Laxatives And Cholesterol: Exploring The Connection

Laxatives can help lower cholesterol, but only if taken in the right way. Soluble fibres found in laxatives like Metamucil block the absorption of cholesterol into the blood. Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative made from psyllium, which is a natural product that may reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is believed that psyllium helps absorb waste, bile acids, and cholesterol, which are removed from the body during bowel movements.

How laxatives work to lower cholesterol

Laxatives are over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation. Certain laxatives, such as Metamucil, are made from psyllium, a natural product that may reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Psyllium is a type of soluble fibre that binds cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and removes them from the body before they enter the bloodstream. This may be due to its ability to swell and form a thick gel.

Research has shown that chronic laxative use for 12 months or more is associated with a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol levels, with no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.

The different types of laxatives

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving. They are available over the counter in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online, and can also be bought on prescription from a doctor.

There are four main types of laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stool softeners, and lubricants. Most are available without a prescription, but they should be taken as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

Bulk-forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming 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 bigger and softer. The increase in size stimulates the colon to contract and push the stool out. These laxatives are generally considered the gentlest and are the best option to try first unless a doctor recommends another type. They include psyllium (Metamucil®), polycarbophil (FiberCon®), and methylcellulose (Citrucel®).

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. They include polyethylene glycol (Gavilax®, MiraLAX®), magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax®, Ex-Lax®, Phillips'® Milk of Magnesia), and glycerin (Colace Glycerin®, Fleet Pedia-Lax®).

Stool Softener Laxatives

Also called emollient laxatives, these increase the amount of water and fat that the stool absorbs, making it softer. They include docusate (Colace®).

Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives coat the colon, making it slippery. This prevents the colon from absorbing water from the stool, so it stays soft and is easier to pass. They include mineral oil.

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives activate the nerves that control the muscles in the colon, forcing it to move the stool along. They include bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) and senna (Fletcher's® Laxative).

Prescription-only Laxatives

Prescription laxatives are recommended for people with chronic constipation, including constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or for those taking opioids, which can cause constipation. Examples include lactulose (Duphalac®), linaclotide (Linzess®), lubiprostone (Amitiza®), and prucalopride (Prudac®, Motegrity®).

The side effects of laxatives

Laxatives are available over the counter and are a common medication to help treat constipation. However, they can have several side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before taking them.

Firstly, laxatives can cause an increase in constipation if not taken with enough water. This is a particular risk with oral stool softeners, which work by softening stools. Rectal suppositories, which are taken rectally, can also cause increased constipation.

Laxatives can also cause abdominal cramps and pain, as well as dehydration, which can lead to lightheadedness, headaches, and darker urine. Dehydration can be dangerous, causing tremors, weakness, blurry vision, and kidney damage, and in extreme cases, it can even be fatal.

Another possible side effect of laxatives is diarrhea, which can also lead to an electrolyte imbalance. This can affect the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the colon and heart.

Laxatives can also interact with other medications, including certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications. They may also worsen constipation if the constipation is caused by another condition, such as diverticulosis, by decreasing the colon's ability to contract.

Overuse of laxatives can lead to a dependency on them, as the intestines can lose muscle and nerve response. This can result in the need for larger and larger doses to have a bowel movement.

It is important to carefully read the instructions and warnings on laxative packaging and to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking them, especially if you are taking other medications or have an underlying health condition.

The benefits of laxatives

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can help you empty your bowels if you are experiencing constipation. They are widely used to treat constipation if lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising regularly, have not helped. However, it is important to note that laxatives should only be used occasionally and for short periods. Here are some benefits of laxatives:

Relief from Constipation

Laxatives are commonly used to relieve constipation by increasing stool frequency and improving stool consistency. They work by softening stools, stimulating bowel movements, or increasing the bulk of stools with additional fibre. This helps to move stools through the colon more quickly and makes them easier to pass.

Different Types Available

There are several types of laxatives available, including bulk-forming laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as Metamucil and Citrucel, work in a similar way to dietary fibre by increasing the bulk of stools. Osmotic laxatives, such as milk of magnesia and glycerin, soften stools by increasing the amount of water in the bowels. Stool softeners, like docusate sodium, increase the water content of stools to make them softer. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the intestinal lining to retain moisture and allow for softer stools. Stimulant laxatives, like Ex-Lax and Senokot, speed up the movement of the digestive system.

Over-the-Counter Availability

Most laxatives are available over the counter without a prescription. They can be purchased in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. This makes them easily accessible for those who need occasional relief from constipation.

Natural Alternatives

There are also natural alternatives to laxatives, such as increasing fibre intake, consuming high-fibre foods like legumes, flaxseeds, and leafy greens, and staying hydrated. These natural alternatives can help improve digestive health and relieve constipation without the use of medication.

Bowel Cleanse

Laxatives can be used to cleanse the bowel before a procedure on the digestive system. This is particularly important to flush out the colon before invasive procedures or surgery.

The limitations of laxatives

Laxatives are over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation. They are available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, capsules, suppositories, and enemas. While laxatives can be effective in providing short-term relief from constipation, they also have certain limitations and side effects that users should be aware of.

One of the main limitations of laxatives is that they do not address the underlying cause of constipation. Constipation can be primary, associated with slow intestinal movements due to anatomical issues, inadequate fiber intake, or insufficient fluid consumption. It can also be secondary, related to metabolic diseases like diabetes, neurologic diseases like Parkinson's disease, or certain medications. Laxatives provide temporary relief without addressing these root causes.

Additionally, laxatives should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. Prolonged or excessive use of laxatives can lead to health complications such as diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. Long-term use can also result in laxative dependency, where the colon stops reacting to usual doses, requiring larger and higher doses over time. This can lead to a loss of muscle and nerve response in the intestines.

Furthermore, laxatives may interact with other medications, including heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives, especially if one is already on prescription medication, to avoid potential adverse interactions.

Another limitation of laxatives is that they are not suitable for everyone. People with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, should generally avoid taking laxatives unless specifically instructed to do so by their doctor. Additionally, breastfeeding individuals should exercise caution as some laxative ingredients can pass into breast milk and potentially cause problems for the baby.

Moreover, laxatives are not always effective in treating constipation. In some cases, frequent or long-term laxative use can even worsen constipation, particularly if the underlying cause is related to conditions like diverticulosis, which affects the colon's ability to contract. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered safe for daily use and do not typically worsen constipation.

Lastly, laxatives can have side effects, including abdominal cramps, dehydration, and, in rare cases, more severe symptoms such as severe cramps, weakness, skin rashes, or swallowing difficulties. It is important for individuals to carefully read the instructions and warnings on laxative packaging and consult a healthcare professional if they have any concerns or experience adverse side effects.

Frequently asked questions