Many people turn to laxatives when they want to lose weight quickly. However, there are serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these drugs. Of course, there is logic here. Since absorption occurs in the small intestine, you need to block its work, and everything eaten will leave the body without consequences. Maybe you just don't need to eat a lot? Today we will consider the safety of "toilet" drugs, and also discuss whether a laxative really helps to lose weight.
Foreword
In fact, any drug is designed to solve a specific medical problem. Therefore, the appointment must be preceded by a medical examination and examination. But when people passionately want to lose weight, there are no barriers for them. Everyone knows the sensation when the stomach hurts. No appetite, any bite causes severe cramps and urge to use the toilet. As a result, while a person is recovering, he manages to lose a couple of kilograms. Nice bonus.
But the danger is as follows. If before that he did not think about whether a laxative helps to lose weight, now he is ready to believe in it unconditionally. Therefore, once again gaining excess weight, he goes to the pharmacy for pills. A 2016 study found that dieters are increasingly turning to these pills. Moreover, no one consults with a doctor or nutritionist. In principle, adults in their hearts understand that if you ask a specialist if a laxative helps you lose weight, you will get a negative answer.
Using laxatives to lose weight is like playing with fire, according to Nigel Denby, a nutritionist who specializes in treating irritable bowel syndrome. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) agrees, calling the use of such drugs a "laxative myth" - because, quite simply, it doesn't work.
More and more
But the statistics are relentless. There have been many studies on this topic in which people were asked whether a laxative helps to lose weight and whether they used these drugs for weight loss. The results are a little shocking: at least 10% of all respondents regularly use drugs and 20% - laxative herbs to keep fit.
Important information
This should be posted on stands in hospitals so that people can imagine the peculiarities of their bodies. The human digestive system is a complex mechanism, the intrusion into the work of which can provoke serious malfunctions. Laxatives act on the large intestine long after most of the food and calories have been absorbed by the small intestine.
“The weight loss caused by intestinal contraction has little to do with actual food, fat or calories,” nutritionists explain. "Instead, laxatives promote the loss of water, minerals, electrolytes, indigestible fiber and waste from the colon." Does a laxative help you lose weight? No, but it can help you get a ton of digestive problems.
How laxatives work
“There are three main types of these medicines,” explains nutritionist Nigel Denby. - Some help soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Others build up stool by adding fiber, which again makes it easier to remove waste from the body. In addition, there are drugs that help stimulate the intestinal muscles to do their job of moving waste through the colon and excreting it from the body.
Now let's imagine ourselves as a fat person who has a good layer of fatty tissue under the skin, plus a tendency to overeat. Is any laxative suitable for weight loss? None of them will be able to block the absorption of nutrients in the intestines, and even more so will not contribute to the breakdown of already accumulated fat.
Here it is very good to remember another physiological process. What does it take for a person to lose weight? Reduce calorie intake and increase energy expenditure. If these conditions are met, then the body begins to produce a special hormone that allows you to extract energy from fat reserves. So a laxative for weight loss is nonsense. You need to eat less and move more.
Why do people see the effect
Despite the doctors' words, people continue to use them. Why is this belief so ineradicable? “Using laxatives to get a flat stomach is crazy,” Nigel says. - Of course, if you are constipated, you will definitely feel more comfortable after using the toilet. But their use is fraught with a number of problems. Therefore, muscle stimulants like laxatives should really only be used under the supervision of a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Despite the fact that this group of drugs helps to get rid of flatulence and colic, it will not lead to weight loss. At the same time, their regular use is very dangerous. "
But back to the results. They can also be seen after laxative slimming tea. On the forums, you can easily find posts about people feeling "slimmer" or having a flat stomach after this application. But this only speaks about the loss of water. That is, the volume and weight will return immediately after you stop tormenting the body and make up for the loss of fluid. And, of course, laxative tea for weight loss is still a flower.
What funds can be found at the pharmacy
Here, the listing of drug names is used for informational purposes only. Each of these medications must be prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, its use can be considered hazardous to health. You should not be guided by reviews, a laxative for weight loss is not intended. These are medicines that people use to help stimulate bowel movements or to loosen stools to make it easier to pass. But many people believe that using laxatives can help increase the frequency of bowel movements and promote quick, easy, and effortless weight loss.
However, the truth about their safety and effectiveness is another story, as you can see below. There are several different classes of laxatives that work in different ways. The main ones are:
- Stimulant laxatives: These induce bowel movements by increasing the contractions of the intestinal muscles. Examples include aloe, cascara (a North American buckthorn species), senna herb, Bisacodyl, and castor oil.
- Osmotic-type laxatives: These drugs make the colon hold more water, which increases the frequency of bowel movements. These are Duphalac, Lavacol, Forlax.
