There is an opinion among the people that laxatives are an effective way to lose weight. Therefore, for the basis of some diets are taken tea, herbal infusions, dietary supplements, medicines, relaxing the intestines and helping the body to naturally expel the "extra". Unfortunately, laxatives for losing weight harm the body, so you are deceiving yourself. All laxatives work only in the intestines, thereby helping him to function, and on calories and fats have absolutely no effect.
The opinion that using laxatives can lose weight appeared due to the fact that when you take laxatives at first, really the weight is lost, but this is due to the loss of fluid. However, along with the liquid, important microelements are washed out, thereby depleting the body. Consider the mechanism of the effect of all laxatives on the human body, and then we will understand that they are not related to the weight loss either.
The effect of laxatives on the body.
Each group of laxatives, but several of them, acts differently on the intestines, and now we will consider them.
Laxatives that increase the amount of content in the intestine.
Such laxatives absorb the liquid and form fecal masses, making them softer and more voluminous, thereby facilitating the process of defecation. This group includes vegetable fibers, cellulose derivatives and polysaccharides. This group of laxatives is the safest and not addictive. But with the use of this group of laxatives there should be abundant drinking.
Laxatives that soften the stool.
As a basis for such laxatives, mineral and petrolatum oils are taken, which means they are safe for health. With prolonged use of such a laxative, it is advised to consume a large amount of liquid.
Laxatives that increase the osmotic pressure of the intestinal contents.
This group of laxatives included magnesian salts, lactulose, salts of phosphoric acid and other substances not absorbed in the intestines, because of the sucking out of the tissues of the liquid, the stool softens, which means that the process of defecation is facilitated. To use such a laxative for a long time is not advised.
Laxatives, irritating and stimulating bowel function, motor skills and propulsive ability to contract.
Such laxatives include bisacodyl, phenolphthalein, castor oil. Various herbs - aloe, cascara, buckthorn bark, hay leaves, rhubarb root. Saline laxatives, for example a solution of magnesia. These means for weight loss increase peristalsis, can cause pain in the abdomen, lead to diarrhea, which will be accompanied by loss of fluid, and addictive. These drugs should be taken strictly according to the prescription of the doctor and once.
Once and on the prescription of the doctor, mineral laxatives such as bitter salt, magnesium hydrogside are taken, which are mainly used to purify the body before the operation.
Laxatives are used exclusively for the treatment of diseases, before certain procedures, and before the operation to cleanse the intestines.
Laxatives harm the body, and for weight loss are absolutely useless.
Side effects of laxatives.
Manufacturers often add laxatives to the slimming products, and argue that the cleaning effect of these ingredients will help lose weight. In this case, do not warn about side effects.
For example, hay leaves, found in bioadditives for weight loss, with long-term use are dangerous and can cause inflammation and cause erosive lesions of the intestine. And after you stop taking such a laxative, you will be disturbed by constipation, since the intestines after them will be with a reduced tone and just stop coping with their natural task.
Most laxative drugs with their long-term use can lead to serious consequences - to abdominal pain, to bowel function, bleeding and to the development of anemia, dehydration, metabolic disorders.
Natural laxatives have no side effects. With the help of natural laxatives you can safely cope with constipation, remove toxins from the body, establish normal operation of the intestines and digestion. To do this, it is sufficient to introduce into your diet products that contain a large number of fibers. Include also vegetables and fruits that have a laxative effect - figs, prunes, hazelnuts, chicory, apricots. Pears, olives, grapes, coconuts, soybeans, mangoes, avocados, peaches.
And remember, only a balanced diet combined with physical exertion will help you lose weight!
