Does an enema soften stool, or force it out painfully?
Pog is correct. Make sure you use a soapy enema in conjunction with the mineral oil enema. A mineral oil enema is effective, but it is VERY messy. You will be pooping gross oil for a while after taking it (even days). A soapy enema will clean out the poop and the oil. Mineral oil is inert, meaning it does not chemically react, nor does it digest and breakdown the way olive oil and vegetable oil does. It comes out the exact form it went in as (only browner). It's only purpose is to lubricate your colon/rectum/anus so poop slides out easier. I'm sort of an enema connoisseur, and I've given up on mineral oil. It's definitely safe and comfortable, but it's just way too messy and hard to clean out. The fastest and most comfortable way to clean out is to do a soapy enema, then follow it up with a couple of salt water enemas. -------- Also, when you have the large, hard, painful poops, it's best to poop them out while squatting like a baseball catcher. Squatting is actually the more natural way of pooping and it opens your butthole up more. I know this sounds gross, but just squat down while you are showering and poop in the drain. Just don't push too hard or you'll get a hemorrhoid, then things will be even worse for you.
How to soften my poop?
In the immediate future, go to a pharmacy and get some milk of magnesium. If you aren't sure about this ask for the pharmacist and get help. That is gentle, safe, and effective. It won't cause you to have a geyser coming out unexpectedly. Now how about tomorrow, or the next day, next week? I suggest a high fiber cereal for breakfast. Total raisin bran, or mini wheats, or one of the other high fiber types. For lunch you need raw or lightly cooked carrots, or celery, or broccoli. Another often overlooked food is squash or pumpkin. The stringy fiber gives water something to cling to and keep the tubes flowing. I bet you don't drink enough water. Probably lots of Coke or Pepsi. The caffeine in them actually strips water OUT of your body. As well as calcium that you need to maintain strong bones. If you don't like plain water find some sports drinks that you WILL drink. Those minor changes will make a difference you will appreciate. One more thing. For a lot of people cheese will cause constipation. Watch out for binging on cheese of any kind. If you just GOTTA have it, double up on the fiber and water. That should do it. What did the constipated Chinaman tell the doctor his problem was? Hung chow!!!!!
How long does it usually take for stool softeners to work?
They usually work within 24 hours. Constipation is often due to an unhealthy diet with insufficient fiber. Most people don't eat enough fiber. Wheat germ, wheat bran, Chia seeds and Psyllium husks are very high fiber foods and there is also a lot of fiber in fruit and vegetables. Both constipation and IBS as well as diarrhea can be cured with liquid chlorophyll as in http://au.search.yahoo.com/search?p=%22l... Other natural ways to relieve constipation are covered in http://au.search.yahoo.com/search?p=%22n...
Has anyone used psyllium husks for diarrhea or soft stool?
It is a bulk laxative meaning that it will absorb water - when a person has loose stool this will firm the stool, when a person is constipated, this will soften the stool. Psyllium husk can be used to control constipation AND diarrhea, which makes it good for many colon conditions.
Is Fiber a stool softener?
There are three basic types of Laxing agents, 1) Bulking agents (eg, psyllium, Ca polycarbophil, methylcellulose) 2) Osmotic agents, (eg. Magnesium, Phosphates, sulphates) 3) Emollient agents (eg, docusate, mineral oil, glycerine suppositories) Docusate is a surfactant, (trade name Colace , and surfax,) which allows water to enter the fecal mass to soften and increase its bulk. Increased bulk may stimulate peristalsis, which moves the softened stool more easily. Mineral oil softens fecal matter but may decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Emollients may be useful after MI or anorectal surgery and when prolonged bed rest is required. Bulking agents act in a slow and gentle manner and are the safest option. As a long term course they are the only safe means of removal. You could try having 15- 20 grams of unrefined Millers bran with fruit or added to a bowl of cereal. Proper use involves gradually increasing the dose—ideally, taken with sufficient liquid (eg, 500 mL/day of extra fluid) to prevent impaction until a softer, bulkier stool results. Bulking agents produce natural effects and, unlike other laxatives, do not lead to colonic inertia. Osmotic agents contain poorly absorbed polyvalent ions, eg, Magnesium, phosphates, and sulphates) These act by increasing intraluminal osmotic pressure thereby drawing water into the intestine. The increased volume stimulates peristalsis (Bowel movement) The best solution for constipation would be to wait it out and let the body do what it has to do, unless it causes unbearable pain or other complications. Treatment of constipation should be accompanied by behavioural changes. I.e try inducing the stool at the same time each day , usually half an hour after breakfast. Try relaxation techniques, doing some form of exercise
Good Fruits to help soften stool..for an adult?
Most fruits such as apples, pears, berries are a good source of fiber, figs and prunes being well known for their laxative property ( http://www.naturesnaturalhealing.com/Constipation.shtml ) However if you are already suffering from constipation Psyllium husk (Metamucil fiber) does an excellent job of softening the stools. I remember my grandpa using it every once in a while. It can be dissolved in half a glass of water or milk, or stirred into yogurt or porridge, or any soup without altering the taste of the food as in its natural state its tasteless. However if dissolved in liquid it should be taken immediately as it tends to absorb water and swell up soon. Some internet research shows that nowadays it is also available in various flavors. So there you are, choose the right fruits or your favorite Psyllium flavor and good luck, hope you get better soon. http://www.metamucil.com/index.php
How can hard stool be softened?
