Laxatives: When To Stop And What To Consider

should I continue my laxative after the constipation is over

Laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation. They are often used if lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising, have not helped. While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, it is generally recommended to stop taking them once your constipation improves. This is because long-term use of laxatives can lead to side effects and may even worsen constipation. Instead, it is advised to make lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and increasing fluid intake, to prevent constipation from recurring.

Characteristics Values
When to stop taking laxatives When your constipation improves
How long to take laxatives for Ideally, only take laxatives occasionally and for up to a week at a time
What to do if your constipation doesn't improve Speak to a doctor
What to do after taking laxatives Make lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and including more fibre in your diet
How to prevent constipation Lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and including more fibre in your diet are better ways of preventing constipation than using laxatives

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Laxatives should not be used for weight loss

Laxatives are medicines that treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to get moving so you can pass stools. They are not meant to be used after the constipation is over.

Using laxatives for weight loss is neither safe nor effective. There are several reasons why laxatives should not be used for weight loss:

  • The weight loss that people may experience from taking laxatives is due to water loss and not body fat loss. As soon as one drinks something, they will gain the weight back.
  • Laxatives can cause dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues such as heart problems, kidney failure, and even death.
  • They can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to weakness and an abnormal heart rhythm. In severe cases, this can be life-threatening.
  • Prolonged use of laxatives can irritate the gut lining and put one at risk of having bloody stools.
  • Laxatives can cause intestinal damage, increasing the chance of colon cancer.
  • They can also interfere with the absorption of prescription medications, causing serious health problems.
  • People who use laxatives for weight loss are more likely to develop an eating disorder.
  • Laxatives can cause other serious problems in the digestive tract.
  • Using laxatives for weight loss is not a sustainable or healthy way to lose weight. Instead, it is important to make sustainable lifestyle changes such as eating a nutritious, balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and practicing self-care to improve body image.
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Over-the-counter laxatives are a short-term treatment

Laxatives are available without a prescription and can be purchased at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. They are a good "plan B" option when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, fluid intake, and physical activity, have not helped relieve constipation.

It is important to remember that laxatives are not a weight-loss tool. While they may cause a temporary decrease in weight due to water and waste elimination, this is not a reflection of body mass or fat loss. Misuse or overuse of laxatives can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration, kidney injury, and electrolyte imbalances.

When using over-the-counter laxatives, it is crucial to follow the directions on the package or those provided by a healthcare professional. They should be used sparingly and in conjunction with lifestyle changes to promote regular bowel movements. If constipation persists or occurs frequently, it is recommended to consult a doctor to discuss other treatment options and rule out any underlying conditions.

Additionally, laxatives are not suitable for everyone. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking laxatives during pregnancy, giving them to children, or using them while taking prescription medications, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs.

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A backed-up bowel can be relieved with lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can help kick your digestive system into gear and relieve constipation. Here are some tips to help get things moving:

Dietary changes

  • Eat more fibre: Fibre helps to relieve constipation by increasing the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, making them easier to pass. It also helps them pass through the digestive system more quickly. Good sources of fibre include whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Aim for 20-35 grams of fibre per day.
  • Drink more water: Dehydration can cause constipation, so it's important to stay hydrated. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water per day. If you don't like water, ask your doctor about other liquids you can drink.
  • Avoid dairy: Dairy can cause constipation in people with an intolerance to it. If you suspect a dairy intolerance, talk to your doctor about removing it from your diet.
  • Avoid sugary and fatty foods: Sugary treats, high-fat meats, cheese, and frozen or packaged meals can make you more likely to get constipated.
  • Eat probiotic foods: Probiotics may help prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria. Probiotic foods include yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso.

Exercise

  • Get moving: Lack of physical activity can lead to constipation. Try to incorporate more movement into your day, such as going for a walk or doing some light exercise after meals.
  • Reduce stress: Stress can slow down how quickly food moves through your bowel. Try stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or relaxation exercises.

Other tips

  • Listen to your body: When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, use the bathroom right away. Don't hold it in.
  • Establish a routine: Research has shown that people with a regular bowel pattern empty their bowels at approximately the same time every day. Try to schedule some uninterrupted time each day for a bowel movement.
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Laxatives can cause side effects like dehydration

Laxatives are a common go-to for relieving constipation, but they can also cause side effects like dehydration. While laxatives are readily available over the counter, they should be used with caution and only when necessary.

Laxatives work by stimulating or facilitating bowel movements. They can soften hard stools or stimulate the bowels to get moving. However, they can also cause side effects, especially if not used correctly. One of the most common side effects is dehydration, which can occur if laxatives cause diarrhoea or if not enough water is consumed with the laxative. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as feeling weak and having darker-than-normal urine.

To prevent dehydration when taking laxatives, it is important to follow the instructions on the medication and drink plenty of fluids. Bulk-forming laxatives, for example, work by drawing water into the colon to make stools softer and easier to pass. If not taken with enough water, they can cause increased constipation and dehydration. Osmotic laxatives, such as Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, can also cause dehydration as they pull water from other parts of the body into the colon. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions and supplement with additional fluids.

Overuse of laxatives can also lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which can be dangerous. This can occur when the body loses too much water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, are not properly balanced. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeat. In addition, overuse of laxatives can lead to intestinal muscle and nerve response loss, resulting in dependency on the laxatives for bowel movements.

It is important to be cautious when taking laxatives and to follow the instructions carefully. They should not be used as a long-term solution for constipation. If constipation persists or if you experience any side effects, it is important to consult a doctor.

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Self-help alternatives to laxatives include increasing fibre intake and drinking plenty of water

Self-help alternatives to laxatives

Laxatives can be an effective way to relieve constipation, but they are not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects such as dehydration. It is often possible to improve constipation without resorting to laxatives by making some simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

Increase your daily intake of fibre

Try to eat about 30g of fibre a day. Fibre-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, as well as cereals such as bran flakes. However, some types of fibre can actually make constipation worse, so it's important to experiment and find out what works for you.

Add bulking agents to your diet

These will help make your poo softer and easier to pass. Wheat bran is a good example of a bulking agent, although it can sometimes make bloating worse.

Drink plenty of water

Water is important for your digestion. It keeps food moving through your intestines and stops stools from becoming hard and dry. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation, so drinking enough water may be enough to "get things moving" again.

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