Feeling full can be uncomfortable, and it's tempting to reach for a laxative to relieve the feeling. However, it's important to understand that laxatives are intended to relieve constipation, not a feeling of fullness. Constipation is characterised by infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and difficulty passing stools. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor or make dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fibre and water intake, before considering laxatives.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Feeling full | Try eating more fibre, exercising regularly and drinking more water before taking a laxative |
Laxatives | Medicine for constipation |
Types of laxatives | Bulk-forming, stool softeners, lubricant, stimulant, osmotic |
Weight loss | Laxatives do not stop the body from absorbing calories or gaining weight |
Side effects | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal damage, interference with prescription medications, eating disorders |
What You'll Learn
Laxatives are not a weight-loss solution
Feeling full can be uncomfortable, and it's not surprising that some people turn to laxatives to try to alleviate this feeling. However, it's important to understand that laxatives are not a weight-loss solution and should not be used for that purpose. Here's why:
Laxatives do not promote weight loss:
Laxatives are designed to stimulate bowel movements and treat constipation. While they may lead to a temporary feeling of lightness, they do not contribute to long-term weight loss. The weight lost after taking laxatives is due to water loss and not the loss of body fat. Laxatives do not reduce body weight in the long term.
Health risks associated with laxative misuse:
Misusing laxatives by taking them when not constipated or using them too frequently can lead to serious health risks. Dehydration is a common side effect of laxative misuse, as they can draw water out of the body. Dehydration may cause headaches, thirst, dry mouth, and other symptoms. Additionally, laxatives can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to weakness and abnormal heart rhythm. In severe cases, electrolyte imbalances can even be life-threatening.
Potential for dependency and gastrointestinal issues:
Frequent use of laxatives may lead to dependency, as the gut may become dependent on stimulation to move food through the digestive tract. This can result in impaired intestinal function. Laxatives can also irritate the gut lining and put individuals at risk of having bloody stools. Some studies have linked laxative abuse to more serious conditions, including gastrointestinal damage, liver damage, and kidney failure.
Effective and safe weight-loss strategies:
Instead of turning to laxatives, it's important to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This includes eating a nutritious and balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and practicing self-care to improve body image. Making these changes is a safer and more effective way to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
In summary, laxatives are not a safe or effective weight-loss solution. They can lead to temporary water loss but do not contribute to long-term weight loss. Misusing laxatives can have serious health consequences, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal issues. To lose weight safely and effectively, focus on adopting sustainable lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and increasing your physical activity levels.
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Over-the-counter laxatives are a short-term treatment
Laxatives are available in various forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. Each type has specific benefits and potential side effects. For example, stimulant laxatives can be harsh on the body, causing cramping and diarrhoea, and should not be used daily or regularly. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, are highly effective in the short term but can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and certain prescription medications if used for extended periods.
Bulk-forming or fibre laxatives are often recommended by doctors for normal and slow-transit constipation. They increase the water content and bulk of the stool, making it easier to pass. However, it is important to increase fibre intake gradually, as abruptly adding more fibre to your diet can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, or gas. Additionally, fibre can reduce the absorption of some drugs, so it is crucial to take your medications at least one hour before or two hours after consuming fibre.
Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), draw water into the stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. While these products are generally safe, they may cause side effects such as gas, bloating, and nausea. Stool softeners, another type of laxative, help mix water with the stool to make it softer and easier to pass. They are commonly used by individuals recovering from surgery, women who have recently given birth, or those with haemorrhoids.
In summary, over-the-counter laxatives can be a safe and effective short-term treatment for occasional constipation. However, it is important to use them appropriately and in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. If constipation persists or becomes chronic, it is best to consult a doctor, as it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
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A backed-up bowel doesn't always need a laxative
Laxatives are medicines for constipation and should only be taken if you are experiencing problems passing stool. Before taking laxatives, it is recommended to increase your fiber intake, exercise regularly, and drink more water. A healthy diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products, along with regular exercise and adequate hydration, can help prevent constipation in most people.
If you are experiencing chronic constipation despite leading a healthy and active lifestyle, it is important to consult a doctor. They can evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment for your constipation.
