Many people turn to laxatives when they want to lose weight quickly. However, there are serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these drugs. Of course, there is logic here. Since absorption occurs in the small intestine, you need to block its work, and everything eaten will leave the body without consequences. Maybe you just don't need to eat a lot? Today we will look at the safety of “toilet” drugs, and also discuss whether laxatives really help you lose weight.
Preface
In fact, any drugs are designed to solve a specific medical problem. Therefore, the appointment should be preceded by examination and examination by a doctor. But when people passionately want to lose weight, there are no barriers for them. Everyone knows the feeling of a stomach ache. There is no appetite, any piece causes severe pain and the urge to go to the toilet. As a result, while a person is recovering, he manages to lose a couple of kilograms. A nice bonus.
But the danger is this. If before this he had not wondered whether laxatives help to lose weight, now he is ready to believe it unconditionally. Therefore, having once again gained excess weight, he goes to the pharmacy for pills. A 2021 study found that dieters are increasingly turning to these pills. Moreover, no one consults a doctor or nutritionist. In principle, adults understand in their hearts that if you ask a specialist whether laxatives help you lose weight, you will get a negative answer.
According to Nigel Denby, a nutritionist who specializes in irritable bowel syndrome, using laxatives for weight loss is like playing with fire. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) agrees, calling the use of such drugs a "laxative myth" - because, simply put, it doesn't work.
More and more
But the statistics are inexorable. There have been many studies on this topic where people were asked whether laxatives helped them lose weight and whether they had used these drugs for weight loss. The results are a little shocking: at least 10% of all respondents regularly use drugs and 20% use laxative herbs to keep themselves in shape.
Important information
This needs to be posted on stands in hospitals so that people can imagine how their body works. The human digestive system is a complex mechanism, interference with which can cause serious malfunctions. Laxatives work on the colon long after most of the food and calories have been absorbed by the small intestine.
“Weight loss caused by intestinal contractions involves little to no actual food, fat, or calories,” nutritionists explain. “Instead, laxatives promote the loss of water, minerals, electrolytes, indigestible fiber and waste from the colon.” Do laxatives help you lose weight? No, but it can help cause a lot of digestive problems.
How to choose a laxative for weight loss: reviews and opinions of experts
All laxatives are divided into several groups.
The safest are laxatives based on fiber and cellulose derivatives. They are not addictive, but their constant use provokes the release of beneficial elements from the body.
Laxatives based on mineral oils are also not addictive, but require compliance with the drinking regime. The most effective and at the same time safe laxative medications include drugs based on lactulose: Prelax, Tranzipek, Normolakt, Duphalac, Forlax.
Most women who take laxatives for weight loss are confident in their amazing effects on the body. At the beginning of their use, you really feel a feeling of lightness and comfort, and some weight loss is observed. Although in fact, this is only a loss of fluid, which can soon be restored quickly.
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How do laxatives work?
“There are three main types of these medicines,” explains nutritionist Nigel Denby. - Some help soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Others bulk up the stool by adding fiber, which again makes it easier for the body to eliminate waste. There are also medications that help stimulate the intestinal muscles to do their job of moving waste through the colon and eliminating it from the body.”
Now let's imagine ourselves as a fat person who has a good layer of fatty tissue under the skin, plus a tendency to overeat. Is any laxative good for weight loss? None of them will be able to block the absorption of nutrients in the intestines, much less contribute to the breakdown of already accumulated fat.
Here it is very good to remember another physiological process. What does it take for a person to lose weight? Reduce calorie intake and increase energy expenditure. If these conditions are met, the body begins to produce a special hormone that allows it to extract energy from fat reserves. So a laxative for weight loss is nonsense. You need to eat less and move more.
Is it possible to take
Constipation pills are indeed effective, but not for weight loss. They are prescribed by a doctor if the stool has not returned to normal after several days of the prescribed diet. Only a doctor will determine which medicine will help you with problems with bowel movements.
