Constipation can be upsetting, especially when it's accompanied by symptoms like pain, bloating, heaviness, and nausea. The inability to have a bowel movement and the discomforting sensation that comes with passing dry, hard, and lumpy stools can make it even more distressing. In such circumstances, experts usually recommend increasing fibre intake and drinking plenty of water. However, some people may feel the need to take laxatives, a type of medicine that helps relieve and prevent constipation. But are laxatives safe for long-term use? Should you take them every time you find it difficult to pass stool? Let's find out.
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Constipation And Laxatives
A laxative is a medicine designed to treat people struggling with constipation and other gastrointestinal issues, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Chronic constipation is when you have fewer than three stools per week, a stool form that is mostly hard or lumpy, and difficult bowel movements for more than 6 months. In such cases, laxatives can help enhance digestion and promote easy bowel movements that do not necessitate straining.
However, not everyone suffering from constipation requires laxatives.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sushrut Singh, Additional Director-Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Noida, said that laxatives are often used if lifestyle changes, such as increasing the amount of fibre in your diet, drinking plenty of fluid, and taking regular exercise, do not help.
According to StatsPearls Publishing, laxatives can provide relief to people with IBS, chronic idiopathic constipation, and opioid-induced constipation. In addition, it is also sometimes used to empty the bowels before procedures like colonoscopies.
Understanding Laxative Abuse And Its Side Effects
Laxative abuse refers to the repeated use of laxatives to cause bowel movements, usually without any medical necessity. According to Medical News Today, this behaviour is typically associated with individuals trying to lose weight rapidly or dealing with eating disorders.
In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders followed a group of young women for 10 years to see if using diet pills or laxatives to lose weight increased their risk of developing an eating disorder. They found that women who used these products were 3-5 times more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder within 5 years compared to those who didn't, confirming earlier research suggesting that using these products to control weight can be a red flag for future eating disorders.
As per Dr Singh, stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl, castor oil, cascara sagrada, senna, and phenolphthalein are the most commonly abused laxatives, tagging them as “dangerous,” despite the fact that they are non-prescription medications.
A common side effect associated with long-term laxative use is electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolytes include calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and sodium, which help regulate several body functions. Therefore, an imbalance of electrolytes can cause heart rhythm changes, weakness, confusion, and seizures, said Dr Singh.
Furthermore, it can also cause dehydration, damage nerves and muscles in the digestive system, lead to laxative dependency, kidney damage, and nutrient malabsorption.
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Natural Ways To Treat Constipation
Instead of choosing laxatives, unless medically necessary, you can also resort to healthy lifestyle changes.
Dr Singh said, “Eating fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.”
“Hydration is also crucial, as drinking plenty of water helps soften the stool and aids in its passage,” he added.
Together, the two work towards increasing the bulk of the stool, which helps to move it quickly through the colon.
For those on fibre supplements, it's essential to drink enough water to minimise the possibility of flatulence and a possible obstruction, advised Dr Singh.
Conclusion
Laxative use is common among people who suffer from chronic constipation. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine whether you really need it and if your symptoms can be eased with natural remedies. While laxatives can provide short-term relief for chronic constipation, dietary changes, increased physical activity, and stress management can improve overall digestive health. Moreover, self-prescribing laxatives without proper medical guidance can lead to dependency and potential long-term health issues.