There are a lot of stories telling that laxatives can help you lose weight. This is one prime example of ordinary or household things that has been used for other purposes and in this case: fast weight loss. But is there a truth behind laxatives and its use for weigh t loss?
What are Laxatives?
Laxatives are chemicals used for the treatment of constipation. They can be either be derived from plants such as the Senna plant extract or pre-biotics that helps helpful flora in the gut to flourish.
There are also other types of laxatives such as:
- Bulk Formers which are mainly composed of digestive fibers
- Lubricant Laxatives that coats the colon to help ease bowel movement
- Stimulant Laxatives that works on the peristaltic movement of the colon and the small intestine.
Where can you buy Laxatives?
Normally laxatives are over the counter drugs. But using laxatives should be done with care.
Are Slimming tea laxatives?
There are a lot of slimming tea, Chinese slimming and herbal tea, diet pills and other that has laxative properties. Most of them have derivatives coming from traditional herbs and medicines used to treat constipation.
Most slimming tea and traditional diet pills have plant extracts that are classified as irritants, in where these substances irritate the colon and small intestines causing you to have loose bowel movement. This may affect some fat absorption and loss of water.
Can Laxatives help you to lose weight fast?
No, laxatives should not be used for weight loss. Laxatives can not help you to lose weight.
The actions of laxatives are more on the large intestine, in where bowel movement occurs. It has no function what so ever in the small intestines where most nutrients, calories and fats are absorbed.
Taking laxatives regularly disrupts your bowel movement. People think that they are losing weight by taking laxatives, but the truth is most of the weight lost is from water and stool and not from burned fats and stored calories.
Laxatives are not meant for weight loss. You should only use laxatives for constipation and not for other purposes such as weight loss.
What are the Side effects of taking Laxatives on a regular basis?
Some studies show that taking laxatives on a regular basis can affect your normal bowel movement. Using laxatives even if you’re not constipated can lead to the damage of the nerves that controls the muscles in the colon walls, which are responsible for normal bowel movement. This can lead you severe diarrhea or dehydration.
Bottom line is that Laxatives does not help you to lose weight. It is not designed to help you to lose weight and should not be used as such.
Using laxatives to lose weight is also not healthy and safe. The best ways to lose weight is still living a healthy lifestyle complimented by healthy eating and regular exercise.
Keep on reading How to Lose 5 Pounds in a Week Fast to learn more on the truths of Fad Diets and other Weight Loss Facts and Myths.
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