
Whether you should take laxatives before or after eating depends on the type of laxative and your reason for taking it. Laxatives are a type of medicine that can trigger a bowel movement and should only be used to treat constipation if natural options aren't working. There are several types of laxatives, including bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, and stimulants. The timing of when to take a laxative depends on the form chosen. For example, bulk-forming laxatives should be taken after meals with a full glass of water, while stimulant laxatives are best taken on an empty stomach to speed up their effect.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When to take laxatives | Depends on the type of laxative |
Bulk-forming laxatives | After meals with a full glass of cold water or juice |
Stimulant laxatives | On an empty stomach to speed up its effect |
Stool softeners | At the end of the day, around bedtime |
Lubricant laxatives | Not on an empty stomach, especially not at bedtime or in a lying position |
Osmotic laxatives | On an empty stomach |
What You'll Learn
- Laxatives should only be used to treat constipation, not overeating
- Laxatives should only be used if natural options aren't working
- Laxatives should be taken with water or juice
- Laxatives can cause side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Laxative abuse can lead to serious health problems, including dehydration, kidney failure and even death
Laxatives should only be used to treat constipation, not overeating
Laxatives are a type of medicine that can trigger a bowel movement and relieve constipation. They should only be used to treat constipation and not as a way to lose weight or get rid of unwanted calories.
Laxatives are typically used to treat constipation when natural options and lifestyle changes are not working. Constipation is characterised by struggling to poop, hard or dry stools, and the feeling that your bowels are not empty even after passing a stool. It can be caused by a lack of fibre and water in your diet, or a lack of exercise. Usually, increasing your fibre and fluid intake, as well as exercising more, can help relieve constipation. However, if these changes do not help, laxatives may be considered as a next step.
Laxatives work by softening hard stools or stimulating your bowels to get moving. They come in different forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, suppositories, and enemas. They can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication label and not to take more than the recommended dose. Taking too many laxatives can lead to an overdose and serious side effects, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, and intestinal blockage.
While laxatives can provide relief from constipation, they should not be used to treat overeating. Laxative abuse, or using laxatives to get rid of unwanted calories, is a form of eating disorder and can have serious health consequences. Laxatives do not work by rushing out food or calories after consuming them. Instead, they act on the large intestine, triggering a bowel movement, and most calories and fat are absorbed before they reach the large intestine. Misusing laxatives can lead to dehydration, mineral and electrolyte loss, intestinal damage, and an increased risk of colon cancer. Therefore, it is important to use laxatives only for their intended purpose of treating constipation and not as a weight-loss tool.
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Laxatives should only be used if natural options aren't working
Laxatives are a type of medicine that can trigger a bowel movement and relieve constipation. They should only be used if natural options aren't working. Constipation is a condition in which the normal excretion of stools is decreased, accompanied by difficulty in passing and pain when passing stools due to solid or large stools.
Before turning to laxatives, it is recommended to make lifestyle and dietary changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more fluids, and exercising regularly. Eating high-fiber foods, taking probiotics, and staying hydrated are often sufficient to alleviate constipation.
If these natural approaches do not provide relief, then laxatives may be considered. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking laxatives, especially if you are pregnant, giving laxatives to a child, or taking prescription medications that may interact with the laxatives.
Laxatives should be used with caution and only as directed to prevent side effects such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea. They are typically recommended for short-term or occasional use, as prolonged use can lead to serious side effects and worsen constipation. It is important to read the instructions on the medication label and not exceed the recommended dosage.
There are several types of laxatives available, including bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as fibre supplements, are generally the first choice as they are considered the gentlest and safest option. They work by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. However, they may take a few days to provide relief.
In conclusion, laxatives should only be used if natural remedies and lifestyle changes are ineffective in treating constipation. It is important to prioritise natural approaches, consult healthcare professionals, and use laxatives with caution to ensure safe and effective relief from constipation.
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Laxatives should be taken with water or juice
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. It is important to note that laxatives should only be used occasionally and for a short period, usually not exceeding one week. If constipation persists after this time, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
When taking laxatives, it is crucial to follow the instructions carefully to ensure their effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects. One important consideration is whether to take them with water or juice.
Bulk-forming laxatives are commonly recommended as the first-choice treatment option. These laxatives increase the bulk or weight of the stool, stimulating the bowel to promote a bowel movement. They can be taken in the form of capsules or tablets, sachets of powder mixed with water or other liquids, or suppositories inserted into the rectum. It is advised to take bulk-forming laxatives after meals with a full glass of cold water or juice. This is because hydration is essential for these laxatives to be effective. The water or juice helps to draw water into the bowel, softening the stool and facilitating its passage.
