Can laxatives actually make you lose weight?

Just curious, how does a laxative make you lose weight? Is it just water, that will gain back when you eat? What if you drink Slimming Tea every night? Can laxatives give you a flat stomach?

Laxatives can not give you a flat stomach. Slimming tea is also a natural laxative. The laxatives use the water in your body to flush out the remaining food in the digestive tract. You will gain the weight back within the next few days after the treatment and you will only be dehydrating yourself. chemical laxatives can also strip away layers of your digestic tract and can later develop ulcers. Laxatives should only be used for constipation and not for weight loss. However natural cleansing diets are good once a month because they flush out build ups but don't strip the linning of the digestive tract. This allows the body to use the body to gain all the nutrietns it can from the foods you eat leaving you less hungry.

Those of you who use Laxatives to control your weight?

I am fully aware of all the side effects which come with using laxatives to lose weight, and I understand that it's mainly water weight which comes off. I am just curious as to why YOU use laxatives to control your weight? If you have actually seen results.

I am only curious. Mainly because I've heard a lot of bad things about it, yet a lot of women still use them.

Thanks in advance.

Its not water weight. My friends mom used to keep her weight down like this. It makes you poop out all the food you just ate. I remember she would spend lots of time in the bathroom all the time. So I would highly recommend you do not use this as a way to lose weight!

Hope this helps

How do laxatives work? What are the mechanics of it?

I’m curious about how laxatives actually work… not just a stock answer like “chemicals”, but the actual going-ons in the body in relation to the chemicals that make you go to the bathroom.

http://www.ask.com/web?q=how+do+laxatives+work&qsrc=19&o=0&l=dir

I wasnt sure which laxitive you were talking about so I just gave you the web page.

Also I wouldnt suggest taking laxitives. If you have to take anything start with 2 tsp of brown sea salt in a quart of warm water to flush your colon, then I would use products like cascara sagrada to help your colon move better.

When a colon becomes slow it is because the colon is not contracting and moving the food to the end. Laxitives and natural products both help the spasm effect of the colon but OTC and medical products will make your colon dependent on the medication to move your colons if you use it even twice.

Do laxatives help expel calories before they are absorbed?

I read that laxatives work in the colon, and do not help your body not to absorb calories, because it is too late. Is this true?

Laxative induce bowel movements. They do not prevent the food from being processed, digested, absorbed, etc. They can help you lose weight because you will basically get diarrhea. This is not healthy for you. There is a new product on the market called Alli. Alli helps prevent fat from being digested. It aids you to learn how to eat healthier. The reason you learn to eat healthier is because then undigested fat is expelled through your digestive track. In other words, if you eat a high fat diet then you will have oily bowel movements. So to prevent that, you start to eat low fat/calorie foods. Not only do you gradually lose weight (within 1-2 weeks you will notive you drop 3-5 pounds) but you will feel better, too. You can get this at most drug stores. It is kind of expensive. But it does work. If stopping your body from absorbing fat is your goal, try this instead of laxitives…

Why do people become dependant on laxatives?

I've know that some people take laxitives like ExLax to lose weight. I understand the concept, however I've read that once you start taking them all the time you become dependant on them and almost need to take them regularly. Why? It's not like you can go through withdrawl from laxatives.

A very close friend of mine got hooked on it. She would suprisingly lose 2-3 pounds a week by doing an "every day" process. However once her wedding came, her body naturally had a hard time adjusting to the change in her bowel movements from every day (even many times) to 2-3 days. She was very uncomfortable and gained weight back. Her doctor basically viewed this way as a temporary way to shed a few pounds… because you're not carrying around those extra 2-3 pounds of waste when you make it exit your body rapidly. It would be just like having painless diarrhea for weeks. And yes, it can be a huge eating disorder, because abusers will typically resume using laxatives because they are no longer seeing results after quitting. This is just not a healthy or reasonable way to lose weight.

Are You Getting Your Colon Cleansed Regularly?

In America, more than anywhere else in the world, people are increasingly getting affected by colon-rectal cancer. There are studies that show if any American in the present day survives till the age of 40 he is almost certain to have diverticulosis, popularly known as herniated bowel pockets. Such facts are startling and makes us more concerned about our colon health which very often tends to get neglected.

Therapists who advocate colon cleansing argue that the colon is the place where all the wastes in our body get accumulated. If these waste matters are not removed properly, then they tend to stay there, being impacted on the walls of the colon and produce toxins. These toxins get absorbed by the bloodstream near the colon and are circulated all over the body. As toxins are necessarily bad they cause all sort of problems from headache to constipation. The therapists advise that regularly cleaning the colon by forcibly eliminating the waste matter inside one can ensure that these toxins do not get around.

Colon cleansing is not something new and its roots can be traced back to as far as the Egyptian civilization when colon was thought to be the cause of all ailments. The idea was pretty much in vogue even during Restoration England. There has been a renewed interest in colon cleansing in the recent years. Colon cleansing is performed to keep the colon completely free of any toxic substances. It is also ensured that the colon retains its proper shape and size and can function at its optimal levels.

More often than not you would not require colon cleansing. Your colon is equipped to take care of itself and unless and until the situation gets really out of hand your colon will keep on performing its work and there would be not too many risks in that.

