Laxative myths that need to be known the truth & bull; hello healthy

There are many wrong assumptions or myths that have developed in society about laxatives. One of them mentions that laxatives are a short solution for weight loss.

In fact, laxatives are usually used to facilitate the process of defecating (BAB) in people who are constipated or constipated. Laxatives can increase motility, intestinal peristalsis, or soften the stool.

In order for laxatives to be used ideally and properly, know the real explanation of the various myths surrounding the following laxatives.

Myth 1: Laxatives can lose weight

There is an emerging assumption that the use of laxatives can lead to weight loss. In fact, laxatives can indeed reduce body weight if taken for a long time.

However, this weight loss is not due to a loss of fat mass, but rather a loss of water in the body. This weight loss is only temporary.

Many people abuse laxatives to lose weight, hoping that the food they eat will not be absorbed by the body if it is quickly excreted through the feces.

It should be noted that most of the food substances have been absorbed by the small intestine, while laxatives work — especially — in the large intestine. In the large intestine what remains is the digestive waste that needs to be removed and water that will be absorbed as needed.

Meanwhile, in constipated people, laxatives work to solve difficult problems with bowel movements. After drinking it you may feel relieved because the problem of having difficulty defecating has been resolved. You can also feel the circumference of the stomach shrinking.

The abdominal cavity is elastic, so in a constipated condition, the stomach can feel more bloated, and the circumference of the stomach will widen a little. If constipation is treated successfully, the abdominal circumference may decrease slightly. This is more pronounced in thin people.

But unfortunately, this reduction in abdominal circumference is not caused by loss of fat, but simply by the loss of fecal components that accumulate in the intestine.

Myth 2: Laxatives can cause cancer

Still need further studies to prove this. Indeed, there are several studies that suggest that long-term use of laxatives can increase the risk of colon cancer.

However, the truth of the relationship between the two of them is still uncertain. This is because those who take laxatives for a long time are usually patients who experience chronic constipation.

Chronic constipation itself is known as a risk factor for colon cancer.

Myth 3: stopping taking laxatives makes constipation come back

Usually, a person who returns to constipation after stopping taking laxatives is because the factors that cause constipation have not been resolved. So, it happened not because of the addictive effect of using laxatives.

It is important to know the things that cause constipation, such as lack of fiber intake, lack of physical activity, dehydration, or the side effects of certain drugs.

Laxatives will only become addictive if they are abused for a long time, for example people who use laxatives to lose weight.

The bad effects of taking laxatives carelessly

Laxatives that are taken carelessly can have a bad effect on health. Especially if you drink it regularly with the aim of losing weight.

Some of the health effects that may arise if you carelessly take laxatives include:

1. The body becomes dehydrated

Loss of body fluids is one of the bad effects of laxative abuse. Symptoms can include weakness, loss of concentration ability, thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, headaches, and reduced urine output or urination.

2. Disorders of electrolyte balance

Apart from water, abuse of laxatives can also result in the loss of important electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium.

Symptoms that arise include weakness, nausea, and headaches. The impact is heavier, it can result in heart rhythm disturbances, decreased consciousness, and seizures.

3. Mucosal damage

Laxative abuse also results in damage to the mucosa or mucous membranes of the small and large intestine. Damage to the intestinal mucosa can cause chronic diarrhea, even gastrointestinal bleeding.

Use of appropriate laxatives

Everyone has a different pattern of defecating frequency, some are three times a week or even three times a day. A person may experience constipation, aka constipation if the frequency of bowel movements is less than usual. Generally, people who experience constipation, accompanied by complaints of straining stronger than usual due to hard feces.

In order for laxatives to be effective, it's a good idea to pay attention to the trigger factors before taking them.

Often times, constipation arises from not eating enough fibrous foods (such as fruits and vegetables), not drinking enough, or not having enough physical activity.

Lifestyle changes will usually help relieve constipation symptoms in most people. If the complaint persists, you may use laxatives to help reduce symptoms.

Laxatives stimulate intestinal contractions so that the stool can be pushed out more easily. You can choose stimulant laxatives or laxatives (stimulate bowel movements) with bisacodyl to cure constipation.

In addition, symptoms of constipation or constipation can also be treated with non-stimulant laxatives, such as those containing lactulose. This drug works by softening the stool, making it easier to defecate.

If constipation persists for up to one week even after taking medication, immediately consult a doctor to find out the cause of constipation.