Karo Syrup for Constipation

By Dr. Ritu Krishnatreye, BHMS

Karo syrup for constipation

Aside from eating a good amount of fiber and staying hydrated, I believe that the best and most effective way to deal with recurring constipation is by using home remedies.

Karo syrup is one of these home remedies for constipation that has passed the test of time.

About Karo syrup

Karo syrup is basically a concentrated solution of maltose and other sugars derived from corn starch.

Karo syrup is a non-absorbable sugar that helps stool hold on to water, thereby softening it, making it easy to pass.

Mode of action

Constipation occurs when stools become dry and hard, making them difficult to pass. Karo syrup works by retaining water in the intestines, thereby adding moisture to stool.

Moist stool is softer, which helps to reduce or eliminate straining during defecation.

Moist stool is bulkier. This bulk naturally stimulates peristalsis, the wave-like contractions of the colon that push stool along.

When compared to other constipation remedies, Karo syrup usually takes longer to bring relief. 

Preparation & Dosage

To prepare Karo syrup at home, do the following.

• Boil a small pot of purified water.
• Let the water cool down a bit and then add one teaspoon of karo syrup to each four ounces of water.
  

For adults, it takes a glass of this Karo syrup mix to provide effective results. For children, one ounce of the solution is usually enough to get things moving.  

Disadvantages of using Karo syrup

Karo syrup contains a lot of sugar (maltose and glucose), which is not the healthiest way of dealing with constipation. 

There is a supposed connection of Karo syrup to C. Botulinum spores. Karo syrup is not a sterile product, and the risk of infection in kids is high.

Experts disagree on the safety and effectiveness of using Karo syrup for constipation. You may want to talk to your child’s pediatrician prior to giving Karo syrup to your child.

Moreover, Karo syrup is effective only for mild cases of constipation. For severe cases, stronger solutions may be required. May I suggest magnesium?

Magnesium rich Ionic Sea Minerals

Perhaps and better and healthier way to deal with constipation is to take a sea mineral supplement.

Such a supplement contains every naturally occurring elemental mineral. Many of these minerals are needed by the body.

A teaspoon of ionic sea minerals contains 106% of the US RDA of magnesium, a mineral that facilitates the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract by helping to relax a tense colon.

The magnesium also serves as a natural osmotic laxative, which pulls extra water into the colon. This helps to keep stool from drying out. Moist stool is softer, slippery and easier to eliminate.

Conclusion, Karo syrup for constipation

Most of us suffer from constipation once in a while. While Karo syrup is a good old fashioned remedy for constipation, because of its high sugar content it is only recommended for occasional use.

(Return from Karo Syrup for Constipation to Natural Remedies for Constipation)