Eating a high-fiber diet and taking laxatives or enemas can mitigate constipation caused by megacolon. The few effective remedies sold by quacks included emetics, laxatives and diuretics. Purging can include self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, and the use of diuretics, enemas, or laxatives. This imbalance can also occur with use of antacids or laxatives that contain magnesium. Constipation may be remedied by laxatives or a high-fiber diet. Mild laxatives are also used frequently to encourage regular bowel movements. Oral cleaning regimes use dietary fiber, herbs, dietary supplements, or laxatives. Sufficiently high doses of laxatives may cause diarrhea. Stimulant laxatives are generally reserved for when other types are not effective. This may be done by vomiting or taking laxatives. Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol are preferred. Saline laxatives may alter a patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. He prescribed elixirs of laxatives and purgatives, as well as heat, massage, and exercise. According to the patient's humor, treatment consisted of diet, blood-letting, and/or laxatives. Strong laxatives are not recommended for treating impactions.