Laxatives As Constipation Remedy: Are You Aware of the Dangers?

Using an over-the-counter laxative is, by far, the top constipation remedy of Americans today. And most of it is self treatment, taken without a doctor’s supervision. Since millions of Americans suffer from constipation problem every year, laxative medications register staggering sales of $725 million annually! The main problem with taking a laxative to help cure constipation problem is that it is not really intended for long-term use and yet it is undeniably habit-forming. Long-term treatment with or overuse of laxatives can lead to severe health problems.

Laxatives As Constipation Remedy – 15 Things You MUST Know

1. Too much laxative use can mask symptoms of other ailments, which could be crucial for your doctor to detect in its early stages.

2. Stimulant and osmotic laxatives can cause abdominal pain or discomfort, cramps, and dizziness.

3. Bulk forming laxatives cause gas, a swollen tummy, stomach cramps, and intestinal blockage.

4. Never combine different kinds of laxatives.

5. Some laxatives cause inflammation of the intestinal lining.

6. Prolonged laxative use can damage your colon and cause even worse constipation.

7. Overusing laxatives can cause the muscles that control your bowel movement to become lazy so that they won’t be able to function on their own.

8. Even natural laxatives, such as mineral or castor oil, when used often lead to vitamin deficiencies (notably A, D, E, and K). Castor oil also causes severe medical symptoms with regular use. If you accidentally breathe mineral oil into your lungs, you can get pneumonia.

9. You should not take laxatives especially Macrogols if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Opt for natural dietary solutions to constipation instead.

10. If you have been restricted in taking magnesium, check the laxative label for Magnesium Hydroxide. If you are on a low salt diet, do not take laxatives with Potassium Bitartrate or Sodium Bicarbonate unless with your doctor’s approval.

11. Never take Bisacodyl within an hour of milk or antacids.

12. Some laxative ingredients cause allergic reactions. An example is Psyllium – a major component in a bulk forming laxative. Some people prefer Psyllium-based laxatives to treat constipation problem because it is regarded as a gentler natural fiber. But if you happen to be allergic to it, you could end up treating more than constipation. Another example is Phenylalanine , which is dangerous if you have Phenylketonuria.

13. Laxatives can interfere with other medicationss/vitamins you are taking. It can cause an adverse reaction or it could inhibit your body’s absorption of some medicines or nutrients. Do not take any medicine within a couple of hours prior to the laxative. Consult your doctor before combining a laxative with prescription medications.

14. If you have a liver or kidney ailment, your body may build up magnesium excess, especially when you take laxatives with magnesium salts. Ask your healthcare provider to recommend food that can help you with constipation.

15. Elderly persons should avoid taking laxatives as they can seriously alter fluid and body chemical balance, particularly potassium and sodium.