The best way to keep your colon clean is to follow a regular balanced diet with enough of fiber in it, preferably insoluble fiber. The fiber in your food acts as roughage and helps you in having regular bowel movements. An adult human being would require 25-30 grams of fiber during a single meal.

If however you think that there is a serious problem with your colon you have to go for a colon cleansing. There are several methods available to us these days which can ensure that our colon is cleansed properly. These are:

-Colon hydrotherapy
-Colon cleansing herbs
-Oxygen-based colon cleansing laxatives
-Regular laxatives practiced in conventional medicine

So take regular care of your colon and get it cleansed whenever you deem it necessary.

Barney Garcia
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/are-you-getting-your-colon-cleansed-regularly-76999.html

Safe And Natural Ways To Detox And Cleanse The Body

All across America, harmful toxins including hair spray, lawn fertilizers, food preservatives, dry cleaning, and flea repellant are exposing us to more chemicals and toxins than ever before. They are present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water that we drink. These products that we depend on daily expose us to literally tens of thousands of chemicals and contaminants each day, making the question clear, how do we detoxify? With the hundreds of detoxification products ranging from one simple supplement to complicated regimens, how do we choose the best product for us?

Detoxification, which is the elimination of poisons or toxins, includes a wide variety of treatments that aim at getting rid of the body’s toxins and improve health. Although we have a natural detoxification system in our body such as our liver, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skin all work to eliminate the toxins we take in, the huge amount of contaminants and toxins in today’s environment presents too challenging of our job for our body to handle on its own. This results in a dangerous accumulation of toxins in our body. When toxins are found in the food we eat and the water that we drink, sometimes they can not be destroyed by the digestive enzymes, detoxified by the liver, or eliminated by the immune system, causing them to build up and affect every part of our body, slowing our metabolism, taking our energy, reducing our immunity, possibly leading to serious chronic illness.

Since most detoxification supplements only focus on the liver and colon, the only way to make sure that detoxification is truly successful is to cleanse the whole body, which demands detoxification of the blood and lymph also. If toxins are present in the blood and lymph, this means that every organ, tissue, and cell will be exposed to these toxins, even if you are currently undergoing detoxification. The blood and lymph fluids need detoxification too, for your body to perform its best.

Many detoxification programs are complicated and hard to follow, even with instructions. If you can’t understand what you need to do, the chances are that the detoxification program will not work very well. Be wary of which product you choose because some programs contain ingredients that are so ineffective and useless that they are a waste of money, while others contain products that are known to harm your health. Avoid programs that are based on senna and cascara, which are laxatives that often create bowel dependence, deplete vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and leave you feeling drained and fatigued. Enemas and colonics place a large demand on bowel health and, although helpful, should not be used at home, but rather under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

When choosing a whole body cleansing program look for something that is based on safe, effective, all-natural herbs and nutrients. It should be a gradual and gentle program that works with your body’s own detoxification ability and normal patterns of elimination. The two-week initial phase should scrub your intestines naturally, stirring up and freeing stored toxins, bind the freed toxins with fiber for excretion and elimination, restore power to the liver, purify the blood, and cleanse the lymph.

Magnesium hydroxide, which is one of the most effective yet gentle laxatives available, draws water into the intestines, which causes its contents to soften and swell. It then scrubs, loosens, and cleanses the intestinal walls. Herbs such as Slippery Elm Bark, Marshmallow Root, and Peppermint Leaf extract, coat irritated mucous membranes, draw out toxins, and soothe the lining of the intestinal wall, help white blood cells seek and destroy disease-causing germs, increase the bow of bile, relax intestinal muscles, and reduce cramps and gas that may occur during detoxification.

After stirring up toxins and scrubbing them from intestinal walls, they must be grabbed onto with natural detoxification fibers. Upon entering the intestines, the fiber expands and soaks up the toxins and waste minerals, preparing them for elimination through the intestines. The safest fibers to use during detoxification are oat bran, pectin from citrus fruit, psyllium husk, and guar gum. However, even the best detox fibers can’t cleanse the colon if they can’t absorb and eliminate toxins. The most effective fibers are designed to be thoroughly dispersed throughout the entire colon.

With the use of milk thistle, the best known herb for the health of the liver, liver cells injured by toxins can be regenerated and toxins can be blocked from entering the liver in the first place. However, not all milk thistle products are the same. Only milk thistle that is standardized to contain 80% silymarin and formulated with phosphatidylcholine are capable of preventing liver damage in persons suffering from alcoholism or hepatitis and improving the way the liver works in people with cirrhosis of the liver. When milk thistle is combined with artichoke extract, licorice, and dandelion, the result is healthy bile production and a better flow of bile into the small intestine.

Because blood nourishes every organ as it flows through our body and transports oxygen from the lungs, nutrients from the small intestine, hormones from glands, and immune cells to fight infection and reduce inflammation. It also takes toxins to the liver and transports waste to the kidneys. However, if the liver is unable to detoxify as it should, the toxins will remain in the bloodstream, influencing every cell, tissue, and organ. Burdock, one of the most effective natural blood purifiers and cleansers, helps the kidneys filter impurities from the blood more quickly and helps to cleanse the respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, and circulatory systems also.

