Can Laxatives Help You Lose Weight

Laxatives Could Help You Lose Water Weight. ... It is true that laxatives may help increase weight loss, but the results are only temporary. Several types of laxatives work by pulling water from your body into the intestines, allowing stool to absorb more water for an easier passage.

Source: Laxatives for Weight Loss: Do They Work and Are They Safe?

How can I lose weight fast?

Here are 10 more tips to lose weight even faster:

1. Eat a high-protein breakfast. ...
2. Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice. ...
3. Drink water a half hour before meals. ...
4. Choose weight loss-friendly foods (see list). ...
5. Eat soluble fiber. ...
6. Drink coffee or tea. ...
7. Eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods. ...
8. Eat your food slowly.

Source: How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science 

Why should laxatives only be used when recommended?

Laxatives may help prevent constipation caused by some drugs or prevent straining to have a bowel movement, which might be dangerous for some people. ... Long-term use of laxatives, except for bulk laxatives, can make you dependent on laxatives to go to the bathroom and may mask important constipation symptoms.

Source: All About Laxatives | Everyday Health

How long do the effects of laxatives last?

They may take up to 2-3 days before they start to work. Stimulant laxatives - these stimulate the digestive tract walls, speeding up bowel movements. Usually, they take effect within 6-12 hours. Stool softener laxatives - these decrease the surface tension of stools so that they absorb more water, making them softer.

Source: Laxatives for constipation: Types, side effects, and misuse

How many times a day can you take lactulose?

Initial dose is usually 2 tablespoons (30 ml) taken 2-3 times a day. This dose may be increased to 3-4 times a day so that you produce 2-4 soft bowel movements daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to therapy. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much to take and how often.

Source: Lactulose Side Effects | Hepatic Encephalopathy | Liver Foundation

What is the best laxative that works fast?

Stimulant laxatives are the fastest-acting, such as include aloe, cascara (Nature's Remedy), senna compounds (Ex-Lax, Senokot), bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol), and castor oil. Saline laxatives or enemas such as Fleet Phospho-Soda, milk of magnesia, and magnesium citrate.

Source: 7 Types of Laxatives for Constipation Relief, and Side Effects

What are the side effects of taking too many laxatives?

Taking too many laxatives overtime may weaken the bowel muscles, further leading to constipation. Contact a doctor after taking laxatives if you experience symptoms including dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output and lightheadedness, especially with changes in position, after taking these laxatives.

Source: FDA warns exceeding laxative dose may be deadly for some - CBS

What do laxatives do to the body?

Although laxatives artificially stimulate the large intestine to empty, the “weight loss” caused by a laxative-induced bowel movement contains little actual food, fat, or calories. Instead, laxative abuse causes the loss of water, minerals, electrolytes and indigestible fiber and wastes from the colon.

Source: Laxative Abuse: Some Basic Facts | National Eating Disorders

Is it safe to take laxatives?

Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Overuse of certain laxatives can lead to dependency and decreased bowel function. ... Many safe, effective over-the-counter laxatives are available to treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways.

Source: Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with caution - Mayo

Do laxatives make you have diarrhea?

Nearly all medicines may cause diarrhea as a side effect. The drugs listed below, however, are more likely to cause diarrhea. They work either by drawing water into the gut or by causing the muscles of the intestines to contract. However, taking too much of a laxative can cause diarrhea that is a problem.

Source: Drug-induced diarrhea: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Do laxatives cause gas and bloating?

Bloating is one of these side effects. According to Barnard College, when you take a laxative, it diminishes water supplies in your body, causing dehydration. ... Aside from bloating, laxative use may also result in abdominal cramping, gas, increased thirst and in some cases, diarrhea.

Source: Do Laxatives Make You Bloated?

Do laxatives help with constipation?

Laxatives contain chemicals that help increase stool motility, bulk, and frequency -- thus relieving temporary constipation. But when misused or overused, they can cause problems, including chronic constipation. ... Still, 85% of doctor visits for constipation result in a prescription for a laxative.

Source: Laxatives for Constipation: Treatments, Use, Safety - WebMD

Are chia seeds a natural laxative?

One of the benefits of chia seeds is its ability to work as a natural laxative. Chia seeds combined with liquid form a gelatinous substance that easily moves through your intestines. As a great way to increase the fiber in your diet, chia seeds swell and expand in the digestive tract, absorbing water.

Source: Natural Laxatives: 7 Best Foods to Stay Regular - Dr. Axe

How long should it take for a laxative to work?

Saline (magnesium citrate solution) laxatives work a little more quickly, taking 30 minutes to six hours. Regardless of which type of laxative you use, rectal enemas and suppositories usually work the fastest. They usually take two to 15 minutes, but in some cases have taken up to an hour to work.

