How does it work? of Laxatives

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Laxatives work to either contract (squeeze) the muscles in the bowel to help push stools out, or make the hard stools softer by drawing water into the bowel.

Other types of laxatives used less frequently are bulk-forming laxatives, which use fibre to make the stools heavier and softer, and lubricant laxatives such as mineral oil, which make the stools easier to pass.

Increased fibre in the diet is a better way of preventing constipation, rather than uncontrolled, often excessive use of laxatives by people with a poor diet. The elderly particularly have a low fibre intake, making constipation more likely. Wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetable consumption, and regular exercise, is better than taking laxatives.