That said, if you do think you have developed a dependence on laxatives, talk to your doctor. According to the NIDDK , you should only use stimulant laxatives if your constipation is severe or other laxatives have not helped. Prolonged laxative use can irritate the lining of your bowel and cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues, Dr. Leavey says. It can also cause dehydration and electrolyte and mineral imbalances, Dr.
Wider says. Since electrolytes such as calcium and sodium are crucial to several body functions, an imbalance can cause dizziness, fainting, blurry vision, and even death, Dr.
Wider explains. These imbalances can also cause symptoms like abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, confusion and seizures, per the Mayo Clinic. Leavey adds. Bottom line: This is not a weight-loss method you want to try. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
First things first: What are laxatives? Long-term use of laxatives can actually perpetuate your constipation issues.
Common symptoms of electrolyte imbalance can include thirst, headaches, heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness and muscle aches. Although laxatives are generally safe for short-term use, some people worry they may lead to dependency with long-term use. This may be especially true for stimulant laxatives, which work by speeding up the movement of the intestinal tract to induce a bowel movement. Despite some reports of individuals developing a tolerance to or becoming dependent on stimulant laxatives, there is little evidence showing these effects actually happen In fact, some researchers have noted that tolerance to stimulant laxatives is uncommon and that there is minimal chance of dependency More research is needed to evaluate the effects of long-term laxative use and the risk of dependency.
In addition to causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and possible dependence, laxative use has been associated with a number of other dangerous side effects, including:.
If you are using unhealthy weight loss methods like laxatives, purging or severe food restriction, stop and seek professional help to prevent long-term consequences to your health. There are many better, safer and more effective ways to lose weight without putting your health on the line. If you want even more ideas, check out this article, which lists 30 easy, science-backed ways to lose weight.
Laxatives can be an effective remedy for increasing bowel movements and preventing constipation. However, laxative use is unlikely to lead to long-lasting weight loss.
Furthermore, laxative abuse can come with many dangerous health effects, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and dangerous health conditions. These solutions are safer, more effective and more sustainable in the long run.
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This stimulation makes the intestinal muscles contract and move the stool out of the body. But when used for too long or at too high of a quantity, laxatives can damage the nerves.
Keeping the colon empty is also risky. When the muscles in the colon are prevented from working as they should, they weaken over time. Together, these side effects interfere with normal bowel movements.
The person may become dependent on higher and higher doses of a laxative to move stool out. People who have abused laxatives can go weeks without a bowel movement. Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable.
Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain and overall discomfort. Combination of constipation, diarrhea, and gas: Laxative use traps gas in the intestines, leading people to feel full and bloated. This can cause the laxative user to try to treat those symptoms with more laxatives, setting up a vicious cycle. In some people, the frequent bowel movements that come from diarrhea also irritate the rectum and anus, resulting in sores, bleeding or pain while using the toilet. Diarrhea also can interfere with participating in exercise or other social activities because of the need to run frequently to the bathroom.
When too much fluid is lost in diarrhea caused by laxative abuse, people may become dehydrated. Dehydration puts stress on the organs, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include thirst, decreased urination, headache, light-headedness, diminished sweating, dry mouth, weakness and fatigue. Electrolyte abnormalities: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are lost at abnormally high rates in diarrhea.
This can lead to weakness, irregular heartbeats and sudden death. Without having to work to eliminate waste, the body stops moving waste through the intestines on its own. Impaired intestinal function: After long-term laxative abuse, the intestines lose normal muscle function and nerve response, and can no longer contract to evacuate stool normally. Instead, waste sits in the intestines for far longer than normal.
Laxative abuse is also associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Those with a past of laxative abuse can go weeks without having a bowel movement. This can cause unpleasant physical symptoms such as cramps and bloating, as well as emotional symptoms such as shame, irritability, and anxiety.
The effects may be reversible, but recovery may be a slow process. Symptoms may linger for years. Infections: The intestine normally is coated with a protective layer of mucus, which prevents the walls of the intestine from irritation. The intestines also contain bacteria which are necessary for immune system function and overall health. Laxative abuse strips away these bacteria and the protective mucus, leaving the intestines vulnerable to infection and irritation.
Some studies even suggest that abusing laxatives increases the risk of colon cancer, the idea being that long-time inflammation ups the odds that cells will develop abnormally during the healing process. Rectal prolapse: Chronic severe diarrhea caused by laxative abuse can cause the inside of the intestines to protrude through the anal opening. This condition usually requires surgical treatment.
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