- Saline laxatives: They help absorb water into the small intestine, which helps to stimulate bowel movements. Sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, Karlovy Vary salt.
- Lubricating laxatives: This type of laxative coats the intestinal mucosa to facilitate bowel movements. For example, glycerin candles or petroleum jelly.
All laxative diet pills are a myth. These drugs help to stimulate bowel movements, but do not interfere with the fat burning process.
Homemade laxative for weight loss
It would seem that a natural remedy should not harm the body. You can make it from plain water and salt:
- dissolve salt in warm liquid at the rate of 1 tablespoon per liter of water;
- drink on an empty stomach 1-3 liters per hour.
The following types of oils are perfect as a harmless home remedy: sea buckthorn, olive. By themselves, they cannot harm a person, but they are not suitable for losing weight either. Laxatives for bowel cleansing can speed up the movement of stool, but do not interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
Temporary effect
It must be admitted that if there was no result, no one would take these drugs. It is true that the use of a laxative for weight loss at home can be a kind of catalyst, that is, it can help increase weight loss. But the results are temporary, and the treatment itself can negatively affect the state of the body.
The effect of laxatives is especially noticeable, which draw out water from the body and saturate the feces with it for easier passage through the intestines. With this method, you only lose water weight, which will recover quickly.
One small study measured the daily food intake and eating habits of 30 patients with bulimia nervosa, a type of eating disorder in which large amounts of food are eaten, and then used methods such as self-induced vomiting or laxatives to prevent weight gain. Compared to other methods used by these patients, the laxative proved to be an ineffective method of controlling body weight.
Another study found laxatives were not effective in weight control. The researchers noted that the use of these drugs was more common among overweight and obese teens than in normal weight children.
To date, no experiments have been conducted to support the idea that any of the drugs in this group can lead to stable weight loss. That is, even the best laxative for weight loss is not good. But it can lead to dangerous side effects.
Dehydration and its dangers
One of the most common side effects of laxative use is dehydration. Against this background, appetite is dulled, and the stomach itself decreases in size. Failure to actively replenish lost water can lead to dehydration.
Common symptoms include headaches, decreased urination, increased thirst, fatigue, dry skin, and dizziness. Accordingly, this can affect the work of internal organs.
Electrolyte imbalance
Electrolytes are substances dissolved in your body fluids that are important for the normal functioning of cells and tissues. These are chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate. If imbalanced, it can cause dangerous side effects including seizures, confusion, and coma. Any laxative can lead to the loss of important electrolytes. Therefore, you cannot practice taking a laxative for cleansing and losing weight on your own, you need to coordinate everything with a specialist.
Other side effects
In addition to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and possible addiction, the use of laxatives can cause a number of other dangerous side effects, including:
- Rhabdomyolysis. One study found that overuse of laxatives can trigger rhabdomyolysis, causing rapid muscle breakdown and the release of harmful proteins into the bloodstream.
- Damage to the gastrointestinal tract. A small study found that some recovered patients with anorexia had gastrointestinal changes and long-term damage to the pancreas.
- Liver damage. One study found that laxative use contributed to liver damage in one in ten patients.
- Renal failure Another study found that overuse of laxatives appeared to cause severe kidney failure, requiring dialysis, a treatment that helps remove waste and toxins from the blood.
However, more research is needed on the potential long-term effects. Perhaps, as a result, it will be possible to find effective laxatives for weight loss.
The best ways to lose weight
If you are using unhealthy weight loss methods such as laxatives, cleansing, or severe food restrictions, stop and seek professional help to prevent the effects on your health. There are many best, safe and effective ways to lose weight without compromising your health.
Here are some simple, proven ways to lose those extra pounds:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables: they are low in calories but high in fiber. A higher intake of fruits and vegetables will reduce body weight. At the same time, fiber itself is a laxative, as it improves the movement of feces through the intestines.
- Increase your physical activity: Aerobic exercise several times a week can help in weight loss and prevent weight recovery.
- Reduce portion sizes: Smaller portions mean fewer calories. One study even found that simply using small plates made participants eat less.
- Eat a high protein breakfast: By starting with a protein breakfast, you reduce your appetite and food intake throughout the day.
- Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar is high in calories, contains almost no nutrients and leads to weight gain. Studies show that drinking sugary drinks can lead to obesity.
Any quick-acting laxative for weight loss is used only because a person is obsessed with the idea of \u200b\u200bquickly becoming slimmer without making any effort. The search for a magic pill in this case does not play the best role.
Instead of a conclusion
Laxatives can be effective in preventing or treating constipation. However, their use is unlikely to result in consistent weight loss. In addition, bowel stimulation can be accompanied by many dangerous conditions, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and dangerous health conditions.
