Laxatives for Weight Loss – How Effective are they?

Laxatives for Weight Loss

Laxatives for Weight Loss

The concept of using Laxatives for weight loss is gaining popularity recently. It is even more popular with those who want to lose weight quickly, to regain their shape for a big do. Quite a few suggest that it helped them lose weight pretty fast.

Before, we delve deeper into whether this is a quick fix solution for weight loss, we should find out what laxatives really are? How they affect our system?

Laxatives are available in nature, though supplements in the form of pills and herbal formulations are prescribed for those enduring constipation, or have irregular bowel movements. Laxatives increase the pace of bowel movement and hence make a person suffer from diarrhea, when consumed without constipation. When a person is enduring diarrhea, there would be a definitive weight loss, that’s obvious when the duration is prolonged. However, the weight thus lost returns, as soon as the diarrhea stops.

The connection between weight loss and laxatives is not complex. Body excretes the food faster, thus making a person feel like they have lost weight. However, this loss is actually, fluids and minerals the body will really need. Relying on laxative pills, without recommendation or prescription from a registered doctor is harmful and could end up being hazardous. With prolonged usage of laxatives, bowel movements will become reliant of them. Now that we know why people prefer laxatives for weight loss, let us take at the side effects that it can have on a person.

Side effects of Laxative Drugs

It causes diarrhea, disorders of the stomach, colon and anus of a person.
Since it interferes with gastrointestinal functioning, it may hamper its working, making it dependent on the laxative.

Few suffer from severe stomach aches, dehydration due to liquid loss, and lower potassium and electrolyte content that can lead to variety of disorders.

Natural Laxatives – Are they Harmful too?

There are many proclaimed supplements and touted as a natural laxative for weight loss. However, when it is about supplements, they are not natural, even when it can include natural ingredients. Hence, these supplements trigger side effects like chronic stomach ache and problems in menstrual cycles or pregnancy. If one is taking them, they should get a prescription or recommendation from a renowned herbalist, after a thorough study of health disorders pertaining to family history. Consuming herbal formulations of laxatives to lose weight may have unknown results, as stopping them suddenly will develop withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, severe constipation and mood swings.

Naturally occurring Laxative and Weight Loss

Laxatives found in fruits are very helpful and a good method of consuming laxatives for weight loss. On the other hand, choosing a diet that involves more fruits or vegetables will be helpful. This does not strain the digestive system, or alter bowel movements, or make the body reliant on them. In fact, a person will be energetic when consumption of fruits is increased.

Also, including Bell Peppers, Almonds, Aloe Vera, Fenugreek, Flaxseed, Peach, Pineapple, Walnut, etc. in moderation, will help one lose weight naturally.

To sum up, Laxatives are good when consumed with prescription and only when external help is required for prompt bowel movement. However, it is important to ensure the individual is not allergic, or does not become dependent on the supplements. Foods that are naturally rich in fiber and other properties associated with that of laxatives can be deployed as natural laxatives for weight loss.

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