many patients add sugar and lemon juice. It is necessary to take a saline laxative solution on an empty stomach (preferably in the morning). The effect can occur within 1-2 hours after taking magnesium sulfate. However, the urge to defecate may be frequent.
Cooking homemade saline laxative
You can cleanse the intestines not only with the help of pharmacy products. S alt water will help to improve the functioning of the stomach and intestinal tract. In yoga, this method has its own name - shank-prakshalana. However, it can be used only in the absence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
Drinking large amounts of s alty liquids can cause bouts of nausea and vomiting. To avoid this, you need to add a small amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water. Immediately after waking up in the morning, you should drink a saline laxative.
How to make a saline solution to eliminate constipation and improve the functioning of the digestive tract? It is important to follow certain guidelines. Water must be purified and boiled. Before cooking, it must be heated to 40 °C. You can use regular table s alt or sea s alt. For 3 liters of water, you need to take three tablespoons (tablespoons) of s alt. This is the maximum amount of liquid that can be drunk during the cleansing process. Between fluid intakes, it is necessary to perform certainexercises.