Since lymph is the fluid of health, the lymphatic system is the first to alert the body that there are toxins within it. One of the most effective herbs for lymph detoxification is red clover extract because it is able to keep harmful toxins out of the lymphatic system, while keeping the liver strong and stimulating bile production.

Although most people will have excellent results from the whole body cleansing program, there are additional nutritional supplements that help detoxification needs. Humifulvate, which reduces lead and cadmium levels in people who have been exposed to highly toxic metals, binds harmful metals in the intestinal tract, without draining the body of the healthy minerals it needs. Following a cleanse with a high potency pancreatic enzyme supplement will help to keep intestines parasite-free, while helping your body to produce digestive enzymes, immune secretions, and beneficial flora. Oregano, thyme, peppermint, and goldenseal are also important in keeping the body from growing bacteria, viruses, candida, and fungi after detoxification. An inulin and oligofructose supplement can help our immune system fight bacteria and viruses and improve the strength of our heart, while keeping our digestive tract healthy. Finally, a probiotic supplement can help to deliver helpful bacteria to the intestine, where the previous beneficial bacteria had been depleted due to retained intestinal toxins.

When deciding to use a detoxification program, one must know that it is safe for most people. However, pregnant or nursing women should not use any detoxification program, even if they are designed to be extremely gentle. It is also recommended that a person does not detox more than four times in the same year, unless it is recommended by a health care provider. While on a detoxification program, it is important to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. With a good detoxification program, the whole body will be cleansed gently and gradually, while working with your body’s own detoxification ability and patterns of elimination. All the above mentioned herbs and vitamins are available at your local vitamin store as well as internet vitamin stores.

Darrell Miller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/safe-and-natural-ways-to-detox-and-cleanse-the-body-101797.html

What are the bad affects to taking laxatives regularly to “loose weight”?

I have heard that when people want to loose weight sometimes they will take laxatives very often so they won’t get much of the calories in the food and they can still eat “normal” I have also heard that after a while a lot of bad things can happen besides the whole starvation mode, organs shutting down thing. Can they eventually loose control of their sphincter muscle or the muscle that one clenches until they can get to a restroom?

I’ve heard yay and nay. What are the bad affects of taking laxatives regularly? I’m not doing this, only interested.

Everything you’ve heard is true. They also get the great side effects of anorexia and bulimia like yellow and flaky skin, hair loss, goiters, thin layer of hair growing all over the body, confusion, mental retardation, etc..

Constipation and Fatigue

If you are constipated, you are probably also dealing with fatigue. Constipation and fatigue can go hand in hand. Constipation is a symptom of a digestive problem; yet constipation has its own hosts of symptoms. Many people know the symptoms of constipation -bloating, straining, irregular bowel movements, passing small hard stools and even hemorrhoids. Fatigue is one of the lesser discussed symptoms of constipation.

Many people simply do not relate their fatigue back to their constipation. They think they are just leading a life that’s too busy, or they are not resting adequately at night, or they are under too much stress. Many people are surprised to find discover when they take steps to detoxify their bodies, and cleanse it of sludge, mucous, and accumulated fecal matter, their energy levels return.

The truth is when we are fatigued, everything becomes a chore. Simple things like getting up in the morning can seem like a monumental task. Everything from a demanding career, to pursuing higher education, to running after little ones in the home can seem like overwhelming obstacles. When you are fatigued and do not have the zest for life that you once did, it can easily lead to depression. If this sounds familiar, and you are constipated, you should get on the offensive and cleanse your system.

The colon is not supposed to be a holding tank for toxins and fecal matter. Many people have cleansed out their systems and were shocked at the quantity of waste matter they were carrying around inside their bodies. If you truly think about it, why wouldn’t you feel tired, sluggish and drained with all this garbage in you? Many people are carrying around literally pounds of toxins inside their bodies. It is no wonder many people report they lose weight after they have performed a complete colon cleansing.

To put it simply, constipation is not good. You must get the buildup of garbage out of your system before it results in a major health problem requiring surgery. Once your body is free of this debris, your energy levels can return and you can begin to develop a new outlook on life.

So, how do you cleanse the body? After all, it’s not like pouring some injector cleaner into your car’s gas tank . . . or is it? First, you should forget about laxatives and enemas. These just treat the present constipation and do nothing to get to the root of the problem. To thoroughly cleanse your body and rid it of mucous, fecal matter, and sludge, you need a product like Oxy-Powder®. This is an all-natural product in a capsule form. It doesn’t work harshly like an enema or strong laxative. As the name implies, Oxy-Powder® oxidizes away the years of waste in your system with natural ingredients released over a 12-hour period.

It is important to note the solid matter in your system will be pretty much liquefied; but this should not be misconstrued for diarrhea, which is caused by viral infection. Yes, you will go to the bathroom frequently. The only way to get rid of the buildup is to get it out. You will pass stools that are liquid in composition and you will also experience extra gas.

