Can taking laxatives make you lose weight and belly fat faster? You will in this article how to use laxatives for weight loss, the side effect and more.
We all love to look trim, fit and well-toned. But, do all these come the easy way out? No, it does not come the easy way.
Though, you can still achieve your weight loss goals easily. One of the easy ways is laxatives for weight loss.
Now, the question is, how safe is laxatives for weight loss?
This article will shed more light on if you can utilize this method for weight loss
What Are Laxatives?
Laxatives are medications used to increase bowel movement. An example of laxatives is Dulcolax weight loss.
The aim of using laxatives is to relieve one of constipation.
Laxatives come in form of liquids, capsules, food, gums, capsules etc.
Laxatives contain chemical components which can help to increase stool frequency, motility and amount.
As a result, this can lead to relief from constipation.
Over time, a few people have embraced laxative as a weight loss method.
This could be that some people are of the opinion that laxative can lead to weight loss due to the increase in bowel movement.
Types of Laxatives
Lubricant Laxatives
Lubricant laxatives are used to make stools slippery. This is made possible as a result of the mineral oil which is found in this lubricant laxative. This mineral oil adds a smooth layer to the wall of the intestine.
This process prevents the stool from drying up.
Lubricant laxative is very effective. The best way to use it is for short term constipation.
In addition, you should never use this method alongside other medications or supplements. This is because the mineral oil can absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine.
This can reduce the effectiveness of some type of prescription drugs from performing its functions.
Bulking Agents
Most Doctors recommend this type of laxative for low to a normal type of constipation, bloating, and abnormal cramping.
This usually takes around 12 to 72 hours to become effective.
This can occur as a result of a change in fiber intake. Therefore, it is only important to have a good amount of supply of fiber. You can find fiber nutrients in fruits, vegetables, whole green etc.
Fiber can also be found in tablets that can be bought over the counter. These drugs are Fiber Lax, Citrucel, Benefiber, Metamucil.
This drug work by increasing the water content in the stool. This will help increase the movement via the colon.
This usually takes around 12 to 72 hours to become effective.
Also, ensure you take enough water when you take these fiber supplements to prevent obstruction.
Emollient Laxatives
This is commonly known as stool softeners. They help to wet and soften the stool.
You should note that it might take a week before you get a result or they can become effective.
In addition, this drug is mostly used by those who just had surgery and are recovering from it.
Osmotic and Hyperosmolar Laxatives
These medicines are miralex, milk of magnesia, fleet phosphospda.
These medicines are all hydrating agents that transfer fluids into the intestine from the tissues around.
For this type of laxative, it usually takes 30 minutes to six hours before it becomes effective.
It is also important to drink a lot of water while using this type of laxative.
This will reduce the possibility of developing a cramp or gas. It also makes the drug effective.
Guanylate Cyclase
This type of laxative works by changing the stool consistency and by increasing the amount of water into the GI lumen and also increase gastrointestinal movement.
This drug is not recommended to patients under six years and it is only recommended for patients who have Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.
You should note that this drug increases your chance of having diarrhea and this can lead to severe dehydration.
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Stimulant Laxatives
If you feel very uncomfortable, this drug is usually recommended for immediate result.
The drug works by stimulating the lining of your intestine and this immediately increases the stool’s journey through the colon.
The drugs are Feen-a-Mint, Correctol, Senokot, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax etc.
You should avoid using this stimulant laxatives on a daily or regular basis.
Mainly because this type of laxative can weaken the body’s natural ability to excrete and this could lead to laxative dependency.
Most importantly, the use of any type of laxatives should not be often.
Over usage of laxatives can prevent your body from absorbing calcium and vitamin D which are important to your body.
However, if you need to make use of laxative, ensure you go for natural laxatives such as spinach, olive oil, leafy greens, berries, apples etc.
Can You Use Laxatives to Lose Weight?
No, it should not be used for weight loss. This is because it has little or no effect on the body.
Laxatives should only be used to solve constipation issues.
Also, laxatives only speed up the movement of digested food into the small intestine and when the nutrients are absorbed properly the body absorbs fewer calories.
This process cannot lead to weight loss or a well-toned body.
However, you can only lose 5 to 10 pounds when you use laxatives for weight loss.
While using a laxative for weight loss, you should note that there is no research to back up how laxative can lead to weight loss.
If you suffer from headache, muscle fatigue, dizziness while using any of these laxatives.
Ensure you stop and immediately contact your Doctor to prevent further health complications.