If you want to lose weight, make small changes to your diet and exercise regularly. These solutions are safer, more effective and more sustainable in the long term. Salt water, natural oils, or the inclusion of fresh vegetable salads (beets, zucchini) in the diet can be used to cleanse the intestines to speed up the results. A good diet and a healthy diet in itself stimulates normal bowel function and relieves constipation.
A quality process of losing weight, along with proper nutrition and sports, should contain such an item as cleansing the intestines. The fact is that without its regular emptying, qualitative weight loss is out of the question. Usually, the intestines are cleansed naturally. However, it happens that in connection with the diet, people who lose weight develop constipation. In such cases, laxatives may come to the rescue for regular stool removal. What laxatives are the best for losing weight, this article will tell.
The role of laxatives in weight loss
In the course of our life, processed products gradually begin to accumulate on the walls of the intestines, which interfere with the normal removal of harmful and unnecessary substances from the body. As a result, toxins and toxins poison the body and disrupt metabolic processes.
Moreover, a clogged intestine poorly absorbs the necessary substances into the bloodstream, coming to us with food, which is why we feel a constant feeling of hunger. That is why it is so important to cleanse the intestines of everything unnecessary.
In this process, if, of course, there are difficulties with stool discharge, laxatives help, because they have a number of useful properties, namely:
- cleanse the intestines. Promote the discharge of both fresh and stagnant feces. In addition, due to bowel emptying, the body gets rid of toxins and toxins;
- improve the absorption of nutrients. The cleansed intestinal walls are able to absorb vitamins and minerals in full;
- accelerate metabolic processes that help reduce weight.
However, it should be remembered that a laxative does not affect fat deposits, and it is extremely dangerous to lose weight with the help of them! Weight loss occurs only due to the discharge of feces and the removal of harmful substances that interfere with normal metabolism. With normal digestion, this process occurs naturally.
That is why laxatives will only really benefit those people who constantly experience constipation, for example, with a protein diet. And then, even with constipation, laxatives should be used in extreme cases and after consultation with a specialist.
What harm can they do
If you misuse or misuse laxatives, for example, for the purpose of losing weight, you can get a whole bunch of troubles.
First, there may be a psychological dependence on taking medications. A person, eating a sweet, flour or other harmful dish, will constantly drink a pill, then stay in the toilet for a long time and, as a result, not get better, but at the same time cause colossal harm to the body.
Secondly, overuse of laxatives leads to constipation. The intestines often get used to artificial stimulation and in the future will not be able to work on their own without the use of additional means.
Thirdly, in addition to feces, useful components are also excreted from the body, which threatens with serious health problems (intestinal microflora is disturbed, the condition of hair, nails, skin worsens, abdominal pains appear, immunity decreases, etc.).
Fourth, after the abolition of laxative drugs, the arrow on the scales will fly up rapidly. If you get dehydration as a result of taking such funds, then you can disrupt the metabolism and become even thicker than before losing weight.
Laxatives will also be harmful if used with contraindications. Each drug has its own. General prohibitions include inflammatory processes in the intestines, disorders of the intestinal microflora, diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and liver.
Types of laxatives
By the type of action, all means that help empty the intestines are divided into the following groups:
- drugs that increase the volume of the contents in the intestine. These products are the safest and usually not addictive. These include polysaccharides, dietary fiber, etc .;
- agents with a softening effect on the stool. The preparations are based on petroleum jelly or mineral;
- mineral, such as magnesia. Such remedies help to cleanse the intestines before surgery, but they will not play any role in losing weight;
- Medicines that irritate the intestinal walls and thereby activate peristalsis. These include saline solutions, senna herb, etc. Such laxatives can be addictive, therefore, like the previous ones, they are used only in extreme cases and after consulting a doctor;
- drugs that increase the osmotic pressure in the intestine are not recommended for long-term use.
The doctor will help determine the choice of the most suitable laxative.
Homemade laxatives
Consider traditional medicines that can help get a laxative effect.
Laxative products
Before buying ready-made bowel emptying tablets, you can first use natural, and most importantly, safe means.
The best natural laxative is fiber, which promotes stool normalization and has no side effects. Foods that are rich in plant fiber include:
- whole wheat bread;
- raisins;
- figs.
In addition, a lot of fiber is found in fresh vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beets) and (plums, apricots, peaches and others).
Foods that contain a large amount of magnesium have a laxative effect. It can be found in nuts and green leafy vegetables. Fermented milk products (curdled milk, etc.) will also help to empty the intestines. Such products act gently, have a cumulative effect and help restore the intestinal microflora.
Despite the fact that natural products with a laxative effect are useful, you should not exceed their daily allowance, otherwise it can lead to indigestion.