This is all part of the oxidation process and it is much easier on the system than using a laxative or enema. So, you should make sure you are near a bathroom during the first few days of the cleansing. Unlike laxatives and enemas, Oxy-Powder® truly cleanses the digestive system. It is not a one-time process. The product label details the dosage recommendations for the first seven days of your cleanse. There is also a maintenance dosage recommendation to help you keep your digestive system working at its best thereafter. Oxy-Powder® is also non-addictive and safe for your body.

It’s amazing how negatively something like constipation can affect your energy levels. It is also quite surprising how many people do not connect their constipation with their fatigue. Yet, it is easy to understand why these people feel tired. Their bodies, already polluted by the high levels of toxins, are fighting stress as a by-product of the natural, defensive process. Ironically, the colon may even attempt to absorb the waste to eliminate it, but that just puts even more poison into your system!

If you are suffering from fatigue and constipation, you should take steps necessary to thoroughly cleanse your system. Once you rid your body of the waste that it has stored over time, you will probably feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders – or at least from your stomach!

—–

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-and-fatigue-107565.html

Eating Disorders: A Disease Of Perceptions

Body image is something that young women in America often struggle with on a daily basis. Their minds are flooded with images of rail thin models and celebrities who run the “it” crowd. Unfortunately, this is where many women become obsessed with weight and looks in hopes of making themselves perfect. Although there is no clear cut cause for an eating disorder, people with a family history of depression or anxiety, obesity, and even social factors are listed as very possible perpetrators for such syndromes. There are two well known types of eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Anorexia is most likely the more well-known eating disorder in America today. Women with Anorexia will have what is called body-image distortion. This means because their views of what is attractive have become so distorted and skewed, what they see in the mirror isn’t necessarily what they actually look like.

So while you may see an attractive and healthy or sometimes underweight and malnourished individual, they will see nothing but flaws that need to be fixed typically their weight. Some tendencies include; using laxatives or enemas inappropriately, vomiting or excessive exercise routines. This can differ in several ways from the other common eating disorder called Bulimia Nervosa.

Bulimics have similar symptoms, but show different tendencies in their quest for the “perfect” body. While it is still classified as psychological condition dealing with body image this
condition causes the person to binge or overeat greatly on high fat or high calorie foods, and then purge most commonly with laxatives or vomiting. Although both of these disorders are generally categorized as psychological or sociological issues, new studies have shown that some sufferers of Bulimia could have hormonal imbalances specifically testosterone.

Body image matters have really evolved over time and have risen to staggering new heights in America over the last decade. Many will attribute this in large part to the fashion industry and endless media coverage on celebrities. While there is no “cure” for these disorders, anyone who has Anorexia or Bulimia needs treatment. It’s been shown that people who receive treatment at earlier stages have a vastly higher chance of keeping a healthy body and mind.

It is important to be educated about the signs and symptoms of these disorders. If you or anyone close to you is more than moderately underweight, show obsessive or irrational fears of food or gaining weight seek help immediately. These are life threatening diseases, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Gabriel Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/eating-disorders-a-disease-of-perceptions-124757.html

What is the worst thing that can happen to you if you become dependent on laxatives?

My stomach is very slow to empty and I have to take a lot of laxatives to keep things moving down there. Is there anything bad about doing this? If anyone knows or has the same problem I would love to hear from you.

There are many short and long term effects that laxatives can have on the body. Below are just a few but this list is not limited.

Upset Of Your Electrolyte Balance: Electrolytes are minerals like potassium and sodium that are dissolved in the blood and other body fluids. They must be present in very specific amounts for proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart muscle. If laxatives and enemas upset this balance, it can result in tremors, muscle cramps and spasms. In some cases cardiac arrest (heart attack). The heart stops and unless the person receives immediate
emergency medical treatment the individual will die. Vomiting can also be a culprit in upsetting this balance.

Dehydration: Laxatives and enemas remove required fluids from the body resulting in mild or severe dehydration. Dehydration can lead to weakness, blurry vision, fainting spells, tremors, kidney damage and in some cases can result in death. Severe cases of dehydration will require medical treatment as simply drinking fluid may not hydrate cells and tissues quickly
enough. It is important to get medical attention immediately to prevent organ damage or death.

Stretched Colon Or Colon Infection: There is a protective mucus that lines the colon. Laxatives and enemas strip away this protective mucus leaving the colon vulnerable to infections. Enemas can stretch the colon and over time it can lose muscle tone resulting in the colon not being able to generate muscle contractions necessary to move fecal matter out of the body.

Laxative Dependency: Laxatives irritate intestinal nerve endings and after prolonged use of laxatives, the nerve endings may no longer respond to stimulation. The individual must now take larger amounts of laxatives to produce bowel movements. The individual has become "laxative dependent" and without them may not have any bowel movements at all.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Laxative abusers may have more problems with irritable bowel syndrome , rectal pain and gas. Users may also be at risk for bowel tumors which may be benign and cancerous.

Episodes Of Constipation and Diarrhea: Laxative abusers may go through episodes of constipation and diarrhea which both can be painful. People who abuse laxatives can end up in a constipation-diarrhea vicious cycle in which they are always treating symptoms.

