Laxative Abuse

Why do people abuse laxatives?

There are several reasons why someone may abuse laxatives. Some people with eating disorders may abuse laxatives to try to rush food through their bodies before the calories can be absorbed.

Individuals with eating disorders may also use laxatives to combat their constipation. Individuals with eating disorders are often constipated. The little bit of food they allow themselves to eat does not provide enough bulk to stimulate regular bowel movements and causes constipation. In many cases, bloating accompanies constipation, Bloat is often a big concern to people with body image issues.

Harm in laxative abuse

When to take laxatives

Laxatives are usually prescribed when someone has been constipated for a long time and they need to have a bowel movement.

Laxatives will not help a person lose weight

In a nutshell, laxatives remove lots of water from the intestine as well as food residue. The scales indicate weight loss after a laxative-induced bowel movement, but it is false weight loss. The ounces or pounds of weight loss return as the body rehydrates after liquid intake.

Complications of laxative abuse

Below is a list of the problems that you will encounter if you begin the treacherous road of laxative abuse:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Chronic Diarrhea: After repeated use of laxatives you eventually lose control of your rectum and may find a pile of you know what in your bed or underwear when you wake up.
• Bloating
• Green stool
• Dehydration
• Gas
• Nausea, even vomiting
• Electrolyte Disturbances: This can lead to heart arrythmias and heart attacks
• Chronic Constipation