Q. What is constipation?
A. Constipation is one of mankind's most frequent disorders, especially in highly civilised countries, with women and older people the most commonly affected.
Medically speaking, constipation is the delayed and too infrequent evacuation of dry and hard stool.
It is either due to some delayed intestinal passage under a normal defecation mechanism and/or a disturbed evacuating reflex.
Constipation may be the result of some organic disease or, as is much more commonly the case, of some functional disorder.
A low roughage diet, insufficient intake of fluids, jobs with low levels of activity (sitting work), a lack of physical exercise, excess stress and a hectic lifestyle can all contribute to constipation.
Q. What can I do about constipation?
A. For releiving constipation physicians and nutritionists recommend a change in one's living and eating habits.
• Try to maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholemeal products
• Drink at least 1 - 2 litres of water a day - 3 if you can
• Try to establish a pattern of regular exercise
• Set a toilet time each day and allow your body time to perform its natural functions.
Q. Will Bekunis harm my intestines?
A. No. Senna, the active ingredient in Bekunis, is one of mankind's oldest and most frequently used remedies. It works with your body, not against it, to encourage the natural elimination process and bring you smooth, comfortable relief.
Q. How and where does Bekunis work in my body?
A. The active ingredient in Bekunis, senna, contains a number of compounds derived from anthracene. They reach their actual site of action, the colon, unchanged and without any losses due to absorption. Bekunis increases the secretion of electrolytes and water into the lumen of the bowels and inhibits the absorption of electrolytes and water from the colon. The increased volume in the intestine results in a gentle pressure in the intestine that stimulates peristalsis (evacuation).
Q. How long does it take?
A. Bekunis's gentle laxative effects begin within 8 to 12 hours. Take Bekunis at night and enjoy smooth comfortable relief in the morning
Q. Is Bekunis well tolerated?
A. Used for centuries as a natural laxative, senna has proved to be effective and reliable. Patients with extremely sensitive systems may experience abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In these cases it is wise to reduce the dosage or discontinue use.
Q. How much should I take?
A. As with any laxative, Bekunis should only be taken when needed, for a limited time and only in the recommended doses.
Q. When shouldn't I take Bekunis?
A. Laxatives should not be taken by those suffering from ileus or inflammatory gastro-intestinal diseases or from abdominal pain of unknown origin.
Q. Can I take Bekunis while pregnant?
A. Constipation is a problem for pregnant women, while toxicological studies have found no adverse effects on unborn babies or breast fed infants, we recommend that whilst pregnant or lactating you do not use any medication until after consultation with your healthcare professional