Laxatives for weight loss?
Using laxative as a weight loss strategy?
Some people believe that laxatives can be used as a method of weight loss, but this belief does not match reality.
Laxatives and enemas work by artificially stimulating the nerve endings in the colon (lower intestine). But at this point in the digestion process, nothing is left but indigestible fibre, water and electrolytes. In other words, the food has already been digested and absorbed by the time laxatives take effect. Any weight loss that is experienced is related to water loss. When a person abuses laxatives, the nerve endings in the colon become less responsive to stimulation, and require ever increasing amounts of laxatives to obtain the same result. This increases dependency on laxatives and causes constipation. Further, the loss of fluids from the body can lead to periods of water retention and bloating, which can cause the sufferer to want to lose more weight and ingest more laxatives. More serious side-effects of laxative use include: dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, irregular heart beat and heart attack, renal problems, and death.
Stopping the use of laxatives is possible. The most preferred method is a combination of weaning off the laxatives, taking in adequate fibre and fluids in your diet, and possibly the help of medications. In some people, laxative use can have psychological or emotional links, which is important to address to successfully stop the dependency on laxatives.
If you are wanting help to address this issue, contact Kim Williams, dietitian at 604-928-5699.
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