Stimulant laxatives, on the other hand, induce a bowel movement by stimulating the colon to contract and push out the stool. Examples of this type include Bisacodyl and Senna. These laxatives are typically taken at least one to two hours after a meal, once the food has been digested. Taking them on an empty stomach can speed up their effect. However, it is important to note that an empty stomach may also increase the risk of side effects such as stomach cramps.
Stool softeners, also known as saline laxatives, draw fluids from nearby body tissues into the colon, softening the stool. Examples include Milk of Magnesia and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). These are usually taken at the end of the day, around bedtime.
It is worth noting that some laxatives should not be taken on an empty stomach, especially not at bedtime or while lying down, as they can be absorbed and cause pneumonia. Therefore, it is recommended to take these types of laxatives after meals. Additionally, laxatives can cause dehydration due to fluid loss during defecation, so it is crucial to drink plenty of water or juice to stay hydrated.
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Laxatives can cause side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
Laxatives are a common medicine used to treat constipation and are available over the counter without a prescription. They work by either softening stools or increasing their bulk with additional fibre, making them easier to pass. However, they can also cause several side effects, including gas, bloating, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Gas and bloating are two common side effects of laxatives. This is because laxatives work by drawing water into the colon, which can cause increased gas production and a feeling of fullness or bloating. These side effects can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but they are usually not serious.
Laxatives can also cause cramping, especially in people who are prone to abdominal cramps or have sensitive digestive systems. The cramping is often mild and goes away on its own, but in some cases, it can be severe and require medical attention. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking laxatives, as dehydration can also contribute to cramping.
Nausea and vomiting are less common side effects of laxatives but can still occur in some people. This is because laxatives can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to feelings of nausea. In some cases, this may lead to vomiting. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own, but if they persist or are severe, it is important to seek medical advice.
Diarrhoea is another potential side effect of laxative use. This occurs because laxatives speed up the movement of food through the digestive tract, which can result in loose or watery stools. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids if you experience this side effect. In most cases, diarrhoea caused by laxatives will resolve on its own within a few days. However, if it persists or is severe, it is important to speak to a doctor.
While laxatives can be an effective treatment for constipation, they should only be used occasionally and for short periods. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and not exceed the recommended dose. If you are experiencing persistent constipation, it is best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that can help.
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Laxative abuse can lead to serious health problems, including dehydration, kidney failure and even death
Laxatives are a convenient solution for addressing occasional constipation. They are safe for occasional and legitimate use. However, laxatives are frequently misused, especially by those with eating disorders. People may use laxatives excessively in an attempt to lose weight. This is because they believe that laxatives can expel calories from the body before the digestive system absorbs them. However, this is a misconception as laxatives act on the large intestine, and by the time food reaches this point, the body has already absorbed most calories.
Laxative abuse can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Dehydration: Excessive laxative use can lead to dehydration due to excessive fluid loss. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to death.
- Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium are vital for the normal functioning of the body. Laxative abuse can cause diarrhea and the loss of these vital electrolytes, disrupting normal bodily functions.
- Organ damage: Prolonged and excessive laxative use can cause lasting damage to internal organs. The most important organs for survival may become impaired and unable to function properly, resulting in irreversible damage.
- Dependence: Long-term laxative misuse can lead to physical dependence, where the body relies on these agents for regular bowel movements.
- Increased risk of colon cancer: The repeated and forceful expulsion of stool can cause physical trauma to the colon lining, increasing the risk of bacterial infections and colon cancer.
- Heart problems: Laxative abuse can lead to heart issues, including irregular heartbeat.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Chronic dehydration from excessive laxative use can increase the risk of UTIs by concentrating chemicals in the urine.
- Kidney failure: In rare cases, chronic laxative misuse can lead to kidney damage and acute renal failure.
- Liver failure: Prolonged laxative abuse can result in hepatic failure.
- Pancreatitis: Excessive use of laxatives over an extended period can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
- Cardiovascular disease: Laxative abuse increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Rectal prolapse: This is the protrusion of the colon from the anus.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Laxative misuse can lead to IBS, causing recurring abdominal discomfort.
- Depression and anxiety: People who misuse laxatives to lose weight often feel shame or embarrassment about their behaviour. They may withdraw from friends and family out of fear of being discovered.
If you or someone you know is struggling with laxative abuse, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and changes in eating habits.
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