Laxatives are among the most commonly abused non-prescription medications. From a medical perspective, laxatives should only be used to treat constipation and in a few other situations. These include, for example, a colonoscopy or surgery, painful bowel movements due to an anal fissure or hemorrhoids, and a heart attack or high blood pressure. In these cases, laxatives are used to prevent excessive abdominal clenching.
Lose weight with laxatives?
In part, however, laxatives are also used to lose weight. Here it is assumed that by taking the laxative, digestion is accelerated and the body therefore lacks the time to absorb the calories from food. This is supposed to result in weight loss over time.
In fact, however, it is not possible to lose weight by taking laxatives. This is because laxatives do speed up digestion, but only in the large intestine. However, the absorption of nutrients into the body takes place for the most part already in the small intestine. Thus, one cannot lose weight by taking laxatives, because the amount of energy absorbed is not lowered by the laxatives.
In order to lose weight through laxatives, the agents are often taken in high doses, so that severe side effects can occur. The overdose can lead to severe diarrhea, through which the body loses mainly fluids and minerals. In the long run, this can lead to disturbances in the electrolyte balance – especially in the potassium balance. If the potassium level drops, this can lead to a disturbance of the heart function as well as to muscle weakness. In addition, the constant diarrhea can result in irritation of the intestinal mucosa.
Purification through laxatives
In addition to diets, laxatives are also frequently used in purification cures. Purification cures are usually carried out in the spring to cleanse the body and rid it of accumulated waste products.
First and foremost, laxatives such as Epsom salts or Glauber’s salts are used for purification. However, since taking such laxatives can cause side effects such as a drop in blood pressure and muscle weakness, the use should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
