Is It Safe To Take Laxatives Everyday? Are Laxatives Healthy For Weight Loss?

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Laxatives are a type of medicine that can help treat constipation. They are usually prescribed if lifestyle changes, such as eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly, have failed to resolve the problem.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of laxatives for weight loss. Many people turn to laxatives when they need to lose weight quickly, but there are serious concerns regarding their safety and effectiveness [1].

We will examine whether it is safe to take laxatives every day and whether laxatives are healthy for weight loss in this article.

What Are Laxatives?

Laxatives are medications that stimulate bowel movements or loosen stool in order to facilitate passage. They are often prescribed to treat constipation, a condition caused by infrequent, painful, or difficult bowel movements [2].

Laxatives fall into a few different categories that function in different ways. These are the most common types:

• Stimulant laxatives
• Osmotic-type laxatives
• Bulk-forming laxatives
• Saline laxatives
• Lubricant laxatives
• Stool softeners

Are Laxatives Healthy For Weight Loss?

In a single word, NO! Laxatives are not healthy for weight loss.

There is no doubt that laxative abuse is becoming increasingly common among those looking to lose a few pounds quickly. Some studies estimate that over 4% of the general population abuses laxatives [3][4].

Laxatives work by drawing water from the body into the intestines, which allows stool to absorb more water, thus allowing it to pass more easily. This method results in only a loss of water through stools, which is not in any way healthy in any way.

Currently, there is no research that suggests that laxative use can result in lasting weight loss.

Instead, it can cause dangerous side effects such as dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances, and may even result in dependence [5].

What Are The Side Effects Of Laxatives?

• A common side effect of laxative use is severe dehydration. This occurs because many laxatives draw water from other tissues into the intestines, leading to increased loss of water through the stool [6].
• The use of laxatives can alter the balance of electrolytes in the body, leading to many adverse side effects, such as fatigue, muscle aches, and heart palpitations.
• Long-term laxative use has been associated with anecdotal reports of laxative dependency. However, there are still a number of studies that need to be conducted on the potential side effects of long-term laxative use.
• Additionally, laxative use has been linked to a number of dangerous side effects, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and possible dependence, as well as rapid deterioration of muscle tissue and the release of harmful proteins into the bloodstream, gastrointestinal damage, liver damage, and kidney failure [7].

Weight loss can be accomplished in a variety of better, safer, and more effective ways without compromising your health.

Is It Safe To Take Laxatives Everyday?

A BIG NO.

Take laxatives sparingly to ease constipation, as they can be harmful. Consult your doctor if you remain constipated after making lifestyle changes. You may be prescribed a laxative on a regular basis, but this should always be under the supervision of your general practitioner or gastroenterologist [8].

Generally speaking, bulk-forming laxatives are gentle on your body and safe to consume for a long period of time, however, you should not consume laxatives without consulting with a physician.

On A Final Note...

Laxatives may help increase weight loss, but the results are only temporary. Furthermore, they can lead to dangerous side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even dependence.

Remember, there are many better, safer, and more effective ways to lose weight without putting your health at risk. Among the safest and most effective methods for weight loss are eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising more, reducing portion sizes, eating a high-protein breakfast, and reducing your consumption of added sugar.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.