Why is laxative bad for you

Constipation is one of the most frequent complaints doctors hear. It's estimated that constipation results in at least 2. Constipation occurs when stool passes too slowly through your digestive tract. This allows too much water to be absorbed, making the stool harder, drier, and more difficult to pass. Although everyone's digestive system is a little different, if you have not had a bowel movement in four days, you may be constipated and a laxative could help. If you have tried adding fiber, drinking more fluids, and increasing your activity , and you are still constipated, there are many constipation remedies that are available over-the-counter.

These include laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and tap water enemas. Here is what you need to know about laxatives:. The benefit of laxatives is that you can purchase them without a doctor's prescription and they are generally safe and effective. This can cause the laxative user to try to treat those symptoms with more laxatives, setting up a vicious cycle. In some people, the frequent bowel movements that come from diarrhea also irritate the rectum and anus, resulting in sores, bleeding or pain while using the toilet.

Diarrhea also can interfere with participating in exercise or other social activities because of the need to run frequently to the bathroom. When too much fluid is lost in diarrhea caused by laxative abuse, people may become dehydrated. Dehydration puts stress on the organs, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include thirst, decreased urination, headache, light-headedness, diminished sweating, dry mouth, weakness and fatigue.

Electrolyte abnormalities: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are lost at abnormally high rates in diarrhea. 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. Laxative abuse, unfortunately, is more common than most people realize.

People with anorexia were most likely to report misuse of laxatives, compared to those with bulimia or binge eating disorder. Extended use of laxatives can mess with your electrolyte levels so much that you become dehydrated.

If you start to notice any signs of dehydration — dry mouth, headache, not being able to pee — stop taking the laxatives and speak with a doctor immediately.

On January 8, , the FDA released an official warning about the dangers of sodium phosphate laxatives after 13 people died as a result of using them incorrectly.

Taken either orally or anally, these particular laxatives are particularly dangerous for people who are already taking kidney medication or have kidney disease. The warning noted that signs of kidney complications include not urinating enough, drowsiness, and swelling of the feet and ankles.

Of course, the individuals who died after taking these laxatives didn't follow the directions on the box. They took more doses in a single day than was instructed. If you do this and don't have a bowel movement within 30 minutes if it's consumed rectally , you need to seek medical attention. Even if you don't have suffer from any kind of preexisting kidney issues, it's better to air on the side of caution.

Kidney disease kills about two percent of women today, and there are no symptoms in the early stages that indicate its existence. So if you're going to mess around with laxatives, you better go with the right dosage. An unpleasant thought, I know. Remember those rhythmic contractions we talked about earlier that laxatives put your intestines through? Well, your colon is supposed to do that on its own.

The muscles expand and contract, absorbing nutrients from the food and preparing to expel what the body doesn't need. If you're experiencing irregularity with your bowel movements, these movements probably aren't happening as easily as they normally would, though.