
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass stool. They do not get rid of all food in your system, as they act on the large intestine, and by that point, most calories and fat have already been absorbed by the body. Laxatives are not recommended for weight loss, as they do not stop the body from absorbing calories or gaining weight. Instead, they can be dangerous and lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, colon cancer, and other health complications.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowels |
Types | Bulk-forming, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, stimulants |
Availability | Over-the-counter, prescription |
Forms | Pills, powders, liquids, suppositories, enemas |
Effectiveness | Depends on type and how you take it |
Side effects | Bloating, gas, stomach cramps, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, intestinal blockage |
Misuse | Weight loss, eating disorders |
What You'll Learn
Laxatives do not get rid of all food in your system
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier to pass. However, they do not get rid of all food in your system.
Laxatives work on the large intestine, but by the time food reaches the large intestine, most of it has already been digested and absorbed by the body. The large intestine absorbs water from the stool before it is passed out of the body. This is why it is important to stay hydrated when taking laxatives.
There are five types of laxatives: bulk-forming, stool softeners, lubricant, stimulant, and osmotic. Bulk-forming laxatives add soluble fiber to the stool, which breaks down easily in water and becomes a gel, helping the colon hold onto water. Stool softeners help mix water with the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives coat the stool, making it slippery and easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives make the muscles in the intestines squeeze and move the stool along. Osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the bowel, helping it hold onto water and soften the stool.
While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be used frequently or for long periods of time. Misuse of laxatives can lead to health complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal damage, and an increased risk of colon cancer. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
In summary, laxatives do not get rid of all food in your system. They work on the large intestine, but by that point, most of the food has already been digested and absorbed by the body. While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should be used sparingly and only when necessary to avoid potential health complications.
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Laxatives are for constipation
Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are typically used when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, have not helped alleviate constipation. They are available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as by prescription from a doctor.
There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as Fybogel and Metamucil, work by increasing the bulk or weight of the stool, which stimulates the bowel. Osmotic laxatives, like lactulose and macrogol, draw water from the body into the bowel to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Stool softeners, such as Colace, allow water into the stool to soften it. Lubricant laxatives, like mineral oil, coat the colon, making it slick and preventing water absorption from the stool. Stimulant laxatives, including Dulcolax and Senokot, stimulate the nerves controlling the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion to move the stool along.
It is important to take laxatives as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. They should be used sparingly and only when needed, as overuse can lead to chronic constipation and other health complications. Additionally, laxatives are not suitable for everyone, and individuals should consult a healthcare provider before taking them, especially if they are pregnant, have certain health conditions, or are giving them to children.
While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should not be used as a weight-loss method. They do not prevent the body from absorbing calories and do not lead to sustained weight loss. Misusing laxatives for weight loss can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal damage, and other serious health issues.
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There are five types of laxatives
Laxatives are a type of medicine used to treat constipation. They are available over the counter in pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as on prescription from a doctor. They are not suitable for everyone, and you should always check with a healthcare professional before taking them.
- Bulk-forming laxatives: These laxatives increase the weight of the stool by adding soluble fibre to it. This fibre draws water from the body into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. They are considered the gentlest type of laxative and are usually recommended as the first option. Bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).
- Osmotic laxatives: Osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. They typically take 2-3 days to work. Examples of osmotic laxatives include polyethylene glycol (Gavilax®, MiraLAX®) and magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia).
- Stool softener laxatives: Also known as emollient laxatives, these laxatives increase the water and fat absorbed by the stool, making it softer. An example of a stool softener laxative is docusate (Colace®).
- Lubricant laxatives: Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery and preventing the absorption of water from the stool. This helps to keep the stool soft and makes passing it easier. Lubricant laxatives include mineral oil.
- Stimulant laxatives: These laxatives activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion and moving the stool along. They can be harsh on the body and cause cramping. Stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) and senna (Fletcher's® Laxative).
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Laxative misuse can be dangerous
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation. They are available over the counter and are generally safe for short-term use. However, laxative misuse is a serious issue that can lead to dangerous health complications and even life-threatening conditions.
