Laxatives to Lose Weight
There are different names with which laxatives are referred to as like purgatives or aperients. They are available in different forms, such as food, compounds or drugs. The laxatives aim to induce bowel movements or soften stools.
They were initially designed to counter constipation issues or for medical purposes, to clean the colon for bowel and rectal examination. When ingested, they help in eliminating undigested food remains from the large intestine and colon. However, in recent years, the use of “purgatives” or laxatives for weight loss has become very much popular.
Generally, laxatives are drugs or foods that are taken to induce a bowel movement or loosen stool. However, there is a common belief that they can lead to weight loss. In an effort to lose weight without having to diet, many people resort to different weight loss methods. If you do not want to follow a strict diet or you are looking for an alternative way to lose weight then laxatives to lose weight is what you need.
How laxatives work – or at least how they are intended to work
Laxatives are intended to clear up your intestinal tract rapidly with the use of medicines or herbal products. Laxatives to lose weight target the large intestine and its use is intended for certain medical procedures or if you are experiencing slow bowel movement.
They also affect small intestine, where caloric absorption takes place. They work by improving your metabolic rate at which your body burns calories and restores vital vitamins to your body in a healthy way and you will eventually lose weight.
Reasonable use of laxatives
Laxatives can be effective for short term weight loss goals. For example if you want to lose weight to fit in a certain dress on a given occasion you can use them. However, you should choose a gentle laxative that aims at relieving bloating that is associated with constipation. It can lead to fast weight loss and you will surely fit in your dress.
Laxatives that aid in weight loss:
1. Fiber products
Fiber products are among the best and safest laxatives and are also known as bulk producing agents and are often made of dietary fiber. They are slow acting laxatives and you can take them anywhere between 12 to 36 hours.
They bulk up your stool which leads to contraction of the intestines and leads to bowel movement and at the same time having a positive effect on the peristalsis. This in turn helps your body eliminate toxins and waste materials and you will eventually lose weight.
However, when you are taking these laxatives you should take a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Some of the side effects of these laxatives are abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and allergy reaction. Common laxatives falling under fiber products category are; bran, psyllium, guar gum and husk. Some foods such as apples, broccoli and prunes fall under this category.
2. Stool softeners
When you take these laxatives they cause fluid to mix with your stool which leads to softening of your stool. They coat your stool and colon wall with water resistant film which aids in smooth passage of the stool. It will take you 12 to 348 hours to see the results.
Some of the effects of these laxatives are cramps, skin rashes, and throat irritation. These laxatives not only help in bowel movement but also prevent constipation. A good example of these softeners is docusate.
3. Stimulant laxatives
These laxatives are made of herbs and chemicals which cause your intestinal muscles to spasm and contract. Unlike the above mentioned laxatives, this one shows results in less than a couple of hours. However, these laxatives are not free from side effects as they can cause diarrhea gas, and dehydration.
If you use them for longer period of time you might get addicted to them and this may harm your intestinal lining. Common laxatives falling under this category are cascara, sagrada, and castor oil.
4. Osmotic agents
This type of laxative causes water too be drawn t your large intestine which leads to bulking up of stool and in turn causing contractions in the intestines. You can see the results in 48 hours and they can cause dehydration and build up of minerals that can put undue pressure on your kidneys. Other side effects include dizziness, muscle cramps, confusion and irregular heartbeat.
While taking laxatives, it is important that you increase your water intake. This will prevent you from being dehydrated. Drinking a lot of water is also important as you will tend to eat less which will lead to reduced weight.
Laxatives To Reduce Weight
In fact, the natural way of reducing food intake is by taking a lot of water thereby resulting to reduced weight. Taking laxatives twice a day is an effective way of losing weight quickly.
In conclusion, you should understand that laxatives to lose weight are the best aid in reducing obesity. Even though laxatives can help you lose weight, it is good to consult a health professional before taking any of them.
A physician or a doctor may be the only person who can give you a proper advice regarding accurate dosage, side effects and any other information about laxatives to lose weight. You can also consult a nutritionist or a gastroenterologist before going for laxatives to lose weight.
Concluding, is it worth it?
If you ask what I think, I would honestly just blurt out that you are better off staying away from such type of “solutions”. Why you ask? Because the damage that these do is MUCH more and grave than the short term results they bring.
I mean, is a damaged colon, gut, digestive system worth losing a few pounds, if any. Because let me clear it to you, you will not, mark my words, you will not lose weight like those “before-after” pics you see posted all around the web with just laxatives.
If you are truly desiring results such as those, you would need to complement your laxative usage with some form of exercise or diet, and do it with full dedication for a few weeks to months before you even get close to the results you have dream off.
So do not be swayed by the super awesome before after pics and testimonials posted on these sites, because the results HAVE NOT been just due to laxatives.
It is always a combination of many factors. The primary being your diet, your workout routine and the amount and honesty of your dedication.
You combine all of those above, and remove laxatives from the picture, you will still reach your goal! Much safely this time. Take your pick.
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