Using Natural Stool Softeners Instead of OTC Stool Softeners

The next time you are having hard stools that are difficult to pass, don't run to the medicine cabinet or the laxative section at your local pharmacy. Instead of buying products that contain unnecessary additives and chemicals, you can soften stool with natural remedies that have been used for decades and centuries and are safe to you and your digestive tract.

The Best Natural Stool Softener

The absolute best stool softener is actually the most natural thing you can consume to soften stools, cure constipation, increase digestive health and aide in the overall health of your body. The all natural stool softener is pure water. You should be drinking at least eight 8 ounce glasses of pure water per day to make the stool softer and to help move the fecal matter in your bowels down the digestive tract much easier.

Without water the fecal matter will stall in the bowels and cause constipation and even impaction. Drink the recommended amount of water per day and then some. Do not over-do it though because entirely too much water can cause water poisoning and can be fatal. If you are already drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day you might want to increase your intake of water to 9 or 10 glasses of water per day to soften the hard stools you are experiencing.

The Other Best Natural Stool Softener

Fiber is extremely important in softening stools, relieving or preventing constipation, and is also healthy for your body overall. It is suggested that males consume at least 28 grams of fiber per day and women take in approximately 25 grams of fiber each day. If you are nowhere near getting this amount of fiber in your diet each day, then you should slowly build up to the recommended amounts. If you over-do your fiber intake you will likely have diarrhea or watery stools. If your diet today is very low in fiber and has been that way for an extended period of time, then add fiber into your daily diet in moderation until you reach the level that is recommended. Keep in mind that you can consume the full value of recommended fiber, but if you are not drinking enough water then you are defeating the purpose. The fiber and water will soften the stool and make having a bowel movement much easier.

More Natural Ways to Soften Hard Stools

Increasing your water and fiber intake is important in maintaining a healthy digestive system which includes having less bouts of constipation, softer stools, and easier passing of feces through the bowels. Other natural remedies for stool softeners include prunes and prune juice, plums and plum juice, and various fruits, vegetables and beans that have high fiber content.

Herbs to Soften Stools

Some people rely on herbal remedies as stool softeners, constipation, hemorrhoids and other ailments of the digestive system and other parts of the body. Most herbalist suggest getting a one-on-one consultation with an herbal specialist to ensure you are getting the correct doses of different herbs and ensuring that you aren't purchasing the wrong combination of herbs which could be fatal. Most herbs are not FDA approved and therefore can be dangerous. This is not to say that OTC and prescription medications aren't equally dangerous when taken the wrong way. The same applies to herbs, you wouldn't take a combination of prescription medication that your doctor did not prescribe, and the same applies to using herbs as a natural stool softener.

Why Natural Stool Softener Remedies are Often Safer than OTC and Prescribed Medication

Many stool softeners and laxatives that you get over-the-counter or with a prescription may do the trick of being a good stool softener, but most contain many chemicals and ingredients that can negatively impact your digestive system, heart, kidneys and other systems in your body. Many over the counter stool softeners have a laundry list of side effects and some of which are dangerous and can cause permanent damage. Also, if you heavily rely on these un-natural cures for constipation then your bowels will, in a way, become addicted to the use of stool softeners and almost forget how to function properly without stool softener medication.

If at all possible you should try to take the natural approach to soften stools. Natural stool softeners not only help soften the stool, relieve constipation, and increase the health of your digestive system, but as mentioned before, they are also beneficial to your overall health and work just as quickly and efficiently as OTC or prescription stool softeners.

Sources:

www.webmd.com

www.medicinenet.com

www.wikipedia.com