Carbohydrate Polymers As A Natural Constipation Remedy
February 4, 2011 by Morris Townsend
Filed under Supplements
One of the most popular foods used in relieving constipation naturally is the prune, which is a dried plum. The laxative properties of the prune have been known for many hundreds if not thousands of years. Scientists believe that the ingredient responsible for laxative properties is sorbitol.
The classification for sorbitol is that of a carbohydrate polymer. Every one knows the simple sugar glucose. But fewer know that when it is chained together it forms starch, found in potatoes and other sugar rich foods. Sorbitol is quite similar in that it is based up of different kinds of building blocks.
The secret to sorbitol’s efficacy lies in the chemical concept of osmotic pressure or osmolarity. Chemicals with high osmotic pressure tend to absorb water whereas those low osmotic pressure will give up their water. Another simple example is the common table salt that can make a solution which is highly water absorbent.
Sorbitol has a very high osmolarity which explains its tendency to absorb water when passing through the gut. When it is in the interior of the intestine, it sucks up water content from the walls of the intestine. The effect is an increase in mobility of contents.
Fortunately for those need treatment, a few non-pharmaceutical options and a number of chemical methods are accessible. Amongst the non-medication remedies, foremost is high-fiber therapy. This can be accomplished through eating high fiber foods. One kind is the prune, which is a dried plum.
Various types of laxatives are accessible by prescription patients with constipation problems. Two two example laxatives are osmotic and stimulating laxatives. A favored laxative known as Macrogol is a kind of osmotic agent, as well as magnesium-based treatments such as milk of magnesia or citrate of magnesium.
Discover the newest research and articles in regards to purchasing natural laxatives for constipation. Readers wishing to know more can head over to learn about mineral oil as a laxative.