Seems that you are suffering from a form of constipation. Let me suggest few remedies.The answers would make sense for people from India or Indian Subcontinent.The questioner has not mentioned any detail like age, gender and demographics.Dietary Changes 1) Drink large amount of water. Water is natural laxative.2) Stop eating fast food. Do not eat refined grains.3) Have high fiber diet. Choose whole grains for cereals. Do not use refined flours.4) Include lots of seeds, legumes, pulses, fruits and veggies in your daily diet.Lifestyle Related changes1) Get up early in the morning, preferably between 5 to 6 AM2) Have sound and uninterrupted sleep.3) Drink 3-4 glasses (700-800 ml) of water kept in copper vessel as soon as you getup.4) Try to squat rather than sitting posture. This relieves constipation. If you have western style commode then you can use commode converter.5) Practice Yoga or Exercise at least for 30 minutes per day.All above things would relieve you of not only hard stool/constipation but all other gastric troubles. If you have been suffering for years then it would take few days to see the difference but the condition would gradually improve.1) Drink Buttermilk. Buttermilk refers to variety of beverages. I would recommend following 2 types.(a) Traditional Buttermilk: liquid left behind after churning butter out of cream. This type of buttermilk is known as traditional buttermilk.(b) Curd Buttermilk: It's made by adding spices and salt in Curd (Dahi/Perugu).2) If all else fails, start using Isabgol (Psyllium seed husks)
Ways to soften extremely hard stool?
I'm a weight lifter and I take weight / muscle gaining supplements 5 days a week. However my stool has been extremely hard lately to the point where when I use the bathroom, it comes out very hard and causes me to get an "anal fissure" and makes my anus bleed. I know it's not cancer or anything because I've been to the doctor years ago for the same reason (except it was due to a very poor diet, no exercise, holding it, etc.) however I exercise everyday now, drink 1 gallon of water, and eat semi healthy. What should I do to soften it? I know they make "Benefiber" which is supposed to make you go, but does fiber also SOFTEN your stools too? Is there anything I can take naturally that'll soften my stools, like prunes or something? I do NOT want to take medical stool softeners everyday or anything or stop taking my supplements. Having the urge to use the bathroom isn't a problem, but when it comes out rock hard and causes me to bleed, that is a very big problem. Thanks for your help :)
What are natural remedies I can take to soften stool?
Raw organic coconut oil ....... only raw organic will do... your local health food store should be able to help you ...... take 2 tablespoonsfull 3 times daily with food or dissolved in your tea or coffee...... it can be drizzled over your rice or vegies or potatoes and has a lovely refreshing taste.... that will resolve your constipation rapidly...... it will also bolster hair skin and nail health, boost immunity, healthy digestion and more. drink more water too and ditch dehydrating drinks like sodas, pop, alcohol and cut right back on caffeine .... eat more green vegies and low sugar fresh fruits too and eat the good carbs like brown rice and rolled oats and wholegrain or wholemeal breads and you're cooking with gas. magnesium fibre and vitamin c in the green veg will dramatically improve constipation issues... vitamin c is a natural laxative as is magnesium .... magnesium will also help to increase the production of hydrochloric acid in your tummy thus aiding digestion...... brown rice, green veg, fresh salmon and sardines and ground up raw nuts and seeds like almonds and brazil nuts and sunflower seeds are all rich in calcium and magnesium....... that will also help with any mood swings, irritability, insomnia, achy bones, high blood pressure, muscle twitching or cramping issues. http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ or simply hold your nose and swallow a couple of tablespoons full of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. bless x
What is a good homeopathic stool softener?
As others have said, homeopathy is ineffective for this condition. Please ignore the homeopaths who continue to flog their products long after it has been proven to be useless.There are however a number of natural options that are generally safe to use, provided you are not sensitive to the components.Senna flowers for instance have been used as a purgative and can be obtained in a natural form and also in tablets - they are widely used by the medical profession and are the most commonly prescribed purgative.You did ask for a stool softener though, so you could try fish oil supplements. These are not effective for most things for which they are sold, but in larger doses may be effective as a mild stool softener.Psyllium husk (metamucil, konsyl D) or ispaghula husk (normacol) can also be effective though strictly they are bulk-forming laxatives. Still, consumed with a large enough amount of water they are very effective.Sugar-free sweets are not exactly natural but do have a laxative effect containing as they do, sorbitol. Flatulence is a common and generally unpopular side effects.Perhaps the all-time favourite though is kiwifruit which is an effective natural stool softener and also very rich in vitamins. Totally delicious too. Pro tip: Eat the skin too if you like your kiwifruit to have a sharper flavour. The gold ones are especially nice this way as the sweet interior contrasts well with the tart skin. Whatever you do, under no circumstances feed kiwifruit whole to children in nappies/diapers. It’s not dangerous but it will take about an hour to pick the seeds off their bum!