The Skinny On Stool Softeners

When used correctly, a stool softener can alleviate mild constipation and soothe pain caused from tearing or hemorrhoids. They work by drawing water back into the intestine, and thus into the stool itself, making stool easier to pass. In a healthy digestive system, the colon draws moisture from the waste materials in the intestine and then uses them to push out the waste. However, constipation causes too much extraction from the waste material and causes stools to become hard often irritating or tearing the skin around the sphincter.
Stool softeners are NOT laxatives. Although many laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Ex-Lax, include stool softening additives, stool softeners do NOT induce bowel movements apart from those that are part of the body’s natural rhythms.

If you are interested in exploring natural remedies for constipation, there are some options that you can use to soften stools. Of course, common constipation cures like getting plenty of fibre and fresh fruit and veg in your diet are going to alleviate the need for stool softeners at all. If these lifestyle changes aren't helping, one option is docusate sodium - also called a Colace stool softener. Docusate sodium is a salt which helps stop your colon from absorbing water from a stool. This means that it is less dry, and therefore easier to pass.

Stool Softeners and Laxatives should NEVER be used as weight loss tools as they have absolutely NO EFFECT on calorie absorption and can become addictive. When a body becomes addicted to laxatives, the normal function of the colon is impeded and the body will “un-learn” how to work properly, thus making laxatives and stool softeners essential for the excretion of waste products from the body.
You should not use stool softeners if you have severe stomach pain or if you are nauseous to the point of vomiting. If you do not know the cause of your stomach ailments please, consult your doctor before trying to self-medicate.

Stool softeners are generally considered safe to use while breast feeding. However don't confuse a stool softener and a stimulant laxative. A stool softener is a medication or substance which increases the amount of water in your stool, whereas stimulant laxatives actually irritate the colon and force expulsion of it's contents. Stimulant laxatives should not be avoided if breast feeeding, but you should always consult your doctor for the final word.

Stool softeners are available in a variety of forms, best suited for your preference. Gel-caps, syrups, chewable tabs, and solid capsules are among the most popular. You should always consult your doctor for specific instruction on recommended dosages. If you are using stool softeners without a prescription, always follow the directions on the back of the bottle.

Laxatives and stool softeners can cause stomach cramping, but this is avoided by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily while taking such medicines. If the taste bothers you, mix the powder or liquid with a half serving of milk or fruit juice. This will not reduce the effectiveness of the drug. You should however avoid using mineral oil as this can cause vitamin depletion and cramping. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding, if constipation occurs while you are pregnant or nursing, consider a natural stool softener such as one warm glass of salt water in the morning. This will not affect your baby’s digestive tract.

There's a good article about stool softeners here if you would like to do further reading!