Also, if you are to use a laxative for weight loss, ensure you make use of the natural laxatives because it has no severe side effects.
7 Best Natural Laxatives for Weight Loss
1.Berries
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries etc. are very high in fiber and this is a good choice for a natural laxative.
They contain two types of fiber. These are soluble and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber such as chia seeds absorbs water in the gut to form a gel-like substance that helps soften the stool.
Insoluble fiber does not absorb water but increases the bulk of stool to be excreted for easier passage.
2. Leafy greens
Greens like spinach, cabbage, and kale. These vegetables work in different ways to improve regularity and it prevents constipation.
These leafy greens provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the body with very low calories.
They are also rich in magnesium.
Magnesium is the most important ingredient that can help get rid of constipation and this can be found in laxatives.
Magnesium is important because it helps to draw water into the intestines to help pass stools.
Also, the lack of this component in the body can lead to constipation.
3. Apples
They are also high in fiber. They contain a large amount of pectin; pectin is a type of soluble fiber which acts as a laxative in apples.
A study shows that pectin can speed up the movement time to the colon.
Also, the presence of pectin in apples promotes a healthy digestive system which promotes weight loss.
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4. Olive oil
This is an effective way to get rid of constipation.
This is made possible because olive oil provides a coating in the rectum that allows for easier passage.
Olive oil also stimulates the small intestine to speed up the movement.
It also improves the symptoms of constipation.
5.Greek yogurt
They are good for your digestive system. They help to reset your gut micro bone.
Yogurt also adds more of the healthy bacteria to your gut and it promotes the healthy digestive tract.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a natural laxative and we use it for different purposes.
One of the benefits of using Aloe Vera is that it helps to get rid of constipation.
Studies show that Aloe Vera also contains 75 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugar.
Aloe Vera also contains a natural laxative called anthraquinones which is the sufficient amount of water in your intestines.
Aloe Vera also helps your body to produce more mucus to increase the contractions that keep the food moving through the gastrointestinal system.
They help the stool to get a little more lubricated and this makes it easier for the stool to pass through.
7. Water
Staying hydrated does a whole lot of good to your body. It promotes good digestive health.
Water also helps to soften your stool and also stimulate the colon to empty it.
Read Further- 10 Best Belly Fat Burning Exercises for Flat Stomach
Side Effects of Laxatives for Weight Loss
Dehydration
This is one of the major side effects of using laxatives for weight loss.
This is because most laxatives always end up drawing water into the digestive tract from the surrounding tissue to soften the stool.
This process can lead to dehydration and dehydration does more harm to the body.
Kidney Failure
The constant usage of laxatives for weight loss can lead to kidney failure.
This is because the kidney will have to function more and this can overburden the kidney which can lead to kidney failure.
Dependency
Making use of laxative apart from the natural laxatives can lead to dependency which is not good for your health.
Gastrointestinal Damage
A longtime usage of laxative for weight loss can irritate your gastrointestinal tract line.
This can lead to inflammation and loss of its function.
Liver Damage
Taking too many of chemical tablets can overwork your liver and this can lead to liver damage.
Increased Risk of having Colon Cancer
The continuous use of laxatives can lead to an increased risk of having colon cancer.
This is because the colon is actively overworking and this can lead to excessive development of abnormal cells in the colon area.
Electrolyte Balance
Electrolyte plays an important function in proper cells division, cell signaling and cell function.
These electrolytes are potassium, calcium, sodium, chloride, and phosphate.
Overusing laxative for weight loss purpose can lead to an imbalance in the electrolyte levels.
An electrolyte imbalance can lead to seizure, coma, and disorientation.
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Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is as a result of severe injury and muscle death.
Making use of laxatives for weight loss can lead to muscle loss, weakness and even muscle death.
It can also lead to further complications as a result of an overdose of harmful protein in the bloodstream.
Apart from these side effects listed above, there are some other side effects of using laxatives for weight loss.
These other side effects are diarrhea, dizziness, rectal bleeding, skin itching irregular heartbeats, and abdominal cramps.
Lastly, you should understand that nothing good comes easy. You need to put in the effort and do it the right way by doing the following below.
Other Weight Loss Tips
- Exercise
- Reduction in food portion
- Have enough sleep
- Drink 8 cups of water daily
- Avoid stress.
- Eat more of protein.
- Drink green tea.
- Cut down your intake on alcohol and sugary drinks
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
You would be amazed at the result you get after sticking to these tips listed above.
Most importantly, always remember health is wealth!
