how harmful are laxatives?

Question

I have been using laxatives as a way of detoxing but I have heard it's very harmful, if you have only been using them for a couple of weeks is it that bad?

Of course I've heard of The Carpenters, and I usually take a dose of 5 laxatives, twice weekly.

What if the laxatives used are 100% vegetable laxatives? And I also do drink plenty of water, I drink the Ozark Gallons of water.

Answer 1

Instead of using chemical laxatives, switch to 100% psyllium husk supplements. These are available in the laxative section, but are completely fiber. These work by scrubbing the colon rather than relaxing it into not absorbing enough water.

Speaking of water, drink lots of water to prevent choking and to aid the process.

As for safety, psyllium husk is completely safe, even for an extended period of time. It's like the whole wheat fiber without the bread. Chemical laxatives, however, can be quite harmful if used for an extended period, including causing you to become dependent on them for proper elimination.

When in doubt, discuss your detox regime with your doctor, your pharmacist, or at least a knowledgeable worker at a health food store. Don't forget to read the labels!

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

It is a bad idea to use laxatives for very long. Occasional cleansing is fine, but daily/weekly is not good. Your body can become dependent and malfunction which is a problem. Also, if you use them too much or use too much at one time, you can mess up your body's electrolytes and cause a heart attack.

Karen Carpenter, died from a heart attack brought on from chronic laxative abuse. She was a 70's singer, in case you never heard of her.

Answer 3

If your 18-35 you can use them 1-2 times a week, it is very hard on your body, it drains you of potassium and fluid and works the muscles in your digestive system hard.

You can become dependent on them, as in your body will NEED them and no longer be able to go it naturally.

Most Females between 18 and 30 have bowel issues by diet and stress. This just is not a good idea to do at all unless your are not "moving" or take lots of pain meds. it may be a better idea to use a stool softener then a "flusher".

Celery will "cut up" your stool and V8 veg drink will help things move also.

Don't mess yourself up.

Answer 4

Yes very bad. Please stop now. Laxatives a) Cause your body to de-hydrate. 2) Your body functions will cease to work properly, the mussels that control the bowel will become inactive because the laxatives would have taken over.

Change your diet & lifestyle but drop the laxatives.

Answer 5

You should never be using laxatives for that long. If you think you need to detox I think you should talk to your doctor.

Answer 6

Constant use of Laxatives is harmful. You can dehydrate yourself quick, and if you use laxatives long enough... soon it will get so you can't 'go' at all with out them.

Answer 7

Short-term use of laxatives is generally safe except in appendicitis, fecal impaction, or intestinal obstruction.

Chronic use of laxatives may result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances, steatorrhea, osteomalacia, diarrhea, cathartic colon, and liver disease.

Answer 8

Your body can become dependant on them. Taking them toolong can cause heart and liver problems.Causing your entire system to break down. Find something natural.

Answer 9

Ive heard that if u use them often they eventually stop working on u... I dont use laxatives though i stick to frappuccinos...dats wu works for me!!!!

Answer 10

i don't think so i been using laxatives for a few years nothing is wrong with me