dangers are the same as those of synthetic

Some people use laxatives in the mistaken belief

stimulant laxatives, listed previously.
that it will help them with weight loss. Laxatives
Non-stimulant laxatives are safer if used correctly
flush water and waste from the intestine, but they
and in appropriate doses. They include the
do not flush calories from the body.
following:
Potential harms
• Osmotic laxatives include Milk of Magnesia,
Epsom salts, Golytely, Colyte, lactulose,
• Constipation. With laxative abuse, the
sorbitol and Miralax. These work by drawing
intestines lose muscle and nerve response. The
fluid into the intestines and are less habit-
intestines then become dilated and ineectiv ff e
forming, but can still cause fluid and electrolyte
in moving stool out. This results in dependency
imbalances when used incorrectly. Some
on the laxative, so that higher and higher doses
require a prescription.
are needed to produce stools.
• Lubricant and emollient laxatives , such as
• Alternating constipation, diarrhea, and
mineral oil or docusate (Colace), work by
gas. Laxative use can result in rebound
softening the stool. These are generally safe to
constipation, which may include trapped gas
use for a limited time.
in the intestines. This can cause the laxative
• Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium
user to constantly try to treat those symptoms
(Metamucil), Citracel, and FiberCon, are
generally safe and also are a source of dietary with more laxatives, and a vicious
cycle of
fiber. When used in higher than recommended
laxative use may follow. For a bee tt r approach
doses, bulk-forming laxatives can cause
to bowel health, see “How to keep regular,” on
intestinal problems and block absorption of
the next page.
other nutrients.
• Dehydration. Sub-normal body water content
occurs when too much fluid is lost in the
Laxative abuse
diarrhea caused by laxative abuse. Common
Some people take large quantities of laxatives at
symptoms include thirst, decreased urination,
one time. Others take small amounts of laxatives,
headache, light-headedness, diminished
perhaps not more than the “recommended dose,”
sweating, dry mouth and weakness.
but on a fairly regular basis. Most young, healthy
• Electrolyte abnormalities. Electrolytes such
people should rarely, if ever, require a stimulant
as sodium, potassium, and chloride are lost at
laxative, and laxatives should never be used in
abnormally high rates in diarrhea. This can lead
higher than directed doses or over long periods
to weakness, irregular heartbeats and death.
of time. Once the paern has s tt tarted, however,
Although such severe complications (from water and stool). Remember
What’s normal?
that in the long run your symptoms
are infrequent, they are unpredictable
There is wide range of variability in how
will improve, and you will be much
and can happen to someone who
often people have bowel movements.
healthier and feel beer when y tt ou
abuses laxatives for the first time, or
Anywhere from 2 to 3 times a day
are not taking laxatives.
to someone who has abused laxatives
to once a week can be normal. After
for years.
Keeping “regular”
laxative abuse, it is important to expect
• Blood in stool. Irritation of the colon
that your bowel movements may be
To prevent constipation and avoid using
can lead to blood in the stools, which
irregular for a time. Feeling bloated does
laxatives:
in turn can cause anemia.
not mean that there is a problem. If you
• Be sure to include at least 8 cups
• Impaired function of the intestines.
are following the guidelines detailed in
of fluid per day (64 oz total) from
After long-term laxative abuse, the
this brochure and your stools are still
beverages (including water, tea,
intestines lose normal tone and nerve
coffee, juice, milk). Dehydration is the much less frequent than before, speak
response, and can no longer contract number one cause of constipation.
to your health care provider about the
But don’t overdo it. Too much
to evacuate stool normally. This is
possibility of alternative medications.
water can also cause electrolyte
often reversible, but recovery may be
If you are experiencing hard and large
abnormalities.
a slow process.
stools, pain with bowel movements,
• Increase fiber in your diet, gradually.
or blood on your stools, you will likely
• Rectal prolapse. Chronic severe
Fiber softens stools and helps prevent
benefit from alternative laxatives.
diarrhea caused by laxative abuse can
both diarrhea and constipation. Bran
cause the inside of the intestines to
cereals are an excellent source of
More information
protrude through the anal opening.
fiber. Check the labels on the side of
Consult these sources for useful
This condition usually requires
the box for the fiber content. Fruits
information on fiber, constipation, IBS,
surgical treatment.
and vegetables, nuts and seeds are
and other digestive problems:
other good sources. Excessive fiber
Steps to stop laxative abuse
can cause bloating and gas, so don’t
• Cornell Healthy Eating Program
• Stop now. It is generally beer t tt o stop
overdo it. Also, make sure to consume
(CHEP) provides additional
completely and quickly rather than to
adequate fluids when increasing the
information and resources at:
try to cut down slowly.
fiber in your food.
health.cornell.edu [search“CHEP”]
• Dispose of any laxatives you have.
• Get regular, moderate exercise.
• The Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive
Exercise is important in promoting
• Take steps to prevent possible
website on health: Mayoclinic.com
normal intestinal contractions.
constipation right away. See ‘How to
• NEDA (National Eating Disorders
Moving your body helps your
keep regular’ on the next page.
Association) advocates and supports
intestines get moving, too.
• Prepare to deal with the urge to use
individuals and families aect ff ed by
• Eat regularly. Eating is a powerful
a laxative. Laxative withdrawal refers
eating disorders.
stimulant of intestinal contractions.
to symptoms people experience when