Source: Stool Softeners vs. Laxatives - Healthline

Can you overdose on a laxative?

A laxative is a medicine used to produce bowel movements. Laxative overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. ... Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental. However, some people regularly take overdoses of laxatives to try to lose weight.

Source: Laxative overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

What is laxative used for?

They are used to treat and/or prevent constipation. Laxatives vary as to how they work and the side effects they may have. Certain stimulant, lubricant and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under certain circumstances.

Source: Laxative - Wikipedia

What is the difference between a laxative and a stool softener?

Stool softeners prevent or treat constipation by making the stools less hard. They do not directly cause bowel movements. Because of this, most stool softeners take one to three days to be effective. By contrast, stimulant laxatives, such as Cascara, bisacodyl, and castor oil, act by directly producing bowel movements.

Source: What is the difference between stool softeners and stimulant laxatives 

Is coffee a laxative?

It's tempting to attribute the effect to caffeine, since that's the ingredient you're going after when you slurp down a cup of coffee. But think about it: Soda doesn't have the same effect. And studies have found that decaf coffee (which some people drink for some reason, I guess) can have a laxative effect, too.

Source: Here's why coffee makes you poop - The Washington Post

How long do the effects of laxatives last?

They may take up to 2-3 days before they start to work. Stimulant laxatives - these stimulate the digestive tract walls, speeding up bowel movements. Usually, they take effect within 6-12 hours. Stool softener laxatives - these decrease the surface tension of stools so that they absorb more water, making them softer.

Source: Laxatives for constipation: Types, side effects, and misuse

Why do laxatives make you poop?

A common example of a stimulant laxative is bisacodyl (Dulcolax and Correctol). Other constipation remedies. Stool softeners and lubricant laxatives are also helpful because they make dry, hard stools easier to pass. Mineral oil can be used as a lubricant laxative, as can a glycerin suppository.

Source: All About Laxatives | Everyday Health

What is the best laxative that works fast?

Stimulant laxatives are the fastest-acting, such as include aloe, cascara (Nature's Remedy), senna compounds (Ex-Lax, Senokot), bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol), and castor oil. Saline laxatives or enemas such as Fleet Phospho-Soda, milk of magnesia, and magnesium citrate.

Source: 7 Types of Laxatives for Constipation Relief, and Side Effects

Can you die from taking laxatives?

The agency has received 54 reports of side effects, including 13 deaths, linked to over-the-counter sodium phosphate laxatives. Serious side effects include dehydration and/or abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood that can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage and sometimes death.

Source: FDA warns exceeding laxative dose may be deadly for some - CBS ...

Do laxatives make you lose weight?

But please know, they not only do nothing for your weight, but they will cause severe internal damage. Stop the laxatives and instead opt for a natural way to lose weight: drink lots of water, exercise, eat prunes if you need that extra kick to get things moving..

Source: The Problem of Living on Laxatives to Lose Weight - Spoon University

You Might Be Interested in: Laxatives for Weight Loss

Laxatives for fast action with constipation :

Laxatives for fast action: Constipation is a rather controversial condition of the body, despite the fact that 30 to 50 percent of the adult population and 5 to 20 percent of children face this problem. The World Health Organization considers a delayed, difficult or insufficient defecation of the disease , as evidenced by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems.

At the same time, international gastroenterological organizations and associations of gastroenterologists denote constipation as a symptom of various diseases. This position is also typical for domestic medicine. Classification of problems with defecation as a symptom determines the nature of their elimination: in gastroenterology, the main step in the fight against constipation is to eliminate the causes of their occurrence. But along with this, in most cases fast and effective therapy is required, aimed at normalizing the stool, which is performed with the help of medicines belonging to a large group - laxatives.

Characteristics of laxatives

Characteristics of laxatives

Laxatives are medicines that are used solely to fight constipation. Generalized mechanism of their action can be divided into two areas:

• strengthening wave-like contraction of the large intestine (peristalsis) to accelerate the withdrawal of its contents to the outlet;
• inhibition of reverse water absorption in the large intestine.

The history of laxative preparations began with plant remedies, which included antraglycosides. Over time, salt and synthetic drugs were created, which were not always effective and safe to use. But now pharmacology has gone far ahead, enemas, syrups and tablets from constipation have become more perfect and we will consider them as much as possible in detail.

Classification of laxatives

Classification of laxatives

According to the international system of classification of medicinal products, laxatives are divided into six groups:

• softening agents;
• osmotic laxatives;
• laxatives that increase the amount of intestinal contents;
• laxatives in the form of enemas and candles;
• contact (irritable) laxatives;
• other laxatives.

