Laxatives After A Colonic: Safe?

Constipation is a common problem that can be relieved with laxatives, which are available over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. However, it is not advisable to take laxatives after a colonic, as they can cause serious and irreversible damage by desensitising the nerve endings in your colon, impairing your ability to have a satisfying bowel movement. Laxatives can also cause mineral andelectrolyte imbalances, leading to health issues such as kidney and liver problems. Therefore, it is recommended to explore natural dietary solutions to ease constipation, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more water, and consuming probiotic foods.

Laxatives can be used to prepare for a colonoscopy

Laxatives are often used to prepare for a colonoscopy. This is because, before a colonoscopy, it is necessary to cleanse the bowels, and laxatives are medicines that help you to have a bowel movement. Colonoscopy prep or bowel prep kits are oral laxative formulas that you take before your colonoscopy.

There are several different types of laxatives that can be used to prepare for a colonoscopy, including:

• Osmotic laxatives: These are substances that your bowels can't naturally absorb. They trigger your bowels to draw water from your body into your colon, softening your stools and increasing the overall volume in your colon. This triggers the muscle contractions that move everything out (peristalsis).
• Bulk-forming laxatives: These "bulk" up your stool or make it bigger by adding soluble fiber to your poop. The size increase stimulates your colon to contract and push the stool out.
• Stool softener laxatives: Also called emollient laxatives, these increase the water and fat your poop absorbs, softening it.
• Lubricant laxatives: These coat your colon, making it slick and preventing your colon from absorbing water from your stool, so it stays soft.
• Stimulant laxatives: These activate the nerves that control the muscles in your colon, forcing your colon into motion so it moves your stool along.

It's important to note that laxatives can have side effects, such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. They can also cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids before a colonoscopy. Additionally, laxatives should not be used for an extended period as they can cause serious side effects and worsen constipation.

Laxatives can cause mineral imbalances

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are generally available over the counter and include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. However, laxatives can cause mineral imbalances in the body, leading to health complications.

Minerals are essential for the body's functions, but they need to be obtained through our diets as we cannot produce them ourselves. Unfortunately, our ground soils are becoming increasingly depleted of minerals, and chronic stress can also cause mineral loss. This mineral deficiency can be exacerbated by the use of laxatives, which can interfere with the absorption of specific vitamins and minerals. For example, mineral oil, a lubricant laxative, can interfere with the absorption of some vitamins if used for an extended period.

Magnesium is a commonly used mineral to relieve constipation, as it helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract. However, magnesium citrate, a commonly used form, tends to be poorly absorbed. Additionally, the body requires cofactors such as boron and vitamin B6 to utilise magnesium effectively. Without these cofactors, magnesium is lost, leading to a deficiency.

Calcium and potassium imbalances can also contribute to constipation. Calcium can slow down the thyroid, while potassium has the opposite effect. Emotional stress, improper supplementing of calcium or vitamin D, adrenal issues, iodine deficiency, copper toxicity, hard drinking water, and thyroid issues can all impact the balance of these minerals. Iodine deficiency, in particular, can lead to constipation as the thyroid requires iodine to function properly.

Laxatives can also cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the potential side effects of laxatives and to consult a healthcare professional before taking them, especially if you are pregnant or giving them to a child.

Laxatives are available over the counter

There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and stimulant laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as Fybogel (ispaghula husk), work by increasing the weight of the stool, which stimulates the bowel. Osmotic laxatives, such as Lactulose (Duphalac) and Macrogol (Movicol), draw water from the body into the bowel to soften the stool. Stool softeners, such as Colace (docusate), allow water and fat to mix with the stool, making it softer. Stimulant laxatives, such as Dulcolax (bisacodyl), activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it to move the stool along.

It is important to note that laxatives should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. They are meant to be used occasionally and for up to a week at a time. It is recommended to stop taking laxatives once your constipation improves. Additionally, laxatives can have side effects such as dehydration, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. In some cases, overuse of laxatives can lead to more serious complications such as intestinal obstruction and electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions and recommended dosage on the medication and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Laxatives can be dangerous for children

Laxatives are a group of medications designed to relieve constipation, making it easier to pass stools. They are available in oral and rectal forms. Oral medications may be pills or a powder mixed with water, while rectal laxatives take the form of suppositories and enemas.

While laxatives can be effective for adults, they can be dangerous for children and should only be given under the recommendation and supervision of a pediatrician. The FDA has found very small amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol in some samples of laxatives containing PEG 3350 (the active ingredient in Miralax and other generic laxatives). Although these compounds are considered safe at very low levels, their potential impact on children is uncertain and requires further study.

Laxative dependency is a concern, as overuse may reduce or weaken the intestine's ability to contract, leading to worsened constipation or reliance on the medication. Overuse can also cause dehydration, diarrhea, and an electrolyte imbalance. These issues can have severe consequences, including severe pain and life-threatening intestinal blockages.

It is important to address the root cause of constipation in children. Making changes to their diet and bathroom routine can often help alleviate the issue without resorting to chemical laxatives. Increasing water and fiber intake, incorporating natural laxatives like apricots and prunes, and encouraging exercise can all help improve a child's bowel habits.

Laxatives can cause bloating and gas

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are typically available over the counter and include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. While laxatives can provide relief, they can also cause side effects such as bloating and gas.

Bloating and gas are common side effects associated with the use of laxatives. This occurs because laxatives draw water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. However, this same mechanism can also lead to dehydration if adequate fluids are not consumed. Additionally, some types of laxatives, such as bulk-forming laxatives, are more likely to cause intestinal gas than others. For example, psyllium, a common ingredient in bulk-forming laxatives, can cause intestinal gas as a significant side effect.

The risk of bloating and gas may vary depending on the type of laxative used. For instance, osmotic laxatives like MiraLAX® are designed to attract water and keep it in the colon, hydrating and softening stools without causing harsh side effects like bloating and gas. In contrast, stimulant laxatives, which forcefully stimulate the nerves in the colon, may be more likely to cause these side effects.

It is important to follow the instructions on the medication to prevent or minimise side effects. Taking laxatives as directed and ensuring adequate fluid intake can help reduce the risk of bloating and gas. However, it is worth noting that long-term use of laxatives may lead to laxative dependency, where the colon stops reacting to usual doses, requiring larger amounts for bowel movements. This can impair the ability to have complete and satisfying bowel movements and cause further issues with bloating and gas.

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