Death

Most Americans consume between 11-18 grams of fiber a day. Consumption of 30 grams of fiber and between six and eight glasses of water each day can generally prevent constipation

Keep Colon Cancer Away by Having a Clean Colon

What the recent studies are showing is pretty scary. Our country has the highest number of colon-rectal cancer cases being reported in the entire world. And the disease is equally extensive among males as they are in females. In fact the disease today is killing more Americans than it ever did before. To some it is too embarrassing a subject to talk about. But it must be realized that cancer and deaths resulting from that are much more serious things and should be dealt brushing aside all sorts of inhibitions.

Through time, most renowned practitioners of alternative medicine have claimed that an unclean colon is the most dominant cause of all kinds of diseases. Without regular and proper bowl movements, the waste material that is supposed to be driven out of the body remains inside. They in turn produce toxins which are slowly absorbed by other parts of the body including the organs. This in no way can be something good for the body. In fact the toxic waste can severely affect our health.

The concept of cleansing the colon has been there for sometime now. In fact if we go back in time, the very first mention of colon cleansing can be traced as far back as the Egyptian civilization. In fact the Egyptians believed that the root of all physical ailments can be traced back to the colon. So, most of the treatment that they practiced was targeted in getting the colon work properly.

It is therefore necessary to maintain a clean colon. The ideal way to tackle an unclean colon is to go for a colon cleansing. There are several methods available to us these days which can ensure that our colon is cleansed properly. These would include:
– Colon hydrotherapy – Colon cleansing herbs – Oxygen-based colon cleansing laxatives – Regular laxatives practiced in conventional medicine

Once you have got your colon cleansed the next step would be to alter your regular diet. The normal diet we have is full of processed foods. So what we miss out on is fiber. Fiber actually helps to clean our system. Without enough of it, our bowels never quite become clear. So we must increase our fiber intake. It should be anything between 25-30 grams everyday. It can be either consumed dissolved in water or with your food.

Water is another critical element in getting your colon clean. There is a simple method to calculate how much water you need for your body. Whatever your weight be in pounds drink half of it in ounces. So if you weigh 200 pounds, then drink 100 ounces of water which would be approximately 2.5 liters.

Colon cleansing not only ensures a better chance of you to avoid colon cancers but also other diseases like the Crohn’s Disease and Diverticulitis.

Barney Garcia
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/keep-colon-cancer-away-by-having-a-clean-colon-66405.html

Bulimia: Finding Freedom Can Be Deadly

Tina Dunaway was 18 when she started binging and purging.  The stresses of senior year seemed overwhelming, her boyfriend broke up with her, and she was rejected by her first college pick. Tina felt out of control and the year went on she desperately sought some sort of validity and strength in her young and hopeful life. One morning she did the unthinkable - she caused herself to throw up. It was exhilarating and she felt free. Soon she began to do it more often. And although she felt physically ill from it, her grounding came back. Of course that was until she felt her depression coming on again, eating her up from the inside. Then she would purge. In a sense, she felt as if she was purging herself of all of her problems and her doubts. Tina was letting go. She was letting go of herself…

Purging to prevent weight gain is a way for people - usually young women with bulimia to feel more in control of their lives and to ease stress and anxiety. Often times they don’t even sense anything is truly wrong.

Classified as an eating disorder, bulimia can be much more difficult to spot than anorexia.   People with bulimia are usually of average or slightly above average weight and the signs aren’t always clear.  Chronic binging and purging leads to many health problems-some of which are life-threatening.  For many, the side effects of bulimia - while dangerous - are mostly unseen.  The teeth and mouth are often affected, though others might not notice.  Frequent vomiting brings up stomach acid into the mouth, eroding teeth enamel. Cavities and gum infections are common in people with bulimia. The stomach acid also irritates the esophagus, producing heartburn, and the salivary glands, making them swell.

Other common medical complications and adverse effects of bulimia include internal physical damage, such as chronic irregular bowel movements due to abusing laxatives.   The most dangerous side effect of bulimia is dehydration due to purging. Vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body, most commonly in the form of low potassium levels. Low potassium levels trigger a wide range of symptoms ranging from lethargy and cloudy thinking to irregular heartbeat and death. Chronically-low levels of potassium can also result in kidney failure.

Ultimately bulimia’s effects can lead to multiple health complications later on and for many women this can mean death.
The emotional side effects of bulimia may include: 

Overwhelming sense of isolation
Feelings of shame and guilt
Depression symptoms
Low self-esteem. 
 
Because bulimia is the result of a variety of psychological, cultural, familial and biological causes, curing it is rarely simple.  It requires professional assistance to treat effectively.  Ten percent of people with bulimia eventually die from its effects, usually from the electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration. Of course this doesn’t factor in suicide, which can be a result of severe depression made only worse by bulimia nervosa.

The sad fact that most women with bulimia could have been able to return to a normal life if they had sought help early on, should be a wake up call to many medical and eating disorder professionals. With more knowledge and awareness many people can be saved.

Andrew Beckers
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/bulimia-finding-freedom-can-be-deadly-550134.html

How does eating laxatives cause peolpe to loose weight?