Let's consider each of the groups in more detail.

Laxatives of softening action (plasticizers)

The main drugs of the group

• Liquid paraffin (Vaseline oil) (from 45 rubles.)
• Norgalax (sodium docusate) (from 80 rubles)
• Glycerin (from 136 rubles.)
• Almond oil (from 63 rubles.)

Mechanism of action

Softening laxatives affect the level of the small intestine. The result of their work is softening of stool, stimulation of peristalsis, reduction of absorption of liquid by the walls of the intestine, simplification of slipping of stool to the outlet.

Indications for use

Assigned to people who can not push (women after childbirth, people after surgery), patients with coprostasis (obstruction of the large intestine). Also, the drugs of this group are recommended for various poisonings and in preparation for diagnostic procedures.

Contraindications

Do not apply softening laxatives to pregnant women, children under 12 years, people with chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, kidney diseases, uterine and intestinal hemorrhages.

Side effects

Possible reduction of reflexes of defecation, inflammation of the rectal mucosa, malignant neoplasms of the intestine

Osmotic laxatives

The main drugs of the group

There are three subgroups of osmotic laxatives:

• salt preparations: Sodium sulfate (from 19 rubles.), Magnesium sulphate (from 23 rubles.), Karlovy Vary salt, Magnesium hydroxide
• indigestible carbohydrates - prebiotics: Lactulose (from 202 rubles), Inulin (from 82 rubles.), Dufalac (from 248 rubles.), Prelax (from 161 rubles.), Normaz (from 257 rubles.)
• Macrogol and its analogs: Forlax (from 152 rubles.), Endofalk (from 462 rubles.), Fortrans (from 118 rubles.).

Mechanism of action

Saline laxatives act throughout the intestines, increasing the osmotic pressure in its lumen. This action attracts into the intestine fluid from the plasma and fatty tissues, which leads to softening of stool.
Prebiotics have an effect on the large intestine. With their bacterial fermentation in the colon, acidity in this region increases, which leads to an increase in volume and a softening of the stool.
Macrogol stimulates the hydration process, equalizing the volume of the large intestine and its contents. Does not affect the intestinal microflora and does not irritate it.

Indications for use

Osmotic laxatives are prescribed for various types of poisoning, in preparation for laboratory tests and surgical intervention, with acute and chronic constipation.

Contraindications

The salt subgroup of laxatives is contraindicated in children, pregnant women and women during lactation. Also, salt laxatives can not be used for heart failure. Prebiotics and Macrogol have virtually no contraindications. They are most often prescribed for constipation in children.

Side effects

Salt preparations can cause uncontrolled laxative effect, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
The intake of prebiotics is often accompanied by flatulence, and Macrogol can cause diarrhea and minor abdominal pain.

Bulk laxatives

The main drugs of the group

• Sea kale (from 63 rubles.);
• Flax seeds (from 50 rub.);
• Figs (from 122 rubles.);
• Pulp of psyllium seeds (from 90 rub.);
• Mukofalk (from 504 rubles.).

Mechanism of action

At the heart of this group are laxative components that are not digested in the intestine. In fact, they expand the volume of the rectum, while retaining water, which leads to reflex acceleration of defecation. Admission of the drugs themselves should be accompanied by the simultaneous use of a large amount of liquid - up to one and a half liters.

Indications for use

Are prescribed for chronic constipation, people who can not push (postpartum and postoperative periods), patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Contraindications

Presence of allergies to components of preparations.

Side effects

The intake of bulk laxatives may be accompanied by bloating, minor pain, a feeling of colon fullness.

• They are considered the safest group of laxatives.
• Laxatives in the form of enemas and suppositories
• The main drugs of the group
• Norgalax (from 80 rubles.);
• Bisakodil in candles (from 25 rubles.);
• Glycerol (from 90 rubles.);
• Mikrolaks (from 346 rubles.).

Mechanism of action

They have a local effect on the rectum, softening the stool and increasing them in volume.
Indications for use Assigned before laboratory tests, postpartum and postoperative periods, as well as with episodic constipation.

Contraindications: Remedies for constipation in the form of enemas and candles are contraindicated in uterine bleeding, with exacerbation of hemorrhoids, inflammatory processes in the colon and with cracks in the anus.

Side effects: In the short term, laxatives of this group do not have side effects. Long-term use may be accompanied by pain and itching in the anus, inflammation of the rectum, diarrhea.

• Contact (irritable) laxatives
• The main drugs of the group
• Castor oil (from 53 rubles.);
• Root of rhubarb (from 160 rubles.);
• Bisacodyl (from 45 rubles.);
• Fruits of the hopper;
• Guttalaks (from 230 rubles.);
• Phytolax in the form of chewing tablets (from 195 rubles.).