Consider some food-based recipes:
- Relaxing salad. Chop and mix half the cabbage, 1 apple, a couple of carrots, one beet, 30 ml of vegetable oil, celery root and 150 g of prunes.
- Milk-nut drink. Grind 150 g of walnuts and put them in an enamel bowl. Pour a liter of milk over the nuts and put the dishes on fire. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. After that, the broth is cooled, filtered and taken a couple of times a day, 100 ml.
- Cocktail with kefir and bran. To begin with, 2 tablespoons of wheat bran should be fried in the oven until golden brown, then allowed to cool and chop with a blender. Next, you need to pour the resulting flour with 150 ml of boiling water, let it brew for a third of an hour, then drain the liquid. Measure out a tablespoon of the resulting gruel and add it to a glass of kefir. With constipation, such a cocktail is drunk 3 times a day. After stool normalization, the frequency of taking kefir is reduced to 1 time per day before bedtime.
Aloe and honey
Aloe has an irritating effect on the intestines, so you should not get carried away with it. To prepare a laxative, grind 150 g of aloe leaves and mix with slightly warmed honey in the amount of 300 g. Let the mixture brew for 24 hours, after which it can be taken in a tablespoon before meals.
Teas and teas
It has a good effect, for example, based on hibiscus. However, the benefit from it will only be if you take the drink in courses and not abuse it.
Consider a recipe for one laxative tea:
- Pour into a bowl in equal parts and stir the following ingredients: nettle leaves, yarrow herb and buckthorn bark.
- This mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water, left under the lid for a third of an hour, and then filtered.
- Take 100 ml at night.
Linseed tea also has a good effect, which helps to eliminate constipation within 2-3 days.
Herbal decoctions can also be used to help cleanse the intestines effectively. However, such funds, when taken for a long time, can lead to undesirable consequences, therefore they should be used for a short time. You should be especially careful with grass like hay and aloe plant.
A good laxative effect is given by herbs such as chamomile, aloe, nettle. You can take decoctions on these components no more than 2 cups per day.
You can make a decoction based on chamomile, licorice root and marshmallow. For this, all components are mixed in equal quantities. A similar broth is taken at night. The effect begins the next morning.
The following broth has a good effect. Mix yarrow (100 g) and stinging nettle (200 g) and pour 300 ml boiling water over. Insist for 45 minutes, take 50-100 ml before bedtime.
Finished products
Finished products are usually used when a laxative effect is needed as quickly as possible. It is usually presented in the form of tablets, solutions, syrups, or tea. Let's consider the most popular ones.
Fiber based
Such drugs swell in the intestines, due to which the feces are excreted. The advantage of such products is that they also give a feeling of fullness. It is this group that is safe to receive.
The best laxatives in this category are:
- Phytomucil;
- Solgar Multi Dietary Fiber Formula;
- Normolax.
This group also includes flax seeds and wheat bran.
Oil
For bowel movements, oils are also used on the recommendation of a specialist, for example, petroleum jelly, olive, castor. In pharmacies, you can buy preparations based on them in the form of capsules. If there are no such, then in liquid form, oil is usually taken in 1 teaspoon.
Solutions and syrups
The following remedies have a good laxative effect:
- Duphalac;
- Normase;
- Portalak.
Such funds are taken for a short time. The fact is that they act by increasing the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen. Long-term use of such drugs can lead to leaching of nutrients, disruption of microflora and other negative consequences.
Plant-based
In the pharmacy, you can also find drugs that work due to herbal ingredients.
For example, Buckthorn extract in tablet form and in the form of syrup, Kafiol, which contains senna leaves and figs, Fitolax, among the components of this product there are extracts of apricot, plantain, senna and dill.
This group also includes preparations based on senna - Senade or with the content of plantain, for example, Mucofalk.
To keep the laxative from doing harm, use these tips:
- Medication laxatives should be used only for constipation and then after changes in diet have not brought the desired effect.
- Before taking any remedy, be sure to consult with a specialist who will tell you the most appropriate dosage and duration of treatment.
- A laxative will not help if you ignore proper nutrition and exercise while using it. If you use just a laxative, then the following picture will be observed: as soon as the fecal masses leave, the weight will decrease, but it is worth eating again, and the weight on the scales will increase again.
- When taking laxatives, it is important to drink at least 2 liters per day to avoid possible dehydration. It is believed that it is most beneficial to drink water half an hour before or after a meal.
Laxatives, unfortunately, do not break down fat deposits, but only help cleanse the intestines for people suffering from constipation. As a result, well-being is improved and there is little help in weight loss. Most importantly, do not use a laxative with normal stools, do not abuse its use, and also include proper nutrition and exercise in your lifestyle.
Colon cleansing laxatives for weight loss are popular weight loss medications. However, their effectiveness is often exaggerated. The patient should know if it is possible to lose weight from laxatives and try to get the most out of them.