Ok, so I was reading a book about eating disorders and I came across a page that one of the signs of an eating disorder we if the said person was taking laxatives. Could someone explain how this works?

laxatives cause you to have alot of diarrehea, you will shit out all of your weight

Constipation Cure Tips – Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is one of the most widespread gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, ensuing in about 2 million doctor visits per annum. However, most people treat themselves without looking for medical help, as is obvious from the millions of dollars people waste on laxatives each year. When compared to other diseases constipation is effortlessly curable by holding appropriate dietary model. The hard and dry stools of constipation happen when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too gradually.

Constipation is a ordinary disorder of the digestive region. In this situation, the bowels do not move frequently, or are not entirely emptied when they move. This state is the chief source of a lot of diseases as it produces toxins, which find their way into the bloodstream and are passed to all parts of the body

Constipation Symptoms

Uncommonness, irregularity in removal of hard faecal matter

The most ordinary symptoms of constipation are infrequency, irregularity or obscurity in elimination of the hard faecal matter.

Coated tongue, Foul breath, headache, depression etc

The other signs include a coated tongue, foul breath, loss of appetite, headache, giddiness, dark circles under the eyes, depression, nausea, pimples on the face, ulcer in the mouth, constant fullness in the abdomen, diarrhea alternating with constipation, varicose veins, pain in the lumbar region, acidity, heart burn, and insomnia

Causes of Constipation

Faulty diet and method of living

The most significant causes of chronic constipation are a faulty diet and style of living.

Inadequate intake of water, strong tea and coffee etc

Intake of refined and rich foods lacking in vitamins and minerals, insufficient intake of water, consumption of meat in large quantities, excessive use of strong tea and coffee, inadequate chewing, overeating and wrong combination of foods, irregular habits of eating and drinking may all give to poor bowel function.

Irregular habit of defecation, lack of physical movement

Other factors include faulty and irregular habit of defecation, frequent use of purgatives, weakness of abdominal muscles due to sedentary habits, lack of physical activity, and emotional anxiety and strain.

Home Remedies for Constipation

1. Constipation treatment via Bael Fruit

Normally all fruits, except banana and jackfruit, are useful in the treatment of constipation. Certain fruits are, however, more useful. Bael fruit is regarded as the finest of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the bowels. Its normal use for two or three months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. It must be rather taken in its original form and before dinner. About sixty grams of the fruit are enough for an adult.

2. Constipation treatment with Pear

Pears are useful in the treatment of constipation. Patients suffering from chronic constipation must accept an exclusive diet of this fruit or it’s juice for a few days, but in normal cases, a medium-sized pear taken after dinner or with breakfast will have the desired effect.

3. Constipation treatment with Guava

Guava is another helpful remedy for constipation. When eaten with seeds, it provides roughage to the diet and helps in the standard evacuation of the bowels. One or two guavas should be taken daily.

4. Constipation treatment with Grapes

Grapes have proved very helpful in overcoming constipation. The combination of the properties of the cellulose, sugar, and organic acid in grapes build them a laxative food. Their field of action is not inadequate to clearing the bowels only. They also tone up the stomach and intestines and reduce the most chronic constipation. One must take at least 350 gm of this fruit daily to achieve the desired results. When fresh grapes are not obtainable, raisins, soaked in water, can be used. Raisins must be soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This will make them swell up to the original size of the grapes. They must be eaten early in the morning, along with the water in which they have been soaked.

5. Constipation treatment with Orange

Orange is also beneficial in the constipation treatment. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on increasing in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating the bowels. The all-purpose stimulating influence of orange juice stimulates peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon.

6. Constipation treatment using Papaya and Figs

Other fruits specific for constipation are papaya and figs. Partly a medium-sized papaya should be eaten at breakfast for it to act as a laxative. Four or five dry figs must be soaked overnight in a little water and eaten in the morning.

7. Constipation treatment with Spinach

Among the vegetables, spinach has been measured to be the most vital food for the entire digestive tract from time immemorial. Raw spinach holds the finest organic material for the cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration of the intestinal tract. Raw spinach juice-100 ml, mixed with an identical quantity of water and taken twice daily, will cure the most aggravated cases of constipation in a few days.

8. Constipation treatment by means of Other Remedies

Half a lime, squeezed is a glass of hot water, with half a teaspoon of salt is also an effective medicine for constipation. Drinking water, which has been kept overnight in a copper vessel, first thing in the morning, brings superior results. Linseed (alse) is extremely useful in complicated cases of constipation. A teaspoon of linseed swallowed with water before each meal offers both roughage and lubrication

Peter rodrick
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-cure-tips-home-remedies-for-constipation-169552.html

Colon Hydrotherapy- A Holistic Treatment for Constipation

One of the initial signs that indicate that your bowel is not functioning properly is constipation. It is a condition wherein one is experiencing difficulties in expelling wastes from the body. Normally, a person has to defecate one to three times a day, or at least three times a week. However, many people experience irregularities in their bowel movements, often accompanied by abdominal pains, diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms tend to be annoying and troublesome that most people would take medications or laxatives to be rid of them. Also, naturopathic remedies such as herbal supplements and colon hydrotherapy are preferred by few.

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in our society. However, constipation is not a disease, it is a symptom. Any one can actually get constipated. Most constipation is only temporary and poses no serious danger. However, once it becomes frequent and worsening, then, utmost attention is needed.