It is worth noting that laxatives are not meant for weight loss. While they can help move food through the body, they do not prevent the absorption of calories or weight gain. Misusing or overusing laxatives can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal damage, and interference with prescription medications. Therefore, it is crucial to use laxatives sparingly and only when necessary.
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The different types of laxatives
There are several types of laxatives available to treat constipation, and they can be taken as pills, powders, liquids, syrups, suppositories, or enemas. It is important to follow the instructions on the medicine to prevent side effects such as dehydration, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and nausea. Here are some of the common types of laxatives:
Bulk-Forming Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fibre supplements, increase the "bulk" or weight of the stool by adding soluble fibre to it. This fibre draws water from the body into the stool, making it softer and bigger. The increase in size stimulates the colon to contract and push the stool out. These laxatives are generally considered gentle and are the least likely to cause side effects. They usually take 12 hours to three days to work.
Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include:
- Psyllium (Metamucil®)
- Polycarbophil (FiberCon®)
- Methylcellulose (Citrucel®)
- Fybogel (ispaghula husk)
Osmotic Laxatives
Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. They stimulate the muscles lining the gut to help move the stool along. These laxatives usually take two to three days to work, while saline laxatives, a subtype of osmotic laxatives, act quicker, from 30 minutes to six hours.
Examples of osmotic laxatives include:
- Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®, Gavilax®)
- Magnesium hydroxide solution (Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Phillips' Milk of Magnesia)
- Lactulose (Duphalac®, Lactugal®)
- Macrogol (Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole, Molative)
- Glycerin (Colace Glycerin, Fleet Pedia-Lax®)
Stool Softener Laxatives
Stool softeners, also known as emollient 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 slick. This coating prevents the colon from absorbing water from the stool, keeping it soft. It also makes for a slippery passage that facilitates easier bowel movements.
An example of a lubricant laxative is mineral oil.
Stimulant Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives activate the nerves controlling the muscles in the colon, forcing it into motion to move the stool along. These laxatives may be necessary if other over-the-counter types have not been effective. However, they can cause dependency and liver damage if used long-term.
Examples of stimulant laxatives include:
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®)
- Senna (Fletcher's® Laxative, Senokot®)
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When to see a doctor about constipation
Constipation is a common issue, but it is never truly normal. While it usually resolves within a few days or weeks, some cases of constipation can persist for a month or longer and interfere with your quality of life. If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to know when to see a doctor. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical help:
- Chronic Constipation: If you are experiencing constipation that is persistent and lasts for a month or longer, it is a good idea to consult a doctor. Chronic constipation can affect your daily life and may indicate an underlying condition.
- Lifestyle Changes Ineffective: If you have tried making lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fibre intake, staying hydrated, and exercising, but your constipation persists, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Constipation can cause discomfort, but if the pain becomes debilitating, it is an emergency. Severe abdominal pain could be a sign of bowel perforation caused by hard and lumpy stools.
- Blood in Stool: If you notice blood in your stool, seek immediate medical attention. This could indicate various conditions, including colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Unintended Weight Loss: If your constipation is accompanied by unintended weight loss, it could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.
- Inability to Pass Gas: Constipation that is accompanied by an inability to pass gas may indicate a bowel obstruction in the small or large intestine.
- No Bowel Movements for More Than a Week: While this may not always be an emergency, it is important to see a doctor to prevent the situation from becoming more serious.
- Vomiting: If you are constipated and vomiting, it could indicate that impacted stool has blocked your colon. Several conditions can cause nausea and vomiting, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
- Serious Stomach Pains: If you are experiencing constipation along with serious stomach pains, it could be a sign of a more severe condition, and you should seek medical advice.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Constipation can be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, or diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, proper medical management can help resolve constipation.
Remember, constipation is not a disease but a symptom of something else going on in your body. If you are concerned about your bowel habits or experiencing any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
No, feeling full is not a reason to take a laxative. Laxatives are medicines for constipation and are only recommended if you have problems passing stool.
Taking laxatives for weight loss, for long periods of time, and when you don’t need them can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal damage, and even colon cancer.
Some alternatives to laxatives include eating more fibre, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and making dietary changes to include a variety of healthy, high-fibre foods.