Such drugs are contraindicated for some patients. If the intestinal flora is underdeveloped, measures to normalize it are first prescribed. If you have a tendency to inflammatory processes in the intestines, under no circumstances try to lose weight with the help of laxatives. Heart and kidney diseases also often become a reason to look for a different method of bowel movement - everything needs to be agreed with a doctor.
Why do people see the effect?
Despite what doctors say, people continue to use them. Why is this faith so ineradicable? “Using laxatives to get a flat stomach is crazy,” says Nigel. - Of course, if you are constipated, you will definitely feel more comfortable after visiting the toilet. But their use is fraught with a number of problems. Therefore, muscle stimulants as laxatives should really only be used under the supervision of a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Despite the fact that this group of drugs helps get rid of flatulence and colic, it will not lead to weight loss. However, their regular use is very dangerous.”
But let's get back to the results. They can also be seen after laxative tea for weight loss. You can easily find posts on forums about people feeling “slimmer” or having a flat stomach after using this. But this only indicates water loss. That is, volume and weight will return immediately after you stop tormenting the body and replenish fluid loss. And of course, laxative tea for weight loss is nothing.
The illusion of losing weight
Having taken a drug with a laxative effect, you go to the toilet and come out feeling lighter. At the same time, the scale shows several kilograms less than before visiting the toilet, and in the mirror you see that the volume of your abdomen has decreased. But it’s too early to rejoice - after the next meals, your figure will return to its previous state.
Losing weight with a laxative may seem effective by reducing swelling. Body volumes decrease, which is mistakenly taken for the process of losing weight. In fact, the fat deposits remain in place. When taking it (even if prescribed by a doctor), be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You shouldn’t think that you can eat as much as you want, then have a bowel movement and assume that the calories haven’t had time to be absorbed. On the contrary, carbohydrates and fats are instantly absorbed by the body, because the effect of most laxatives is aimed at accelerating metabolism. And with the help of the medicine, the stomach leaves the remaining food that has not had time to be digested. As a result, the feeling of fullness instantly disappears, and you want to eat again.
What products can be found at the pharmacy?
The listing of drug names here is used for informational purposes only. Each of these drugs must be prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, its use can be considered hazardous to health. You should not rely on reviews; the laxative is not intended for weight loss. These are medications that people use to help stimulate bowel movements or loosen stools to make them easier to pass. But many people find that using laxatives can help increase the frequency of bowel movements and provide quick, easy, and effortless weight loss.
However, the truth about their safety and effectiveness is a different story, as you will see below. There are several different classes of laxatives that work in different ways. The main ones are:
- Stimulant laxatives: These cause bowel movements by increasing contractions of the intestinal muscles. Examples include aloe, cascara (North American buckthorn), senna grass, Bisacodyl and castor oil.
- Osmotic laxatives: These drugs cause the colon to retain more water, which increases the frequency of bowel movements. These are Duphalac, Lavacol, Forlax.
- Saline laxatives: These help draw water into the small intestine, which helps stimulate bowel movements. Sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, Carlsbad salt.
- Lubricating laxatives: This type of laxative coats the lining of the intestines to make bowel movements easier. For example, glycerin suppositories or Vaseline.
All laxative diet pills are a myth. These drugs help stimulate bowel movements, but do not affect the fat burning process.
Homemade laxative for weight loss
It would seem that a natural remedy should not harm the body. You can make it from ordinary water and salt:
- dissolve salt in warm liquid at the rate of 1 tablespoon per liter of water;
- You should drink 1-3 liters on an empty stomach within an hour.
The following types of oils are excellent as a harmless home remedy: sea buckthorn, olive. By themselves, they cannot harm a person, but they are not suitable for weight loss. Laxatives for bowel cleansing allow you to speed up the process of moving stool, but do not interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
Laxative diet
Based on natural and light laxatives for weight loss, which promote faster bowel function, you can create a special diet.
