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But not all of these meds are created equal, and depending on them too much for relief can do more harm than good.
This is just one of a host of side effects associated with prolonged laxative use, which include electrolyte imbalances, seizures, heart arrhythmias, muscle aches, and more. To be on the safe side, follow the dosing instructions on the box, and don't use any type of laxative for more than a week or two without telling your doctor first.
They might recommend that you take a different type of laxative like an osmotic laxative, such as Miralax or fiber-bulking agents like Metamucil or Citrucel instead. According to James-Stevenson, these are "considered safe for short- and long-term treatment of constipation symptoms. Here are the best probiotics for your health. If altering your diet or activity isn't solving your poop problems at the end of the day, don't wave it off: "A change in your bowel habits can sometimes be a sign of something more ominous occurring with your health, such as colorectal cancer," says Chen.
Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. This can lead to weakness, irregular heartbeats and sudden death. Without having to work to eliminate waste, the body stops moving waste through the intestines on its own.
Impaired intestinal function: After long-term laxative abuse, the intestines lose normal muscle function and nerve response, and can no longer contract to evacuate stool normally. Instead, waste sits in the intestines for far longer than normal. Laxative abuse is also associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Those with a past of laxative abuse can go weeks without having a bowel movement.
This can cause unpleasant physical symptoms such as cramps and bloating, as well as emotional symptoms such as shame, irritability, and anxiety. The effects may be reversible, but recovery may be a slow process. Symptoms may linger for years. Infections: The intestine normally is coated with a protective layer of mucus, which prevents the walls of the intestine from irritation. The intestines also contain bacteria which are necessary for immune system function and overall health.
Laxative abuse strips away these bacteria and the protective mucus, leaving the intestines vulnerable to infection and irritation. Some studies even suggest that abusing laxatives increases the risk of colon cancer, the idea being that long-time inflammation ups the odds that cells will develop abnormally during the healing process. Rectal prolapse: Chronic severe diarrhea caused by laxative abuse can cause the inside of the intestines to protrude through the anal opening.
This condition usually requires surgical treatment. Depression: Depression can be associated with laxative abuse. Constipation due to laxative abuse can leave people feeling ill and uncomfortable.
They may also be embarrassed and ashamed about their condition. People often feel they need to keep laxative abuse hidden, causing stress and shame. While any of these laxatives can be abused, the typical choice for those with an eating disorder is stimulant laxatives.
While there may be a short-term benefit in using these teas or supplements for the occasional constipation, these are not meant to be used regularly. As with laxatives, the digestive tract can develop a dependence on them. There can also be rebound weight gain as water returns to the intestines and colon. This increase in weight can trigger individuals to continue using laxatives, but for a longer amount of time, and in higher quantities.
Using these herbal products and supplements can be just as harmful as purchasing a package of laxatives from the grocery store. They're also available on prescription from a doctor.
Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the "bulk" or weight of poo, which in turn stimulates your bowel. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften poo and make it easier to pass. These stimulate the muscles that line your gut, helping them to move poo along to your back passage. This type of laxative works by letting water into poo to soften it and make it easier to pass.
It's difficult to know whether a particular laxative will work better than another. It depends on the person. Unless there's a reason why a type of laxative may be more suitable for you than another:. Also see a GP if you're still constipated after trying all of the different types of laxative, or you think your child might benefit from taking laxatives.
Before using a laxative, read about it in our Medicines guide or the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to make sure it's safe for you to take. Find out more about the considerations about laxatives.
Some laxatives have to be taken at certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Ask a pharmacist for advice if you're not sure how to take your laxative.
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