When it comes to gut health, it can be hard to find effective ways to treat constipation. One option that has become more common is over-the-counter lactulose. This gentle laxative can help people who are having trouble going to the toilet or have stomach problems in a number of ways. Learn about OTC lactulose in this blog post. We’ll talk about what it is, how it works, its benefits, any possible side effects, and how to use it safely.
Lactulose is a man-made disaccharide that is made up of fructose and galactose. Some sugars are taken into the bloodstream when they are digested, but lactulose is not and stays in the body. Instead, it makes its way to the colon whole, where gut bacteria process it. As a result of fermentation, short-chain fatty acids and gases are made. These help raise the osmotic pressure in the gut.
Lactulose: How Does It Work?
Lactulose draws water into the gut, which makes the stool softer and helps you go to the toilet more often. Lactulose works well as a laxative because it has this osmotic effect. Furthermore, the production of lactulose encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which supports a healthy microbiome.
Pros of Using Over-the-Counter Lactulose to Get Mild Constipation Relief
- One of the best things about lactulose is that it doesn’t hurt the digestive system. Lactulose helps you go to the toilet regularly without having any bad affects like stimulant laxatives do, which can cause cramping and pain. A person of any age can use it, from young children to older adults.
- A lot of people have trouble going to the toilet regularly, which can be very annoying. Lactulose is usually safe to use for a long time, which makes it a great choice for people who need to keep managing their symptoms.
- Lactulose not only helps with constipation, but it also supports a healthy gut bacteria. Good bacteria grow when lactulose is fermented. These bacteria are very important for digestion, immune system health, and general health.
- Lactulose helps make stools easier to pass by drawing water into the bowels. This is especially helpful for people who may have trouble drinking enough water.
- Lactulose usually doesn’t cause many side effects when it’s taken as recommended. Some people may have mild gas or bloating, but these side effects normally go away as the body gets used to the medicine.
What Could Go Wrong With Lactulose?
Even though lactulose is usually well accepted, it is important to know about any side effects that might happen. Some common side effects are:
- When lactulose ferments in the stomach, it can cause some people to produce more gas and feel bloated.
- Lactulose may cause mild gut pain or cramping, especially when it is first used.
- If you take too much of any stimulant, even lactulose, you could become dehydrated. It is very important to take the right amount and drink plenty of water.
How to Safely Use Over-the-Counter Lactulose
Most over-the-counter lactulose comes in liquid form. 15 to 30 milliliters (ml) per day is the normal dose for adults. A doctor or nurse should decide the right dose for a child. It is very important to follow the directions on the package or talk to a healthcare professional for more specific advice.
If you keep having constipation even after taking lactulose, or if you have serious abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in your bowel habits, you should see a doctor right away. These symptoms could be signs of a deeper problem that needs to be checked out.
Over-the-counter (OTC) lactulose is a gentle and effective stomach aid that helps with constipation and improves gut health in general. Because it is safe to use for a long time and has few side effects, it is a good choice for people who want to take care of their gut health. You can take charge of your gut health and live a more comfortable life if you know how lactulose works and how to use it safely.