Laxative aid for weight loss
Laxatives, when used internally, have an effect exclusively on the intestines, speeding up and facilitating the bowel movement. These funds enhance its effectiveness, accelerating the release of the content. The layers of adipose tissue, located on the internal organs and in the subcutaneous layer, practically do not change under the action of the drug. Regular use of a laxative can achieve the following benefits:
Laxatives only affect the intestines
- does not allow absorbed food products to be fully absorbed by the body;
- slightly accelerates metabolic processes;
- frees the body from excess fluid.
With the right choice of laxative, it is possible to achieve some success in losing weight. But this is possible only if its reception is combined with the classic methods of fighting excess weight - diet and increased physical activity.
Laxative use for weight loss
Most often, losing weight on a laxative is quite problematic. The most useful and optimal option for using the drug in the fight against extra pounds is preparing for the upcoming diet by taking it internally. So, 7-14 days before the start of losing weight, it is allowed to start using these drugs in order to cleanse the intestines and prepare the body for giving up certain foods and reducing the amount of food absorbed.
However, this method is not always effective. This is due to the fact that fats, proteins, complex and simple carbohydrates are usually absorbed by the body before consuming a laxative, and the patient only frees the body from food that has not had time to digest, which does not greatly contribute to the removal of extra pounds.
Note! Since some of the carbohydrates and fats are absorbed by the intestines, taking a laxative will prevent this.
The presence of excess weight is affected not only by the layer of adipose tissue, but also by excess fluid. The drug removes excess moisture from the body, reducing swelling and slightly reducing the patient's weight.
A certain benefit from laxatives can be obtained by losing weight people who have systematic constipation. This problem can occur when you suddenly switch to a low-calorie meal and cut down on the amount of food you eat. In this case, it must be remembered that the body gradually develops addiction to these drugs, and it practically loses the ability to empty itself on its own. You should not drink the product for more than one week.
Important! After the specified period, each laxative is recommended to be replaced with oils or herbal preparations, which are safer.
The best laxatives
The most effective laxatives are those made with fiber. This category also includes preparations containing agar-agar or flax. The ingredients of these products successfully absorb water in the small intestinal lumen, increase by the body and quickly leave the body after a full cleansing. This group includes the following drugs:
- Normolax;
- Chia seeds;
- Solgar multi;
- Wheat bran;
- Leovit;
- Fiber of pumpkin, etc.
Additional Information. An important advantage of these remedies is the feeling of fullness in the body, which helps to withstand the reduction in the amount of food consumed.
Weak for weight loss and other drugs that increase the osmotic pressure in the intestine are allowed to be consumed for a while, especially if the patient has a tendency to constipation. However, taking these funds for too long provokes the development of undesirable changes in the intestinal microflora. These drugs include:
Wheat bran
- Duphalac;
- Portalak;
- Lactulose;
- Normaz.
For people who are losing weight on a protein diet, the best option would be to use oil-based laxatives. They can help cope with the constipation often associated with these diets. These drugs are usually sold in capsule form. If consumed in a liquid state, then a maximum of 1 teaspoon at a time. The most effective oils in this category are:
- petroleum jelly;
- linseed;
- castor;
- olive, etc.
Note! Natural laxatives are a useful option. The best preparations in this case will be those prepared on the basis of hay: Gerbion-Laxana, Senade, Regulax.
No less effective are funds with the following names:
- Kafiol (based on senna foliage and fig fruits);
- Buckthorn extract (syrup, tablets);
- Phytolax (dill, plantain, apricots, senna);
- Phytotransit (kelp);
- Mucofalk, Fiberlex, Naturolax (all based on plantain), etc.
There are a number of laxatives that you should refrain from taking when losing weight. First of all, this category includes drugs that have a stimulating effect on intestinal peristalsis. They weaken the smooth muscles of this organ. As patients stop using them, they usually develop constipation, which must be treated with other laxatives. Undesirable drugs from this group include:
- Maltite;
- Bisacodyl;
- Sorbitol, etc.
Note! Mineral agents such as Glauber's salt or magnesia are also considered undesirable. Their use is harmful to the intestinal microflora.
When answering the question of how to make a laxative at home for weight loss, we can say that the recipe for its preparation is quite simple. Salt is added to heated water at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of liquid. While at home, you need to drink 1-3 liters of the resulting mixture on an empty stomach for an hour. Such a laxative for weight loss at home is easy to make, it allows you to achieve some success in removing extra pounds.
Answering the question whether it is possible to lose weight with the help of a laxative, you need to consider that folk remedies can also be used as a laxative. First of all, emphasis should be placed on the intake of foods with a high fiber content. These include:
Prunes
- bran;
- figs;
- fruits and vegetables;
- brown rice;
- prunes.