There are a lot of factors that can cause constipation including diet, medications, functional disorders, hormonal changes, dehydration, lactose intolerance, lack of physical activities or even changes in one’s routine. When one eats mucus producing foods such as dairy, meat, and processed flour, he is likely to have compact and sticky feces which the body would find difficult to eliminate. That is why, a diet rich in fiber is most recommended because fiber can produce soft bulky feces which can easily pass through the bowel.

Also, the colon has the tendency to absorb too much water from the digested food that the resulting feces tend to be hard. The feces then move sluggishly through the bowel, resulting to constipation. With the somewhat sticky and sluggish exit of the feces, portions of feces could stick to the walls of the colon. Over time, the feces will somewhat harden and further amass, not only adding several pounds of unhealthy weight to the body but also only narrowing the waste passage. Consequently, the colon strains itself to purge out the wastes, resulting to constipation. But what is more disconcerting is the fact that the toxic waste build up is a potent breeding ground for bad bacteria. As bad bacteria proliferates and the toxins from the wastes reabsorbed, the body becomes susceptible to a number of ailments including chronic migraines, constipation, diarrhea, halitosis or bad breath, arthritis, chronic skin problems, colds, chronic fatigues, insomnia, hypertension and even depression and anxiety.

People usually take laxatives to rid themselves of gastrointestinal discomforts, however, some tend to over-use the stimulant. As a result, the nerves and muscles of the colon are damaged. Other people on the other hand are inclined to take naturopathic supplements and undergo colon hydrotherapy.

For centuries, colon hydrotherapy has been a popular treatment in relieving a number of ailments mainly caused by the lingering toxins inside the body. With the expulsion of the accumulated feces through this procedure the body does not only regain its vigor but tends to loose weight as well. Moreover, the fact that many people still patronize the usage of the procedure is proof enough of its effectiveness. In fact, to maximize the rejuvenating effects of the said treatment, some people prefer having it in tranquil and breathtaking venues such as Maui, Hawaii.

Paul Fitzgerald
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/colon-hydrotherapy-a-holistic-treatment-for-constipation-549790.html

What is the best way to make yourself have a bowel movement w/o laxatives?

I am a little constipated, but I hate laxatives. What are some good ways to get everything "moving" again?

Drink prune juice or eat prunes. You can also use a fiber supplement like metamucil or citrucel. Glycerin suppositories are also good for occasional use. I would consider a fiber supplement routinely since it sounds like you have constipation from time to time.

Constipation & Coconut Oil

Are you suffering from constipation? If you are, you have probably tried numerous ways to find constipation relief. Constipation can be caused by numerous reasons including not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough liquids, a lack of exercise, certain medications, changes in lifestyle or routine, ignoring the urge to move your bowels, abusing laxatives, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, traveling and other various reasons.

There are many products on the market which people purchase to try to find constipation relief. These include laxatives, stool softeners, Epsom salts, herbs and enemas. Many people are very disappointed in these products. Many of them only offer temporary relief of constipation. The good news is that there is a natural product that can prevent and alleviate constipation. It is coconut oil.

The latest news is that the coconut oil that is probably sitting in your kitchen cabinet can prevent and alleviate constipation. Since the studies have been released touting the many benefits of coconut oil people are testing it out and getting incredible results. Not only are they finding constipation relief, but many of them are losing weight, getting healthier and acquiring more energy.

The unique thing about coconut oil is that it is safe. It does not turn into fat like other oils. In fact, it can lower your cholesterol. People who use coconut oil not only reap the benefits of constipation relief, but they are also benefiting from the many other healthy benefits that are a byproduct of adding coconut oil to their diets.

Coconut oil stands next to mother’s milk as being one of nature’s highest sources of medium fatty acids. It raises the metabolism which can lead to weight loss. In addition, the fatty acids in coconut oil enhance the immune system and it helps to fight infections, bad bacteria, yeast invasion and diseases. To put it plainly, coconut oil acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and an anti-fungal.

Coconuts have been held in high esteem in diverse cultures around the globe for thousands of years. It served not only as a source of food, but also as a medicine. Modern medicine has finally discovered what natives in other cultures have known for years – that Coconut and coconut oil can be used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following:

• Constipation
• Bronchitis
• Bruises
• Coughs
• Earaches
• Influenza
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Scabies
• Toothaches
• Dropsy
• Menstruation problems
• Swelling and Inflammation
• Ulcers
• Urinary tract infections
• Pneumonia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Hepatitis C
• Thrush
• Diaper rash
• Ringworm
• Athlete’s foot
• Candidacies
• Lice
• Tapeworms and other parasites
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Osteoporosis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Hemorrhoids

If you are suffering from constipation you should supplement your daily diet with coconut oil. It is touted as being the “healthiest dietary oil on earth.” Coconut oil is great for baking and cooking and it can easily be added to salads and dressing. If you want to get your internal machinery running again, oil it up! Coconut oil tastes great and it smells good. It is sure to be the easiest constipation cure that you have ever tried. Just think, it was sitting in the grocery store the entire time. Who would have ever suspected?

