Laxatives are traditionally used to facilitate elimination, but are a popular weight-loss aid as well. However, their safety for use as a diet tool is circumspect. While encouraging bowel movements, particularly if you are constipated, can be helpful in specific medical situations, using laxatives to lose weight can be harmful. They have side effects that can affect important physiological systems. Talk to your doctor before trying laxatives, particularly to lose weight.
Types of Laxatives
There are several types of laxatives sold for use with intestinal disorders. Bulk-formers do not digest, but absorb liquid in your intestine to form a soft stool, and are used to ease diarrhea symptoms. Hyperosmotics draw water from surrounding tissues into the intestines, increasing bowel action. Lubricants, like mineral oil, coat the intestines to pass matter while stimulant laxatives act on the intestine wall to increase contractions. Stool softeners are just used to ease straining of a bowel movement, as they pull fluids in to prevent hardy, dry stools. The stimulant laxatives are the most popular type for self-treatment, and also have the most side effects.
Laxative Abuse
Laxatives help speed elimination of food from the body, which can result in weight loss. However, abuse of such medications can cause harmful side effects. Stimulant laxatives are the most abused laxative. Stimulant laxatives are often chosen by those suffering from anorexia nervosa or bulimia potentially because they work quickly. The study states that many erroneously believe that laxatives prevent caloric absorption and weight gain.
Laxative Side Effects
The use of laxatives can actually lead to electrolyte imbalances in your body, potentially depleting important minerals. These changes can affect your kidneys as well as your heart, and may become life threatening. Your body's renin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure and water balance, becomes activated due to the loss of fluid. This activation leads to edema, or water retention, and acute weight gain when you discontinue the laxative, perpetuating the abusive cycle. Other laxative side effects include cramping, bloating, nausea, dizziness and gas.
Proper Use of Laxatives
Your doctor will tell you how to use laxatives properly, and to avoid unwanted side effects. Laxatives are not meant to be used for long periods of time, as they can deplete your body of nutrients. Each type of laxative will have different recommendations for use. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day is advised while taking any laxative.
Member Comments