Laxatives are substances designed to promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. They work by stimulating peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. While various products offer laxative effects, including natural foods, nutrients, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter drugs, relying on drugstore laxatives for constipation relief carries significant risks.
It is strongly advised to avoid drugstore laxatives unless specifically recommended by a doctor. These laxatives can be habit-forming and work by desensitizing the colon, potentially irritating the nerves and muscles of the intestinal lining. This interference can disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption, cause abdominal cramps, deplete fluids, and lead to various other internal health issues.
Long-term laxative use can enlarge and severely damage the colon, eventually making it impossible to have a bowel movement without them. If you have been using laxatives regularly for an extended period, retraining the colon to function naturally under medical supervision is essential.
Drugstore laxatives pose several risks:
* They can have chemical side effects that negatively impact your health.
* They can damage nerves that control the muscles in your colon walls.
* They desensitize the colon, reducing natural peristaltic action.
* They can become habit-forming.
* They can rush food through the intestines, impairing proper digestion, nutrient, and mineral absorption.
* They can kill beneficial gut bacteria, unless they are fiber-based.
* They often contain unhealthy preservatives, colors, and additives.
* They can remove excessive fluids and electrolytes from the body.
Never use any type of laxative if you are experiencing acute abdominal pain, especially in the lower right side, as this could indicate appendicitis, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Using laxatives improperly can be life-threatening. If you use drugstore laxatives, limit their use to the shortest time necessary to relieve constipation. Then, focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of your constipation through natural methods and dietary changes.