How does laxative work

Laxatives may lead to the loss of important electrolytes. This could create an electrolyte imbalance, one of the most dangerous side effects of laxative abuse 6 , 7. Another study in 2, people showed that the laxatives commonly used to prepare for colonoscopies increased the risk of electrolyte disturbances 9. Common symptoms of electrolyte imbalance can include thirst, headaches, heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness and muscle aches.

Although laxatives are generally safe for short-term use, some people worry they may lead to dependency with long-term use. This may be especially true for stimulant laxatives, which work by speeding up the movement of the intestinal tract to induce a bowel movement. Despite some reports of individuals developing a tolerance to or becoming dependent on stimulant laxatives, there is little evidence showing these effects actually happen In fact, some researchers have noted that tolerance to stimulant laxatives is uncommon and that there is minimal chance of dependency More research is needed to evaluate the effects of long-term laxative use and the risk of dependency.

In addition to causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and possible dependence, laxative use has been associated with a number of other dangerous side effects, including:. If you are using unhealthy weight loss methods like laxatives, purging or severe food restriction, stop and seek professional help to prevent long-term consequences to your health.

There are many better, safer and more effective ways to lose weight without putting your health on the line. If you want even more ideas, check out this article, which lists 30 easy, science-backed ways to lose weight. Laxatives can be an effective remedy for increasing bowel movements and preventing constipation.

However, laxative use is unlikely to lead to long-lasting weight loss. Furthermore, laxative abuse can come with many dangerous health effects, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and dangerous health conditions.

These solutions are safer, more effective and more sustainable in the long run. Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil and FiberCon may help you find relief from constipation. Before you start taking them, learn about their…. We asked doctors to investigate whether claims about the Squatty Potty are true or false.

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If the conservative route doesn't work, Dr. Wolf recommends the osmotic laxative MiraLAX or a generic version. These hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea. Another option that works for some people is diet candies containing the sweetener sorbitol.

These essentially trigger a mild case of the runs. You may experience bloating and gas along with the laxative effect, however. Another option would be a magnesium-based laxative, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate. But don't take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry.

Combined with an underperforming kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous. Stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl and cascara trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. The first choice she recommends is a senna-based stimulant laxative. But if you take stimulant laxatives too often, you could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement at all—possibly because the bowel is not functioning normally.

If you find yourself trying one laxative after another for long periods, see your doctor for an evaluation. Additional testing can lead to better therapy and rule out any possible serious malfunctions. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. People with anorexia and bulimia sometimes use large amounts of laxatives as part of their harmful food behavior.

While those misusing laxatives may notice weight loss, this is usually because of the loss of fluids; they do not reduce body mass, fat, or calories. Health complications associated with laxative misuse include:. Colon infection, IBS, and liver damage are also associated with overuse. Chronic laxative misuse can also contribute to colon cancer. Laxative misuse often requires medical help for both physical and mental treatment. A doctor will be able to give advice on this.

However, here are some basic tips for giving up laxatives :. How someone takes laxatives, and how often they take them, will vary depending on the form they come in. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the instructions before taking laxatives.

Anyone with concerns should always ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional. There are also some other important things to consider :.

Laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for short periods of time. There are some natural alternatives to laxatives and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate constipation :. What happens inside the body after a person eats dictate how they put on weight and how long it takes to process nutrients. Find out the typical…. We look at some possible natural alternatives to laxatives for people looking to have a bowel movement. We also look at when to see a doctor.

Epsom salt is a widely available home remedy for many ailments, including constipation. A person can use Epsom salt as a laxative by mixing it with….