Laxative abuse occurs when individuals use laxatives to eliminate unwanted calories, lose weight, or achieve their ideal body image. This is often driven by a desire to feel thin or empty, and it is particularly common among people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Up to 71.6% of people with purging anorexia misuse laxatives, and they are also misused by those who are constipated, athletes in certain weight-limited sports, and people seeking to induce diarrhoea.
The misuse of laxatives can cause a range of severe side effects and health consequences. By the time a laxative reaches the large intestine, most food and calories have already been absorbed in the small intestine. Therefore, the belief that laxatives can rush out food and calories before they are absorbed is a myth. Laxative abuse leads to the loss of water, minerals, electrolytes, and indigestible fibre and wastes from the colon. This can result in dehydration, which can be life-threatening. It can also cause an imbalance of electrolytes and minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including those in the colon and heart.
Laxative abuse can also lead to laxative dependency, where the colon stops reacting to usual doses, requiring larger and larger amounts to produce bowel movements. This can result in internal organ damage, including a stretched or "lazy" colon, colon infection, irritable bowel syndrome, and, in rare cases, liver damage. Chronic misuse may also increase the risk of colon cancer.
In summary, laxative misuse is a dangerous practice that can have severe health consequences, including death. It is often associated with eating disorders and a desire to control weight and body image. Treatment for laxative misuse involves working with a team of health professionals with expertise in treating eating disorders, including physicians, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and dieticians.
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There are natural alternatives to laxatives
Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. However, they should not be the first option to relieve constipation. Instead, it is recommended to try natural alternatives first.
- Drink more water and stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause constipation, so drinking enough water can help prevent this. Carbonated water may be even more effective than regular water at relieving constipation. However, carbonated sugary drinks should be avoided as they can have harmful health effects and may worsen constipation.
- Eat more fibre, especially soluble, non-fermentable fibre. Increasing fibre intake increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, making them easier to pass. The recommended fibre intake per day is 25 grams for females and 38 grams for males. Foods high in fibre include wheat bran, vegetables, whole grains, oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise can help improve the symptoms of constipation. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of constipation, so increasing physical activity may help get things moving.
- Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. Coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system and may contain small amounts of soluble fibre that help prevent constipation. However, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be cautious as caffeine may worsen their symptoms.
- Take Senna, an herbal laxative that is safe and effective in treating constipation. Senna stimulates the nerves in the gut and helps speed up bowel movements. However, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with certain health conditions.
- Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements to improve the balance of gut bacteria. Probiotics include Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus and can be found in yoghurt and other probiotic foods. Probiotics can help treat constipation by increasing stool frequency and improving stool consistency.
- Eat prebiotic foods such as oligosaccharide and inulin, which are indigestible carbohydrate fibres that improve digestive health by feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut. Prebiotic foods include Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, and onions.
- Try magnesium citrate, an over-the-counter supplement that can help relieve constipation.
- Eat prunes or drink prune juice, which contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect. Prunes may be more effective than other fibre sources such as psyllium.
- Try avoiding dairy if you have an intolerance as it can cause constipation.
These natural alternatives to laxatives can help relieve constipation and improve digestive health. However, if constipation persists, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider to identify the cause and find an effective treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
No, laxatives do not get rid of all food in your system. They are meant to be used as a treatment for constipation by softening stools or stimulating your bowels to move, making it easier to pass.
There are five types of laxatives: bulk-forming, stool softeners, lubricant, stimulant, and osmotic. Bulk-forming laxatives add soluble fiber to stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Stool softeners mix water with the stool, lubricants coat the stool, stimulants force the muscles in your intestines to squeeze and move the stool, and osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the bowel.
Taking laxatives for long periods of time or when you don't need them can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal damage, and interference with prescription medications.
Laxatives are not safe for everyone. They should not be given to children unless recommended by a pediatrician and should not be taken by pregnant women without consulting a doctor. They can also interfere with certain medications, so it is important to check with a healthcare provider before taking them.
Increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and exercising regularly can help relieve constipation and reduce the need for laxatives.