It should include foods rich in fiber.
The diet below should be used for as long as necessary to reach a weight you are happy with.
However, the course should not last less than a week and should not include medications that stimulate bowel function.
Thus, the breakfast menu for one day may consist of:
- porridge prepared using buckwheat;
- bread made from whole grain wheat flour;
- figs
You can have lunch:
- whole grain porridge;
- a piece of whole grain bread;
- almonds
Dinner can include:
- steamed fish;
- beet salad seasoned with low-fat sour cream;
- honey for dessert.
This menu can remain the same all week; the products for each time of day are very diverse, so you won’t get tired of them.
The famous Elena Malysheva will hold an interesting conversation with those losing weight on the topic of laxatives:
Temporary effect
It must be admitted that if there were no results, no one would take these drugs. It is true that using a laxative for weight loss at home can act as a catalyst, that is, it will help increase weight loss. But the results are temporary, and the treatment itself can negatively affect the condition of the body.
The effect of laxatives is especially noticeable, as they draw water from the body and saturate the stool with it for easier passage through the intestines. With this method, you only lose water weight, which will be regained quickly.
One small study measured the daily food intake and eating habits of 30 patients with bulimia nervosa, a type of eating disorder that involves eating large amounts of food and then using methods such as self-induced vomiting or taking laxatives to prevent weight gain. Compared to other methods used by these patients, laxatives were found to be an ineffective method of controlling body weight.
Another study found that laxatives were not effective at controlling weight. The researchers noted that use of these drugs was more common among overweight and obese adolescents than among normal-weight children.
To date, there have been no experiments to support the idea that any of the drugs in this group can lead to sustained weight loss. That is, even the best laxative is not suitable for weight loss. But it can lead to dangerous side effects.
Truth or myth?
To understand whether it is possible to lose weight with the help of a laxative, let's look at the most popular arguments in favor of this remedy, which are given by its adherents, and try to understand what is true in them and what is a myth. They sincerely believe that laxatives are ideal for weight loss because they:
- Breaks down fats and carbohydrates. MYTH! Carbohydrates are absorbed into the blood very quickly, and then some of them go to cover the body’s energy needs, and the rest is transformed into fats, which are stored in reserve. And fats coming from outside are absorbed during passage through the small intestine, which is not affected by laxatives.
- Stimulates intestinal motility. IS IT TRUE. But not 100%! Not all types of laxatives work this way. After all, even those that really enhance intestinal motility, when taken for a long time, give the opposite effect - without the drug, it simply does not want to work anymore, and regular constipation begins.
- Removes waste and toxins. MYTH! There is only one way to get rid of toxins - by detoxifying the body. This can be done: by taking adsorbents (activated carbon, Enterosgel, etc.), using herbal teas or hardware blood purification. It is possible to remove accumulated feces, which are usually meant by the word “toxins,” in this way. But only when they have not become old and have not created a dense crust on the walls of the large intestine. Then the problem can only be solved with the help of colon therapy, and taking a laxative can provoke hemorrhoids or intestinal bleeding.
Dehydration and its dangers
One of the most common side effects of laxative use is dehydration. Against this background, appetite is dulled, and the stomach itself decreases in size. If you don't actively replace lost water, it can lead to dehydration.
Common symptoms include headaches, decreased urination, increased thirst, fatigue, dry skin and dizziness. Accordingly, this may affect the functioning of internal organs.
Electrolyte imbalance
Electrolytes are substances dissolved in your body fluids that are important for the normal functioning of cells and tissues. These are chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate. If the balance is disrupted, it can cause dangerous side effects, including seizures, confusion, and coma. Any laxatives can cause loss of important electrolytes. Therefore, you cannot practice taking laxatives for cleansing and losing weight on your own; you need to coordinate everything with a specialist.
