Eating Disorders and the Myths of Laxative Use
Laxative Abuse to Lose Weight Holds Serious Consequences
May 24, 2009
Disordered eating sufferers believe that by using laxatives repeatedly, they will not only keep fat off, but lose weight as well. This is a myth! The truth? Calories and fat, whatever fat that the body will store has already occurred long before waste is ready for elimination. What is lost are vital nutrients and fluids.
What are Laxatives
The word "laxative" in English, as we know it, was derived from a couple of Latin words, first, "laxare" - "to loosen"and "laxus" - "loose or lax".
Basically, a laxative is a substance which causes the bowel to eliminate its contents, speedily, via the large intestine and the colon, hopefully, without discomfort. Not only can too many laxatives cause diarrhea, but over time, cause constipation, as the muscles lose the ability to eliminate waste without the use of laxatives.
How Do Laxatives Work?
How laxatives work depends upon the type of laxative. Some cause water to be retained within the stool, thus allowing the stool to soften so as to allow it to pass through with relative ease. Saline and hyperosmotic agents do this.
Another form of laxative is the stimulant. Stimulants cause the colon to contract, thus, forcing the stool to move along for elimination.
Water and Water Weight Retention
Another common myth, is, that purging through laxative use will result in the loss of water weight. However, the opposite is true. Repetitive purging through laxative abuse causes the body to retain water instead of eliminate it, because the cells and body tissue need water to live. Instead of weight loss, the body may become bloated as it seeks to retain water and thus causes serious constipation.
Dehydration is a Serious Consequence
Because the cells can lose water faster than they can obtain it to become re-hydrated, dehydration is a serious consequence of laxative abuse, thus causing cell damage and eventually organ damage.
Within the colon, when the nerve lining dries out the colon will malfunction and can run the risk of breaking down completely.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Laxative Abuse
Depending upon how long the abuse has lasted, the body may or may not return to normal elimination functioning. Some of the withdrawal symptoms of laxative abuse include:
- Abdominal cramping;
- Constipation;
- Bloating;
- Mood swings;
- Fatigue; and,
- Feeling sick.
The Reality of Eating Disorders
As with substance abuse, eating disorders carry with them delusional thinking peculiar to the diagnosis. Believing that laxatives can help take weight off and keep it off is misinformation. The reality is, if weight is lost, it is more likely due to the strict intake of calories, or vomiting to purge, or excessive exercise regimens.
Eating disorders are known to be fatal. If there are any concerns, please consult with a professional treatment provider or personal care physician. Don't listen to the deceptive eating disorder voice!
Sources
Mirror-mirror.org
Medicalnewstoday.com
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