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/constipation-coconut-oil-89916.html

Hemorrhoid Treatments To Help Your Painful Piles

Hemorrhoids, both internal and external hemorrhoids should be treated aggressively before they worsen. It is thought that hemorrhoids never improve with time, they only worsen and so treatment and prevention is the key to the management of these tiny little aggravations.

So if you have been “afflicted” like so many other Americans what can you do? What are the best treatment options available so that you can get relief from the pain and risks of hemorrhoids?

After a thorough assessment and diagnostic workup, the treatment of hemorrhoids is the next step in the plan to find relief from hemorrhoids. The initial treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed at relieving symptoms and most initial treatments are ones that you can implement on your own.

Although medications and surgical intervention may ultimately be the treatment required for the management of your hemorrhoids, all non-invasive treatment options should be attempted first before taking that route. Self-care is an easy first step and is usually sufficient to treat hemorrhoids.

In order to avoid the development of further hemorrhoids or to avoid aggravating those hemorrhoids currently present it is important to follow the same steps that you would follow if trying to prevent the development of hemorrhoids in the first place.

Lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, eating a sufficient amount of fiber rich food, getting an adequate amount of exercise, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, avoiding laxatives, except the bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil, and avoiding postponing or straining with a bowel movement are all fairly easy to implement with practice.

Sitting in a bath of plain, warm water 10-15 minutes three or four times a day, thoroughly cleaning the rectal area following each bowel movement by either gentle patting or with a moist towelette or even a baby wipe and using ice packs or a cold compress can all help treat hemorrhoids.

Medications can also be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Medications such as Tylenol®, Motrin® and Aspirin have all proven to be effective in providing relief from the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you use over the counter medications such as hemorrhoid creams containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone.

The witch hazel can provide a cooling and soothing feeling to the irritated area while the hydrocortisone cream can help to reduce pain and itching. Other topical medications and hemorrhoid suppositories work as lubricants to reduce the irritation and friction of hemorrhoids. Containing ingredients such as lanolin, glycerin, and cocoa butter these topical medications usually provide relief to most sufferers.

Other more invasive treatments for hemorrhoids include rubber band ligation (a rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum, cutting off circulation which results in the hemorrhoid withering away within a week to ten days), sclerotherapy (a chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel causing the hemorrhoid to shrink), infrared coagulation (a special device is used to actually burn away the hemorrhoidal tissue), and hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal of severe internal or external hemorrhoids).

Painful piles… hemorrhoids… there is no need to keep suffering with this irritating, aggravating condition. Once a diagnosis is confirmed then talk with your physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Jeff Foster
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/hemorrhoid-treatments-to-help-your-painful-piles-95887.html

Bulimia Affected Teens

Bulimia is an eating disorder that mostly affects young women of 12. Characteristics of bulimia include episodic binge eating followed by feelings of guilt and self-condemnation. Bulimia can actually damage a person’s stomach and kidneys as a result of constant vomiting. Bulimia can also cause a person’s teeth to decay because of the acids that come up into the mouth while vomiting. Teens suffering from bulimia often show signs of the eating disorder by eating a large amount of food in a small time frame and immediately purging themselves of the food ingested by causing themselves to vomit.

Difference between Bulimia and Anorexia:

Bulimia is a bit different from anorexia because the person with bulimia doesn’t avoid eating. Instead, he or she eats a large amount of food then gets rid of it quickly by vomiting or taking laxatives. Like anorexia, bulimia tends to affect girls and young women more than guys. A teen that is bulimic can have some of the same symptoms as an anorexic, but she may not lose much weight and may actually appear healthy.

Symptoms of Bulimia:

Makes excuses to go to the bathroom immediately after meals

Eats huge amounts of food, but doesn’t gain weight

Uses laxatives or diuretics

Withdraws from social activities

Prevention of Bulimia:

There are the few steps that parents, teachers, coaches and others who work with teens can take to help avoid bulimia. Tips are:

· Modifying and adapting expectations you have of your teen.

· Examining your own perceptions and attitudes towards food, body image, physical appearance and exercise.

· Do not give off the message that you cannot do activities such as dance, swim, or wear certain types of clothing because of the way you look or how much you weigh.

· Encourage eating in response to physical hunger.

· Encourage eating a variety of foods.

· Help teens to appreciate their bodies and encourage them to engage in physical activity.

· Do not use food as a reward or punishment.

· Do not criticize your own weight or the way you look by avoiding the use of such phrases as “I’m too fat” or “I’ve got to lose weight.”

· Love, accept, and acknowledge the teen’s value verbally.

Treatment for teens suffering from bulimia has been advancing in recent years. There are the few web sites that are very useful for you:

http://www.troubledteensguide.com

http://www.troubled-teens.biz

The sites help you to understand effective communication, and then show you how to overcome your specific problems and in the best possible way. It specifically designed to support the parents of Troubled Teens. The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others clearly. Their services are devoted to the parent who is overwhelmed and in need of immediate assistance (coaching) in order to locate the perfect troubled teen school or program for their child. Troubled teens guide is a listing of articles specifically designed to support the parents of Troubled Teens. It provides them proper guidance about teen’s problems and in the process save the parent time, energy, and thousands of dollars.

Monica Craft
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/bulimia-affected-teens-91737.html

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