Detect Laxatives In Your Food

If you suspect that someone has put laxatives in your food, it is important to be vigilant about any changes in your body. Some common signs that indicate laxative contamination include severe and unexplained stomach cramps, sudden onset of diarrhoea, excessive flatulence, nausea and vomiting, and sudden weight loss. These symptoms can lead to serious health complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even damage to the intestines if not addressed promptly. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the authorities if you suspect food tampering.

Unexplained stomach cramps

If you are experiencing unexplained stomach cramps, it is important to consider any other symptoms you may be having and whether you have recently consumed any new or unusual foods. It is always recommended to consult a doctor if you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, especially if you suspect that someone may have tampered with your food.

Some common side effects of consuming laxatives include diarrhoea, dehydration, nausea, abdominal cramping, and a drop in blood pressure. If you suspect that someone has been putting laxatives in your food, it is important to seek medical attention and inform your doctor about your concerns. They may recommend a physical examination, stool test, metabolic panel, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Additionally, persistent laxative abuse can lead to melanosis coli, which can be diagnosed through a physician's physical examination. A colonoscopy and microscopic examination of biopsies may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of laxative abuse.

To prevent constipation and maintain regular bowel movements, it is recommended to eat a high-fibre diet, drink adequate fluids, and stay physically active. If you are experiencing constipation, it is advisable to consult your doctor to discuss treatment options and determine the underlying cause.

Sudden onset of diarrhea

Diarrhoea is the frequent passing of loose, watery and unformed stools. Acute diarrhoea is the sudden onset of three or more loose stools per day, lasting less than 14 days. It is usually caused by an intestinal infection, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, with viruses being the most common cause.

If you suspect that someone has been putting laxatives in your food, you should consult a physician who can perform a physical examination. The diagnosis of laxative abuse can be made through a colonoscopy and microscopic examination of biopsies taken during endoscopic procedures.

The sudden onset of diarrhoea can be accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• Abdominal cramps or pains
• An urgent need to go to the toilet
• Nausea and vomiting
• Leaking stool and incontinence
• Fever (above 38 ºC or 101 F)
• Dehydration

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice, especially if the diarrhoea lasts for more than two days.

Excessive flatulence

• Eating certain foods: Some foods are more likely to cause flatulence, such as vegetables like cabbage, onions, and Brussels sprouts, cereals like wheat or oats, pulses including beans and lentils, and yeast in baked products like bread.
• Swallowing air: This can happen when eating or drinking, especially when eating too quickly or drinking carbonated beverages.
• Underlying health conditions: Some chronic conditions can cause flatulence, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
• Gastrointestinal infections: Infections such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or food poisoning can cause a buildup of gas.
• Constipation: This can make it harder to expel excess gas, leading to further accumulation and discomfort.
• Antibiotics: These can disrupt the normal intestinal flora, leading to an increase in flatulence.
• Lactose intolerance: The inability to break down lactose can lead to an increase in gas production by bacteria in the large intestine.
• Celiac disease: Intolerance to gluten can lead to excessive flatulence when consuming barley, wheat, and rye.
• Artificial sweeteners: Common in candies and sugar-free foods, sorbitol and mannitol can cause gas and diarrhea.
• Carbonated drinks: The gas in fizzy drinks and beer can contribute to flatulence.
• Other causes: Pregnancy, a hernia, pancreatitis, Hirschsprung disease, premenstrual syndrome, and endometriosis can also lead to excessive flatulence.

If excessive flatulence is accompanied by signs of poisoning, blockage, or blood in the feces, urgent medical attention is required. A doctor can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing excessive flatulence.

Nausea and vomiting

If you suspect that someone has put laxatives in your food, it is important to seek medical help right away. While laxatives are typically used to relieve constipation, taking too much can lead to an overdose, which can have serious health consequences.

• Call for emergency medical assistance – In the event of a suspected laxative overdose, it is essential to seek professional help. Contact your local emergency services or poison control center for immediate advice and instructions. In the United States, you can reach the Poison Help hotline by calling 1-800-222-1222. This is a free and confidential service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Provide necessary information – When you call the poison control center or emergency services, they will need specific information to guide you on the next steps. Have the following details ready: the person's age, weight, and current condition; the name, ingredients, and strength of the product, if known; the time the potentially tainted food was consumed; and the amount consumed.
• Seek medical attention – Depending on the advice given by the poison control center or emergency services, you may need to go to the emergency room or seek immediate medical attention. If possible, take the container or the remaining food with you to the hospital for testing.
• Monitor for other symptoms – Laxative overdose can cause a range of symptoms beyond nausea and vomiting. These may include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. In more severe cases, there may be a drop in blood pressure, gastrointestinal irritation, or even aspiration pneumonia, where vomited stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs.
• Preventative measures – While this may not be your immediate concern if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, it is worth noting that consuming laxatives with plenty of fluids can help prevent choking or intestinal blockage. Additionally, if you suspect that someone has been tampering with your food, it is important to keep yourself safe by not consuming any food or drinks you believe to be contaminated.

Remember, if you suspect that someone has put laxatives in your food, it is crucial to act quickly. The steps outlined above can help guide you in seeking the necessary medical attention and support. Your health and safety are paramount, so trust your instincts and don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Sudden weight loss

Now, onto sudden weight loss.

There are various medical conditions that can lead to sudden weight loss:

• Thyroid problems: An overactive thyroid gland can increase metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss, a racing heartbeat, and mood shifts.
• Diabetes: If your body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively, it may start burning fat and muscle, leading to weight loss. Other symptoms include increased thirst, fatigue, hunger, and increased urination.
• Celiac disease: This is when the body can't process gluten, leading to an immune response that affects the small intestine. This can result in weight loss, diarrhoea, and fatigue.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications can cause weight loss as a side effect. If you notice weight loss after starting a new prescription, check the label for side effects.
• Mental health conditions: Depression and anxiety can lead to weight loss by reducing appetite or increasing physical activity.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions like dementia can cause weight loss by changing food preferences, making food difficult to swallow, or impairing the recognition of food.
• Digestive conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, and pancreatitis can affect the ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to weight loss.
• Organ weakness: Conditions like heart failure and amyloidosis can lead to weight loss by affecting the body's ability to pump blood and oxygen efficiently.
• Serious infections: Infections like parasitic infections, HIV, and tuberculosis can cause weight loss, especially if left untreated.
• Cancer: While not the most common cause, cancer can lead to weight loss through increased metabolism, muscle loss, fatigue, and reduced appetite.

Frequently asked questions