It is allowed to eat foods high in magnesium, which is also known for its laxative effect. This element is found in high amounts in herbs, vegetables and fruits. These products act as a natural laxative to cleanse and lose weight. Their use speeds up the metabolic process and relieves swelling.
Note! Taking herbal decoctions based on senna, nettle, chamomile, aloe is also a positive answer to the question of whether a laxative helps to lose weight.
Drinks can be combined with each other, but do not exceed a daily dose of 2 cups. Too prolonged use of such laxatives for weight loss is undesirable.
Contraindications
- during gestation and breastfeeding;
- with diseases of the large and small intestines, gastrointestinal tract;
- with problems with the circulatory system;
- with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- during the recovery period after surgery or serious illness.
Note! Even in the absence of various contraindications, laxatives should not be abused. Taking them too often can lead to such undesirable consequences as a violation of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, and dehydration.
Knowing whether it is possible to lose weight from a laxative, and knowing how to apply these data in practical conditions, you can achieve some success. At the same time, the use of these drugs must be combined with more effective ways to combat excess weight.
To activate the process of losing weight, it is necessary to get rid of slagging of the intestines, remove toxins and excess fluid from it. With a goal that is preferred by many. A laxative for weight loss must be taken with great care so as not to provoke a sharp decrease in body weight, which will disrupt the functioning of the digestive system.
All drugs that have a laxative effect have a positive effect on the intestines, promote the elimination of toxins, and stimulate its activity. In order for the actions to be only useful and positive, it is important to take into account the required dosage and not overuse the reception.
It must be remembered that any laxatives do not have a direct effect on the fatty layer, they do not break down fats. Their action is different:
- Removing excess water from the body;
- Normalization of feces and their excretion;
- Acceleration of metabolic processes;
- Help in the assimilation of food;
- Elimination of puffiness.
If you correctly and correctly choose the right remedy, you can quickly achieve the process of losing weight in a direct way, removing toxins and toxins. Taking laxatives is not the only way to fight excess weight. In order for the funds to really work and give the desired result, it is necessary in addition to eat right, include daily. The diet in this case will be as relevant as possible.
Classification of laxatives
Before taking laxatives, you must remember that they are divided into classifications that differ from each other. If there is no knowledge in this area, it is worth consulting with a specialist, which of the options will be more appropriate for use.
- Intestinal receptor stimulants. Castor oil is often used for this purpose, which improves the process of food digestion, stimulates intestinal receptors. This group also includes such components as plum fruits, rhubarb root and others;
- Osmotic laxatives. This version of the laxative allows you to keep a sufficient amount of fluid in the intestines, which is necessary to soften the stool. Thanks to such preparations, feces come out naturally, do not provoke constipation. Among the drugs of osmotic action, there are Fortrans, Karlovaya salt, Mikrolax, Macrogol and others. Before using them, you must read the instructions for use;
- Emollients. These products include all preparations containing oils. In contact with the intestines, oils thin the feces, do not allow them to stay in the intestines for a long time. The drugs are completely safe, and are most often recommended for use, in comparison with others. Used almond oil, glycerin.
To activate metabolic processes, preventing the accumulation of feces in the intestines, it is worth taking drugs from the listed groups. Experts say that emollients are considered the best of all, because they contain mainly natural ingredients, the action of which is aimed only at improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Regardless of the chosen laxative drug for weight loss, it must be taken strictly in accordance with the instructions. If the dosage is violated, you risk losing nutrients and electrolytes, and the constant use of laxatives will disrupt the natural intestinal motility - over time, an independent act of defecation (without auxiliary drugs) will become difficult.
Laxative herbs of folk origin
Herbs that have a diuretic and laxative effect are more often used. With the correct preparation of laxative tea for weight loss, toxins and toxins are removed from the body, feces are liquefied, spasms are eliminated, and the intestines are cleansed. Among the varieties of herbs, the following are noted:
Zhoster
It is characterized by antibacterial action and consists of 3% ascorbic acid. To prepare tea or a decoction, you need to pour 250 ml of boiling water over one spoonful of herbs, leave for 1-2 hours. Then the broth is passed through cheesecloth, taken 3 times a day, 1 tablespoon.
Toadflax
It consists of glycosides, so the laxative effect occurs as quickly as possible. Helps get rid of even chronic constipation. During the preparation process, pour a spoonful of seeds with a glass of boiling water, leave for 12 hours. The broth is taken before going to bed in the volume of a full glass along with seeds. With prolonged use, it causes strong side effects. If the first intake is accompanied by a strong laxative effect, it is worth visiting a doctor for a consultation.
