Constipation can be a condition that feels awkward and uncomfortable. Everyone gets constipated from time to time, but it's usually only short-term and less severe. There are several ways to fight constipation, such as taking Epsom salt as a laxative. Epsom salt is a mixture of several different salts, but the main ingredient is magnesium sulfate. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the oral use of Epsom salt for periodic constipation.
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Part 1 of 3: Taking a Laxative of Epsom Salt
Step 1. Buy the right Epsom salt
There are many different types of Epsom salt that can be purchased. Make sure the type of Epsom salt you buy contains magnesium sulfate as the main ingredient. Avoid buying Epsom salt which does not contain magnesium sulfate as the main ingredient. You may be poisoned if you buy the wrong type of Epsom salt.
Try an Epsom salt brand like Esentĩele or Prime
Step 2. Warm the water
To start making a laxative from the Epsom salt mixture, heat 235 ml of water in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat. It doesn't need to boil, but make sure it's warmer than room temperature.
Warming the water will take a few minutes
Step 3. Add salt
Add the equivalent of two to four teaspoons of Epsom salt to the warm water mixture, if intended for adults. Stir the water mixture over the stove over low heat until all the salt is dissolved. If you don't like the salty taste, add a little lemon juice to make the laxative taste better.
Microwave can be used to warm the water first, then add salt later
Step 4. Drink a mixture of water and Epsom salts
Once removed from the stove, pour the brine mixture into a glass or cup to cool. Allow the water mixture to cool until it reaches a sufficient and drinkable temperature. Drink the entire saltwater mixture at once when it's cool enough to drink, but still feels warm.
Step 5. Drink the salt water mixture only twice a day
This salt water mixture is safe to consume twice a day. Take the appropriate dose with a gap of at least four hours each day. This salt water mixture can be continued to drink for up to 4 days. Seek advice from your doctor if after 4 days there is no progress in digestion, or if you are still constipated.
- Epsom salts used as laxatives generally work within 30 minutes to six hours. Be sure to drink it when you have easy access to the bathroom to avoid calamity and discomfort.
- If giving laxatives to children under 12 years of age, use the equivalent of 2 tsp. Do not give this salt water mixture to children under 6 years of age. The safety of using Epsom salt as a laxative in this age group has not been tested.
Step 6. Drink more water
Increase your water consumption when using Epsom salt as a laxative. Salt water mixture can cause dehydration, and water levels in the body must be maintained to stay healthy and hydrated.
Increasing water consumption also has many other benefits, one of which is that it can help smooth bowel movements
Part 2 of 3: Knowing When to Avoid Epsom Salt
Step 1. Avoid Epsom salt if you experience certain symptoms
Constipation can occur along with other symptoms. If you experience symptoms other than constipation, avoid taking Epsom salt or any type of laxative before calling your doctor.
Never use Epsom salt as a laxative if you have severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts two weeks or more, rectal bleeding, or you have dark, watery stools
Step 2. Do not use Epsom salt when taking certain medications
There are certain medications that cannot be taken at the same time as Epsom salt. Do not use Epsom salt if you are taking antibiotics, such as Tobramycin, Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, and Amikacin.
Consult your doctor first before using Epsom salt as a laxative if you are currently taking other medications such as corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, diuretics, pain relievers, antacids, or antidepressants
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you have certain medical conditions
There are several medical conditions that can complicate the consumption of Epsom salt. If you have kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, or eating disorders, be sure to consult your doctor before using Epsom salt as a laxative.
- Also ask your doctor if Epsom salt is safe for consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Also contact your doctor before using Epsom salt if you have taken other types of laxatives in the past two weeks, but have had no effect.
Part 3 of 3: Understanding Constipation
Step 1. Recognize constipation
Constipation is a problem or uncomfortable feeling in the passage of feces. The most common symptoms of constipation are a reduced quantity of bowel movements, stools that are smaller than normal, difficult stools to pass, and bloating or abdominal pain.
Constipation can be a serious medical condition, and should be consulted with a doctor if it persists and occurs in the long term
Step 2. Find the cause of constipation
Constipation generally occurs because people don't include enough fiber or water in their diet. Constipation can also occur due to lack of exercise or as a side effect of certain medications. These include antacids, diuretics, painkillers, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. Constipation can also be caused by pelvic abnormalities or it can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that can cause both diarrhea and constipation.
- It's important to remember and realize that constipation can be a symptom of a large number of serious medical disorders, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, and some neurological disorders.
- Other causes of constipation are changes in daily routine, such as long trips and not having enough time to defecate. Constipation can occur especially if you have an active lifestyle; or are very busy caring for their spouse, spouse, or children; and caring for elderly family members.
Step 3. Observe the defecation process
There are no definite rules about how many bowel movements should be done. Most people feel most comfortable when they have a bowel movement at least once per day, but there are variations in the normal frequency of bowel movements. Some people defecate two to three times a day, and this is completely normal. Others have bowel movements once every few days, and this is also normal for their bodies.
