what do laxatives do

Laxatives are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements, primarily used to treat and prevent constipation. They work through different mechanisms such as softening the stool, increasing the bulk of the stool, drawing water into the bowel, or stimulating the muscles in the gut to move stool along faster. There are several types of laxatives including bulk- forming, osmotic, stimulant, and stool-softener laxatives, each acting differently to relieve constipation. They can be taken orally or rectally and are often used when lifestyle changes like increased fiber intake and hydration have not helped with constipation.