Buckthorn bark
It contains inactive anthraglycosides, the effect occurs no earlier than 8 hours after use. With frequent use, it causes serious dependence and addiction of the body. To prepare 20 g of bark, 250 ml of boiled water is poured. The broth is infused for 25 minutes. Drink in a volume of 125 ml before bedtime.
It is easy to prepare a laxative at home for weight loss, just read the recipes, observe the dosage of preparation and adoption. The effect will be quick and effective.
Laxative products
The most useful are foods that have a laxative effect. In order not to spend money on laxatives, not to doubt their naturalness and effectiveness, it is necessary to include foods with laxative effects in the diet. They consist of insoluble fiber, allow food to be digested and excreted more quickly from the body in a natural way, without constipation.
Among the products are:
- Boiled pumpkin;
- Boiled and raw beets;
- Prunes, dried apricots;
- Onion;
- Oatmeal;
- Peaches.
Including at least one product from the above list in the daily diet, you can improve the digestion process, remove decay products from the body, and normalize feces. Sometimes it is constipation that is the main reason for gaining extra pounds, which is more and more difficult to get rid of every day.
How to take laxatives
When buying laxative medications in pharmacies, you need to read the instructions for each drug individually and follow only it. If homemade folk remedies (decoctions, infusions) are taken, then it is recommended to use them no more than once a day for 5-7 days with a dosage of 100-250 ml. Longer use of drugs will provoke the body's addiction, dependence, as well as the occurrence of a large number of side effects.
It is best to choose laxative diet pills after consulting a specialist who will prescribe a safer and more gentle drug for a particular patient.
What result to expect after use
Many people wonder if it is possible to lose weight from a laxative, and how many kilograms you can lose in a course of taking 5-7 days. On average, after the first use, a person loses 1-2 kg, then the indicators stop a little. For a course of using the product for 5-7 days, you can easily lose 5-7 kg without harming the body. Excess fluid, slags, toxins leave, metabolic processes are activated, feces are not retained in the intestines.
There is no need to abuse the intake of laxatives, because they are addictive, and also negatively affect the functioning of the body with their prolonged use. Laxatives are a quick, but not entirely safe, solution to overweight. It helps you shed a few pounds, which is liquid, not fat. For full weight loss, you need to add sports and dietary food. Only in this case the effect of the remedy will be higher and longer.
Contraindications and side effects
The presence of contraindications suggests that taking laxatives will negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system, disrupt the functions of the whole body. Among the contraindications are:
- Bowel obstruction;
- Pregnancy planning;
- Peptic ulcer;
- Lactation period;
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
All this suggests that the use of laxatives is strictly contraindicated, it will provoke the occurrence of such side effects:
- Development of diarrhea;
- Stomach pain;
- Increased gas formation;
- Lack of sufficient fluid in the body;
- Hypovitaminosis;
- Loss of electrolytes.
Taking any laxatives should be accompanied by a consultation with a specialist who will answer all questions, as well as find out how safe taking laxatives will be for use. You do not need to risk your health in order to quickly lose those extra pounds. For safety, you need to seek help from a doctor.
How many of those who want to lose weight at any cost, just as quickly as possible. People are looking for all the new ways to get rid of extra pounds in just a few days, preferably without making any effort for this. This is why questionable methods such as pills, teas, and laxatives for weight loss are becoming more common. Moreover, almost no one pays attention to the warnings of doctors about the harm these drugs can bring to the body if taken incorrectly or uncontrollably.
In fact, a laxative for weight loss began to be used a very long time ago. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, before the ballroom seasons, noble beauties used such tricks to give a figure that had grown plump over the summer. True, the choice of means then was small - castor oil for weight loss was actually the only available drug that pharmacists were happy to sell at exorbitant prices.
But in those days, no one thought about why rapid weight loss really occurs if you drink a laxative. For a modern person, even without a fundamental knowledge of anatomy, it is quite easy to answer this question. The laxative provokes diarrhea, as a result of which fluid and feces are excreted from the body.
Important! Even the best laxative has absolutely nothing to do with burning fat!
True or myth?
To understand whether it is possible to lose weight with the help of a laxative, let's look at the most popular arguments in favor of this remedy, which are given by its adherents and try to understand what is true and what is myth. They truly believe that a slimming laxative is ideal because it:
Laxative types
Laxatives for weight loss are different. And the mechanisms of their effect on humans are quite different. You definitely need to know about this if you have decided to still get rid of excess weight with the help of these drugs. Please note that each group has its own contraindications and, if used incorrectly, can cause harm to the body.
Fiber based
The safest remedies that stimulate the natural flow of feces. Coarse plant fibers, getting into the intestines, absorb water (and substances dissolved in it - useful and harmful) and significantly increase in volume. Due to this, they seem to push out the contents of the large intestine, while at the same time really helping to cleanse the toxins.
