What's a laxative?

Answer 1

A laxative is a substance used to relieve the constipation which main effect is to secrete electrolytes and lowering the absorption of water, all of this conducing to a high hydrostatic pressure in the bowel... in simply words, will make you poo. There are 6 types of laxatives (the feces makers like fiber, the emollients, the lubricants like the mineral oil, the salines with magnesium, the stimulants like danthron, etc. and the hyperosmotics like glycerin and lactulose). Every one could be the most helpful in every different case of patient and constipation.

Answer 2

A laxative loosens your stool so you can go to the bathroom. You can buy laxatives from the drug store, or if you're like me, you may already know of some foods that do this for you. In my case, things that work as a laxative are: having Pepsi after a bowl of cereal, anything with lots of mayonaise, a lot of diet candy will work, or any oily foods. But if the doctor is wanting you to clear out your colon with a laxative like for a colonoscopy, use what he tells you to, don't use foods. If you are going to have a colonoscopy, they're not as bad as people make them sound so don't be nervous about it...you'll be fine. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

Something that makes you empty your bowels. Natural ones such as prunes and figs are best.
Certain laxatives can be damaging e.g. ones with lots of salt in them, or ones which cause you to lose important fat-soluble vitamins. Don't use them too often.
A diet with plenty of fibre (roughage) from fruit, vegetables, cereals and nuts will help to avoid a constipation problem.

Answer 4

A laxative is something that helps your stomach work when you have constipation. DON'T get used to it and try not to use it at all

Answer 5

If you just want a definition, here's a link to a good one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxative

If you want some recommendations, I like one made by Renew Life. It is, like all of them, designed for occasional use only. It's gentle and contains probiotics to help you get and keep your digestive tract in good health. Look for it in your health food store, not refrigerated.

Adding ground flax seed or flax seed oil to the diet is a good preventative to constipation.

Answer 6

something to help with constipation and bascially flushes everything out. some laxatives in food are bananas, indian food and yogurt.

Answer 7

Something that makes you poop - it can be natural (like a herbal medicine) or chemical. Some anorexics and binge eaters use it to try and lose weight - don't try this!

Answer 8

fear is a good laxative

Answer 9

Try some and you will soon find out

Answer 10

It is a medicine that helps you poop. Similar to fiber.