| Laxatives and Enema's |
| Laxatives: Used to combat constipation (and sometimes overused, producing diarrhea). The word “laxative” comes from the Latin “laxare” meaning “to open, widen, extend, release.” Laxatives are used to relieve occasional constipation. There are currently numerous and various kinds of laxatives and are widely available at any local drug store or pharmacy. Sadly laxatives are frequently advertised with little or no mention of short or long term side effects laxatives can cause. Many people take them without sufficient information. Prolonged use of laxatives, especially stimulant laxatives such as cascara, senna (sennosides) and bisacodyl, intensifies and perpetuates the condition for which they are used. The bowel becomes atonic and dependency is established. Overuse may cause electrolyte disturbances with symptoms of vomiting and muscle weakness. When it comes to the issue of eating disorders, laxative abuse seems to take on a whole new meaning. If you are suffering from an eating disorder and abusing laxatives or know someone who is, I encourage to stay and read this page. Laxative Abuse & Eating Disorders The overuse of laxatives is dangerous. People with eating disorders use laxatives as a way of ridding their body of unwanted calories and promoting weight loss. They also abuse laxatives because they are constipated as the small amounts of food they allow themselves does not provide enough to stimulate regular bowel movements. Those with eating disorder may take one laxative, two or even the entire box for one dosage. Many individuals have spent hours in the bathroom suffering the ill effects of laxatives. The effects can be painful and even lead to death. Laxatives artificially stimulate the large bowel to empty and this is after the food and calories have been absorbed into the body. Those who take laxatives are only encouraging their body to lose water and nothing else. Weight loss may be noticed but this is temporary as the weight will return as the body rehydrates itself of water loss. The small intestine where food is digested and where nutrients and calories are absorbed cannot be stimulated by laxatives or even enemas. Once the water loss has taken place, it can lead the body to retain water leaving the person feeling even more bloating. In some cases, individuals take even more laxatives as a way to relieve the water retention and bloating they feel. In summary, Eating disorder sufferers frequently abuse laxatives believing these medications will cause weight loss. This is not true as by the time a laxative takes effect all the caloric content of food has been absorbed. All laxatives do is reduce fluid levels within the body by inducing severe diarrhea. The misuse of laxatives and enemas can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage. Laxative abuse can also be a warning sign that a loved is suffering from an eating disorder. The Dangers There are many short and long term effects that laxatives can have on the body. Below are just a few but this list is not limited. Upset Of Your Electrolyte Balance: Electrolytes are minerals like potassium and sodium that are dissolved in the blood and other body fluids. They must be present in very specific amounts for proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart muscle. If laxatives and enemas upset this balance, it can result in tremors, muscle cramps and spasms. In some cases cardiac arrest (heart attack). The heart stops and unless the person receives immediate emergency medical treatment the individual will die. Vomiting can also be a culprit in upsetting this balance. Dehydration: Laxatives and enemas remove required fluids from the body resulting in mild or severe dehydration. Dehydration can lead to weakness, blurry vision, fainting spells, tremors, kidney damage and in some cases can result in death. Severe cases of dehydration will require medical treatment as simply drinking fluid may not hydrate cells and tissues quickly enough. It is important to get medical attention immediately to prevent organ damage or death. Stretched Colon Or Colon Infection: There is a protective mucus that lines the colon. Laxatives and enemas strip away this protective mucus leaving the colon vulnerable to infections. Enemas can stretch the colon and over time it can lose muscle tone resulting in the colon not being able to generate muscle contractions necessary to move fecal matter out of the body. Laxative Dependency: Laxatives irritate intestinal nerve endings and after prolonged use of laxatives, the nerve endings may no longer respond to stimulation. The individual must now take larger amounts of laxatives to produce bowel movements. The individual has become "laxative dependent" and without them may not have any bowel movements at all. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Laxative abusers may have more problems with irritable bowel syndrome , rectal pain and gas. Users may also be at risk for bowel tumors which may be benign and cancerous. Episodes Of Constipation and Diarrhea: Laxative abusers may go through episodes of constipation and diarrhea which both can be painful. People who abuse laxatives can end up in a constipation-diarrhea vicious cycle in which they are always treating symptoms. Death: One of the most fatal dangers of laxative abuse is the risk of death. If this risk doesn't scare you, I'm not sure what will. Laxative abuse can upset your electrolyte balance and can damage muscles and tissues surrounding the heart. The heart can stop beating and without quick medical intervention, the individual can die. The severe dehydration by the use laxatives can also lead to death. At times we think "it won't happen to me" however if you are abusing laxatives, death is a possibility and risk you are taking and the reality is - it can happen to you. Stopping Laxative Abuse Stopping laxative abuse sounds sounds easier than it is for some. Many eating disorder victims have a terrible time giving up the use of laxatives even when they are aware of the dangerous effects. Some individuals stop after a terrible cases of diarrhea and cramping. Some individuals stop because they are aware of the risks and have decided against them. Others have a terrible time after using for a long period of time and suffer withdrawal symptoms and symptoms can be expected. Symptoms of withdrawal from laxatives can include bloating, cramping and mild to severe constipation. Some people complain of fatigue and generally people do not feel well during this time. It seems to be the bloating that sends people to return to the use of laxatives. Since every person and situation is different, it is hard to say how long withdrawal symptoms will last, in most cases it can be up to 2 - 3 weeks. Medical help may be required in cases where laxative abuse has taken place for long periods and where laxatives have been taken by boxfuls or handfuls on a regular basis. Constipation: Not eating enough can result in constipation. Increasing your food intake may eliminate the problem of constipation. Even if you *feel* constipated, it doesn't mean you are. For those who use excessive amounts of laxatives will find that long term abuse of them can result in constipation. Note: You may want to write down the frequency of your bowel movements. If you are constipated for more than 3 days, call your physician, or other health professional. Laxative Withdrawal Laxative withdrawl affects everyone differently, there is no answer as to how it's going to affect your body. Some people have withdrawl symptoms for days, weeks or even months. Laxative withdrawl is especially difficult for people who have eating disorders. If individuals feel "fat", the symptoms associated with laxative withdrawl only make these feelings worse. It's often why individuals quickly return to laxatives hoping they will receive some relief. Any weight gain is temporary. Commom symptoms of laxative withdrawl is fluid retention, constipation, feeling bloated and temporary weight gain. Some things that might help you See Your Doctor: The best way to stop laxative abuse is with help from your health care provider. They can assess you and make sure there are no other problems. Some people ask, "Should I gradually stop or go cold turkey?" The decision is ultimately yours however your doctor can give you the best answer to this question. I encourage you to talk with your doctor as those who have seen their doctor are successful in stopping laxative abuse. They can give you the best advice and answer any questions you have. Disposal: If you have opened boxes of laxatives around your house, it may the perfect time to get rid of them. If you feel bloated, you might be tempted to go back to them. Some individuals have flushed them down the toilet just to make sure they won't be tempted. I suggest you do what you feel is best for you. If you are a parent and find laxatives, dispose of them and contact your child's doctor and let them know what your child has been taking. Get rid of those laxatives and stop taking them. Be Prepared: Be prepared to experience some discomfort while you go through this withdrawal phase. You may experience mild to severe bloating, feelings of fullness and discomfort. This will pass as your body recovers and learns how to regulate itself again. After time, these feelings will pass and you will gradually start to feel better and you will return to normal body functions. Eating Well: Making sure you eat enough food will help to promote regular bowel movements. High-fiber items like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Be careful as some foods may cause intestinal gas and if you are experiencing discomfort already, this may add to it. Fluid Intake: Drinking lots of water is important. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses per day if possible. Try to avoid drinks with caffeine such as tea, coffee and sodas as caffeine promotes water loss. If you are constipated, hot beverages can help. Sometimes a good walk can help stimulate muscle contractions in your intestines. Have Support: As always support can be asset when you undertake any challenge. If you have friends that can understand, allow them to help you while you leave laxatives behind. Have numbers to friends handy or join an on line forum for eating disorders. If you have a therapist, they can help you deal with any anxiety or other feelings you may be experiencing. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help! Some problems associated with enemas: Asthma Chronic Fatigue Joint and Muscle pain Candida PMS Fibromyalgia Acne Bloating and Gas Colitis Sinusitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome Constipation Depression Depressed Immune Function High Blood Pressure Allergies Headaches Back Problems |
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