But, using such drugs, you need to drink a lot - at least 2 liters per day. Otherwise, fiber will simply begin to draw water from the body, dehydrating it. And first of all - from the intestines, provoking severe constipation.
Mineral
The most common drugs in this group that are used for weight loss are magnesia (Epsom salt) and mirabilite (Glauber's salt). You can buy them without a prescription at any pharmacy, the price is low, which makes these laxatives very popular. The compounds of these salts attract water, under the pressure of which the feces are removed.
It's easy to overdo the dosage. Even a slight excess of it can provoke severe diarrhea, which means dehydration of the body.
Such "washing" of the intestine, performed once, will not cause much damage to the body. But with regular repetition, water-salt metabolism is disturbed and dysbiosis develops.
Oil
As the name implies, these are all natural vegetable or mineral oils that are taken orally: paraffin, olive, linseed, rapeseed, castor oil. If drunk in large quantities on an empty stomach, they will very quickly lead to urge to use the toilet. In their pure form, they are not absorbed by the intestines, but lubricate its walls and "fly out" along with all its contents.
But a part of the consumed fat naturally remains in the body and requires additional efforts to utilize it.
This method of bowel cleansing is categorically contraindicated for diabetics, people with diseases of the liver, gall bladder and pancreas. For the rest, it will not cause much harm, but it will not bring any benefit either.
Peristalsis enhancers
These are mainly pharmaceutical preparations, some of which are created on a natural basis (maltitol, sorbitol, senna extract, etc.) or traditional medicines ("Bisacodyl", etc.). They irritate the intestines and thus stimulate its peristalsis. It actually cleans up faster and better than naturally. But if there are few feces, and the remedy continues to work, then quite severe abdominal pains may occur.
The biggest disadvantage of drugs in this group is the quick addiction of the body to them. After just a few doses, the intestines cease to "be active" on their own, and waits for a new dose of the stimulant.
This type of laxative is contraindicated for people with hemorrhoids, intestinal colic, ulcers.
Herbal teas
Slimming tea can be bought everywhere today. The composition and cost of teas are very different. Therefore, it is necessary to buy such drugs very carefully, having carefully studied what exactly is in the package. Perhaps you are allergic to some of the components, or there are contraindications to it.
When taking laxative tea for weight loss, you must strictly follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer, and not drink it instead of water. But clean water during this period should be drunk more in order to prevent dehydration.
You can use not fees, but decoctions of individual plants. For example, buckthorn bark for weight loss causes very good reviews. It acts quite gently and has minimal contraindications.
Possible problems
Before seriously thinking about which laxative is better for losing weight, let's find out about the risks due to which doctors are categorically against this method:
- Addictive. Moreover, dependence on a laxative can be not only physiological, when a person can no longer independently defecate the intestines, but also psychological. Why limit yourself to food when you can take a pill and get rid of all that is superfluous ?!
- Dehydration. Many, taking a laxative, continue to drink the standard 1.5-2 liters of water per day, most of which is lost along with feces. On the day of taking the drug, you need to drink much more than 2.5-3 liters per day!
- Violation of the water-salt balance. May lead to problems with the cardiovascular and nervous systems. To restore it, you need to drink freshly squeezed juices, mineral water or "Regidron" and similar preparations.
- Excess carbohydrates. If you take a laxative after meals all the time, then fats and proteins are really poorly absorbed by the body - simply because the normal process of digestion is disrupted. But carbohydrates have time to enter the bloodstream before the drug begins to act. You continue to eat a lot, believing that all the excess is excreted from the body. As a result, the weight gain is almost guaranteed!
- Dysbacteriosis. With the flow of water from the body, not only "harmful" substances are washed out, but also useful microflora, which provides protection against pathogenic microorganisms. The result is a sharp decrease in immunity, an increased risk of catching an intestinal infection and other troubles.
- Slow down metabolism. Because of such a harsh effect on the body, he is confused. Nutrients from food cease to flow normally, which means that the austerity regime is turned on - metabolic processes slow down. Therefore, even if you eat less, taking a laxative, you will not be able to lose weight.
It is for these reasons that doctors categorically do not recommend the use of laxatives unless absolutely necessary.
Contraindications
Laxatives are not meant for weight loss! They are designed to help those people who, for some reason, cannot empty the intestines on their own, and their prolonged or too frequent intake is unacceptable.
But there are also categorical contraindications when laxatives are not prescribed even by doctors:
- inflammation, ulcer, or bleeding in the intestines;
- intestinal infections and colic;
- hemorrhoids in the acute stage or recently operated;
- bulimia, anorexia, and other mental disorders;
- hepatic, renal, or heart failure.
Important! With great care, only for medical reasons, only some laxatives can be used during pregnancy!