Mechanism of action: Preparations of this group have an irritant effect on the mucous membrane and nerve endings in the large intestine, thus stimulating the process of peristalsis. Also contact laxatives prevent the process of absorption of liquid from the intestine, not allowing the calves to harden.

Indications for use: Are appointed, mainly, at acute constipation.
Contraindications: Not prescribed for children and the elderly, as well as patients with limited mobility due to the unpredictable course of laxative effect. In addition, most drugs in this group have individual contraindications, and their long-term use is not recommended.

You Might Be Interested in: Laxatives for Weight Loss

Laxatives to Lose Weight

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.

You Might Be Interested in: Laxative Weight Loss

Lose Weight with Laxatives

Lose Weight with Laxatives

There are hundreds of different ideas floating around about the best way to lose weight. Some of them make sense while others are completely unrealistic. Trying to lose weight with laxatives is one of those that is completely unrealistic.

Laxatives function by stimulating the colon, increasing the frequency of peristaltic movements in the wall of the bowel and by increasing the amount of water present in the bowel. Neither of these functions has anything remotely to do with losing weight. In fact, if anything a person could gain weight from drinking more water to replace what is leeched from the other tissues to fill the bowel.

Lose Weight with Laxatives and Digestion

These drugs do not inhibit the absorption of nutrients from foods during digestion. Any part of what is consumed that can benefit the body in any way finds its way into the bloodstream and into the cells of the body. The only thing that is left over is waste material that the body cannot use. The bowel, being of limited size, cannot hold more than approximately five pounds of such waste matter.

While laxatives may hasten the expulsion of this waste material, along with a moderate amount of water, the total weight lost in the process will not be over six or seven pounds. In the process, the drugs cause dehydration, possible abdominal cramps, and other problems that are actually worse than carrying those five or six pounds around until they can be lost in the proper fashion.

People who use laxatives routinely as means to attempt to lose weight often find that their bowels will no longer work properly without them. This type of dependence on a drug is harmful to the body and the self esteem of the individual.

Lose Weight with Laxatives and Physical Illness

Other forms of physical illness often arise as a result of continued use of laxatives. In many ways, this condition is quite similar to the eating disorder known as bulimia, where a person eats all he/she desires, and then forces himself/herself to vomit by mechanical or chemical means. Anyone who thinks that eating all one can hold, and then forcing it out of the body rapidly through the use of laxative medications is fooling themselves.

This practice is unhealthy and useless in the battle against excess weight. It does not create any significant weight loss. Any weight lost in the process will be regained as soon as the person eats or drinks anything. It can lead to serious health problems. It is impossible to lose weight with laxatives, so it is best to find a more sensible approach to weight loss.

Laxative Weight Loss - Things You Need To Know About Using Laxatives

Laxative Weight Loss

Given the large number of fad diets and weight loss schemes one can find on the internet, it is not too surprising to see that someone has put forth the idea of takings laxatives as a means of losing weight. While a person could lose a couple of pounds rather quickly in the restroom, the plain truth about laxative weight loss is that it is a myth.

laxative weight loss, like all drugs, have a specific purpose for which they are used. Use of a drug in any manner other than as directed is a form of drug abuse. Unfortunately, it would seem that many people abuse laxatives by deliberately taking an overdose because someone told them it would help them lose weight really fast.

What actually happens when a person does this is that they inhibit the body’s natural rhythm and over stimulate the muscles of the large intestine. This can lead to serious cramps that cause a great deal of pain. The lower bowel becomes flooded with water that has been stolen from other tissues leaving them in a state of dehydration. The contents of the bowel are expelled forcefully, sometimes causing a tear in the wall of the bowel that can lead to waste leaking into the abdomen and causing sepsis, an infection created by the bacteria that live safely in the bowel but are poisonous to the rest of the body.

Now, if the wall of the bowel is torn and an infection develops, one will probably lose a great deal of weight while being fed via IV fluids and possibly having to have part of some of the organs removed to destroy the infection. Somehow, that just does not seem to be the goal.

Laxative Weight Loss 

Other than the conditions mentioned above, the most a person can hope to lose through the use of laxative weight loss is five or six pounds. Then, the weight loss will only register until the person eats or drinks something. Anything consumed will add that weight right back.

There are hundreds of diet plans and schemes that claim to help a person lose weight. Some of them are good ideas and some are not. Laxative weight loss is one of those ideas that are not so good. The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to make some fundamental changes in one’s lifestyle, including what and how much one eats and the amount of exercise that one gets.

You Might Be Interested In:                 Taking Laxatives To Lose Weight