When fiber and fluid won't get rid of your constipation, people often use stimulant laxatives.
Ex-Lax was one the most popular, but there was a problem with these types of products.
Studies sponsored by the National Toxicology Program found that phenolphthalein produced "clear evidence of carcinogenic activity" in laboratory animals.
Research also showed that this common laxative damages a critical anti-cancer gene.
Not good news.
The FDA proposed to ban it in 1997, and it wasn't long before the makers reformulated their brands.
They began using senna as a replacement.
It looked great and advertisers could start claiming it was a natural product.
But the FDA complained that senna might also cause gene and chromosome abnormalities.
Herbs Ginger Ginger has been shown to have beneficial effects for many digestive disorders, including nausea, vomiting, and seasickness.
Most importantly here though, is that it has a role in relieving constipation.
Unlike the laxatives it is not habit-forming, and doesn't lead to a "lazy" bowel.
Flaxseed A wide variety of herbs can help for constipation.
But flaxseed may be at the top of the list.
For those who want the simple solution, they can use Uncle Sam's Laxative Cereal which contains flaxseed.
This can help you get it regularly and keep the bowels and intestines clean by keeping this high fiber food in your diet.
All the white flour products tend to build up a gunk in your trunk and prevent the flow of fecal matter.
In fact, staying away from white flour products is probably the healthiest advice to give someone who has constipation troubles.