Laxative abuse can also cause long-term and potentially permanent damage to the digestive system, including chronic constipation and damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon.
Laxatives are medicines to treat constipation by softening the stools to make passage easier, or by stimulating the lower intestine to push out stool. While a doctor may recommend occasional laxative use for people with constipation, in people with eating disorders, laxative use may become a frequent or everyday occurrence. Laxative abuse is the repeated use of laxatives to purge calories or food.
The thinking — though incorrect — is that the laxative will quickly move food through the body and clear out calories before the calories can be absorbed. Laxatives contain warnings that using the medicine for more than one week can cause serious long-term complications. However, individuals with an eating disorder may disregard these warnings. Many people who abuse laxatives will take more than the suggested dose and continue to increase that dose as the body becomes accustomed to the additional assistance.
Others take small amounts, potentially even staying within the recommended dose, but for far longer than is safe. Laxatives do not actually help people lose weight. Laxatives work on the large intestine. By the time waste reaches that area of the body, the small intestine has already absorbed the calories from the food consumed. Laxatives may, however, cause temporary loss of water, electrolytes, minerals and waste product sitting in the lower intestine.
This can make a person feel like they have a flatter stomach or cause the numbers on the scale to read a bit lighter. But as soon as the individual drinks water, the weight returns. The digestive process starts the moment we put food into our mouths. Chewing breaks down food for easier processing by the body. In the stomach, digestive acids and enzyme further process the food, before emptying into the small intestine. In the small intestine, digestion continues with the help of enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.
From there, waste products move into the large intestine. The rectum, at the lower end of the large intestine, stores stool until it can be pushed out of the anus during a bowel movement. After taking laxatives for a period of time, the body begins to rely on the help of the laxative in order to move waste through the body.
People become both psychologically and physically dependent on laxatives, more quickly than many realize. Constipation: Laxatives are used to treat constipation, but when abused, laxatives can actually cause constipation to worsen.
Laxatives work by artificially stimulating, or irritating, the nerves in the large intestine. Laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for short periods of time. There are some natural alternatives to laxatives and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate constipation :. What happens inside the body after a person eats dictate how they put on weight and how long it takes to process nutrients. Find out the typical…. We look at some possible natural alternatives to laxatives for people looking to have a bowel movement.
We also look at when to see a doctor. Epsom salt is a widely available home remedy for many ailments, including constipation. A person can use Epsom salt as a laxative by mixing it with….
How much, and how often should…. Share on Pinterest Laxatives are often used to relieve constipation, a common gastrointestinal complaint.
Share on Pinterest Negative side effects include bloating, feeling sick, and abdominal discomfort. Medically reviewed by Xixi Luo, M.
Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. However, there are serious concerns over their safety and effectiveness. Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil and FiberCon may help you find relief from constipation.
Before you start taking them, learn about their…. Learn what typical bowel movements should include, as well as tips to poop more…. Citrucel powder is a type of fiber supplement used for constipation. This article explains its uses, effectiveness, and potential side effects.
Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems. Learn more about the possible causes and how to treat constipation. Kombucha is a fizzy drink that's full of health benefits, but you may want to know whether it can help relieve constipation. This article explains…. Flaxseeds are a source of fiber and can be used to treat and prevent constipation. Learn how to use, plus other home remedies to stimulate bowel….
Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Laxatives Side Effects: Understanding the Risks. By far the largest group is made up of individuals suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. The second group consists of individuals who are generally middle aged or older who begin using laxatives when constipated but continue to overuse them.
This pattern may be promulgated on certain beliefs that daily bowel movements are necessary for good health. The third group includes individuals engaged in certain types of athletic training, including sports with set weight limits. The fourth group contains surreptitious laxative abusers who use the drugs to cause factitious diarrhoea and may have a factitious disorder.
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