Other side effects
In addition to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and possible addiction, laxative use can cause a number of other dangerous side effects, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis. One study found that laxative abuse can trigger rhabdomyolysis, causing rapid breakdown of muscle tissue and the release of harmful proteins into the bloodstream.
- Damage to the gastrointestinal tract. A small study found that some recovered anorexia patients had changes in their gastrointestinal tract and long-term damage to the pancreas.
- Liver damage. One study reported that laxative use contributed to liver damage in one in ten patients.
- Kidney failure. Another study found that excessive use of laxatives appeared to cause severe kidney failure requiring dialysis, a treatment that helps remove waste and toxins from the blood.
However, more research into potential long-term effects is needed. Perhaps, as a result, it will be possible to discover effective laxatives for weight loss.
The best ways to lose weight
If you are using unhealthy weight loss methods, such as taking laxatives, purging, or severely restricting your diet, stop and seek professional help to prevent consequences to your health. There are many better, safe and effective ways to lose weight without compromising your health.
Here are some simple, proven ways to lose extra pounds:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables: they are low in calories but rich in fiber. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables will help reduce body weight. At the same time, fiber itself is a laxative, as it improves the movement of feces through the intestines.
- Increase your physical activity: Aerobic exercise several times a week can help with weight loss and prevent weight gain.
- Reduce portion sizes: Smaller portions mean fewer calories. One study even found that simply using smaller plates made participants eat less.
- Eat a high-protein breakfast: Starting with a high-protein breakfast will help reduce your appetite and food intake throughout the day.
- Reduce your intake of sugars. Sugar is high in calories, contains almost no nutrients, and leads to weight gain. Research shows that drinking sugary drinks can lead to obesity.
Any quick-acting laxative for weight loss is used only because a person is obsessed with the idea of quickly becoming slimmer without making any effort. The search for a magic pill in this case does not play the best role.
The principle of action of pharmaceutical diuretics and laxatives
These drugs can cause a lot of problems for a person. However, looking at the magnificent figures of the beauties depicted on advertising brochures, doubts recede away. In addition, manufacturers promise one hundred percent results in a minimum period of time. No diet simply can give a better effect. And no physical exercise or dietary restrictions are needed. You drink a laxative for weight loss in the form of tea and cake and lose weight. Why not a fairy tale?
How do diuretics work?
This is what diuretic tea for weight loss is called. First of all, it must be said that the effect of the drugs does not in any way affect the ratio of fat and muscle tissue. And the only indication for their use is excessive swelling. As a result of the reaction of fat breakdown occurring in cells, a large amount of water is formed in the intercellular space, which is released from the tissues and excreted in the urine. The downside of losing weight quickly with the help of diuretics is that potassium is washed out.
The essence of the action of these substances is that solutions of salts, sugar and vinegar are retained in the cells. And diuretics remove this fluid.
Diuretic tea, sold in pharmacies, has a gentle effect on the body without interfering with its normal functioning.
You need to understand that a couple of kilograms lost on diuretics is just water. With the help of such drugs it is impossible to achieve weight loss and reduce body fat.
How does a laxative for weight loss work?
Such products allow you to quickly cleanse the intestines of toxins. At the same time, they irritate the mucous membrane, causing discomfort and discomfort. By the way, soon after taking laxatives daily, the body develops immunity and the aggressive components of the medication are rejected. Therefore, the result from their use is immediate, but not permanent. For several days, fats will be actively broken down, and then a calm phase will begin.
Constant use of laxatives disrupts the digestion process, and the body (in order to replenish energy) begins to seek help from fat deposits. Body weight decreases because the cells themselves are depleted, and not because of their breakdown and subsequent removal of fat. After such stress, cells, taught by bitter experience, begin to store fat even more actively. So they are preparing for a new hunger strike. As a result, instead of losing weight, a person gains even more weight in a matter of days. Reviews of those who have lost weight claim that in 99 out of 100 cases the lost kilograms are returned with an additional weight.
