Most people are used to being frivolous with laxatives. If patients go to the doctor with constipation, they are only at a very advanced stage: either when they have tried a lot and got used to it, or if laxatives cause side effects that they cannot cope on their own.
A common habit among women is to use a laxative for weight loss, which is not only useless, but also harmful. The laxative itself does not burn fat and does not break down calories, but only dehydrates the body, which causes a temporary feeling of lightness, which is mistaken for weight loss. And regular dehydration leads over time to a violation of the water-electrolyte balance.
They also say that bowel movements should be daily. This, in general, is a myth, because under the same conditions (mobility, nutrition, the amount of water consumed), the body of each person is very individual. If one person can go to the toilet once a day, then another, under the same conditions, can go every other day. And this will be normal for him, in any case, by medical standards. So do not clutch at laxatives with the slightest delay in bowel movements.
There are several types of remedies for constipation, weak or strong, even those that are sold in supermarkets. The form of release is also diverse: tablets, capsules, powders, even drops of laxatives appeared on the shelves of pharmacies.
According to the effect on the body, the following types of laxatives are distinguished:
1. Drugs that increase the amount of intestinal contents. The safest, but require a large amount of liquid, otherwise they can cause the opposite effect. This, for example, nomacon, fibogel, targeting and simple bran.
2. Means that soften the stool. Also safe, require a large amount of drinking water, you should not take aspirin and mineral oils at the same time.
3. Osmotic drugs. For regular use are not recommended. An example of such drugs: lactulose, macrogol, salts of phosphoric acid, magnesia salts.
4. Stimulating laxatives. They are addictive, among them the usual bisacodyl, aloe, senna, buckthorn.
5. Mineral salts. Means of quick action (the effect may occur half an hour after administration). An example of these preparations: Fleet soda, bitter salt, magnesium hydroxide.
In general, laxatives are needed in order to treat constipation, usually chronic. But there are special cases when you may need to take them. For example, pregnant women may experience constipation due to hormonal changes. After childbirth, constipation can lead to insufficient physical activity. Some people who suffer from weak intestinal activity, if a special high fiber diet does not help, are also prescribed laxatives that stimulate the intestines. After some operations, a laxative may be needed if muscle tension is to be avoided. Before surgery and some examinations, saline laxatives are used to completely and quickly empty the intestines. Some constipation can be caused by some diseases or the use of certain drugs (antidepressants, painkillers, antacids).
Side effects usually occur with laxative abuse. Therefore, when used independently, it is preferable to use mild laxatives of plant origin. With regular use, abdominal pain may appear.
Paradoxically, prolonged use of laxative drugs can lead to chronic constipation. Violation of the electrolyte balance with prolonged use affects the work of all internal organs, and can be dangerous. There is evidence that increases the risk of colorectal cancer from continued use of a laxative. In addition, the uncontrolled use of laxatives can cause anemia, chronic diarrhea, and even psychological dependence on the drug.