Surprisingly, this is a frequent question asked by people who
want to lose weight. The short answer is 'No, you should not use
laxatives for weight loss'. Taking laxatives excessively, for any
reason, can lead to very serious medical problems, up to and including
death.
After reading this article, you will know the disadvantages and risks of excessive laxative use, and you will be informed of a healthy and extremely beneficial method of cleansing your body and losing weight at the same time.
Risks of Taking Laxatives for Weight Loss
Depletes Fluids in the Intestine
To function normally, your body has a natural balance of fluids in the intestines. Frequent loose or runny stools remove or deplete these fluids. Why is this important?
These fluids supply the blood stream with potassium, sodium and chloride, also known as electrolytes. When the body's electrolytes are out of balance, the following side effects occur; dizziness, fatigue, erratic reflexes, weakness of the muscles and an abnormal heart rhythm. The abnormal heart rhythm can lead to cardiac arrest (heart attack), and death.
Inability of the Body to 'Relieve Itself'
A normal colon contracts in order to facilitate a bowel movement. Overuse of laxatives can cause the colon to 'forget' how to function normally; it becomes lazy and stops contracting, therefore causing extreme constipation, and the need for more laxatives.
Malnutrition
Laxative abuse results in non-absorption of the food that is eaten. The constant flushing of the intestines prevents the body from absorbing needed nutrients provided by the food we consume. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, fat and protein.
Any persons with preexisting conditions that affect normal absorption of food nutrients, such as alcohol abuse or Crohn's disease, are faced with an increased risk when using laxatives excessively.
What are My Alternatives?
There is a widespread belief that our bodies are saturated with toxins. These toxins are introduced into the body with the food that we consume. Almost all prepackaged foods, and even fresh fruit and vegetables, have preservatives, and added chemicals unless there are labels stating 100% organic. The meats we buy are loaded with growth hormones and antibiotics. Smoker's bodies are loaded with nicotine, and coffee drinkers are jam-packed with caffeine.
In the belief that our bodies need to rid themselves of these toxins, the detoxification diet was developed. And, it works! However, before running full-tilt to grab a detox diet product, lets look at some of the drawbacks and benefits of the diet.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of detox diets is that they are extremely restrictive. Depending on the supplier of the product, one can be limited to a few beans or vegetables a day while others allow rice, beans, fruit and of course, vegetables.
Benefits
After the body has eliminated all toxins, the physical benefits include more natural energy, no more constipation, and an overall sense of well-being.
A detox diet is not for long-term dieting. It is intended to flush the body of toxins, and then have the user resume normal eating, with healthy, nutritious foods.
All diets are not for all people, either because they 'just don't work', or they are too restrictive with a certain type of food. Each person has to evaluate what will and what will not work for him or her.
After reading this article, you will know the disadvantages and risks of excessive laxative use, and you will be informed of a healthy and extremely beneficial method of cleansing your body and losing weight at the same time.
Risks of Taking Laxatives for Weight Loss
Depletes Fluids in the Intestine
To function normally, your body has a natural balance of fluids in the intestines. Frequent loose or runny stools remove or deplete these fluids. Why is this important?
These fluids supply the blood stream with potassium, sodium and chloride, also known as electrolytes. When the body's electrolytes are out of balance, the following side effects occur; dizziness, fatigue, erratic reflexes, weakness of the muscles and an abnormal heart rhythm. The abnormal heart rhythm can lead to cardiac arrest (heart attack), and death.
Inability of the Body to 'Relieve Itself'
A normal colon contracts in order to facilitate a bowel movement. Overuse of laxatives can cause the colon to 'forget' how to function normally; it becomes lazy and stops contracting, therefore causing extreme constipation, and the need for more laxatives.
Malnutrition
Laxative abuse results in non-absorption of the food that is eaten. The constant flushing of the intestines prevents the body from absorbing needed nutrients provided by the food we consume. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, fat and protein.
Any persons with preexisting conditions that affect normal absorption of food nutrients, such as alcohol abuse or Crohn's disease, are faced with an increased risk when using laxatives excessively.
What are My Alternatives?
There is a widespread belief that our bodies are saturated with toxins. These toxins are introduced into the body with the food that we consume. Almost all prepackaged foods, and even fresh fruit and vegetables, have preservatives, and added chemicals unless there are labels stating 100% organic. The meats we buy are loaded with growth hormones and antibiotics. Smoker's bodies are loaded with nicotine, and coffee drinkers are jam-packed with caffeine.
In the belief that our bodies need to rid themselves of these toxins, the detoxification diet was developed. And, it works! However, before running full-tilt to grab a detox diet product, lets look at some of the drawbacks and benefits of the diet.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of detox diets is that they are extremely restrictive. Depending on the supplier of the product, one can be limited to a few beans or vegetables a day while others allow rice, beans, fruit and of course, vegetables.
Benefits
After the body has eliminated all toxins, the physical benefits include more natural energy, no more constipation, and an overall sense of well-being.
A detox diet is not for long-term dieting. It is intended to flush the body of toxins, and then have the user resume normal eating, with healthy, nutritious foods.
All diets are not for all people, either because they 'just don't work', or they are too restrictive with a certain type of food. Each person has to evaluate what will and what will not work for him or her.
A detox diet can give you a jump-start on a long-term healthy
weight loss program, while increasing your overall health and well
being. To obtain more information on detox diets, click here.
Kathy Bryant hosts a weight loss site that also has focus on ways to make the dieter feel upbeat and proud of their accomplishments and ways to enjoy eating healthy. Weight loss products are reviewed honestly and good products are promoted. To find out more, visit http://www.fastweightlossbyk.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K_Bryant
Kathy Bryant hosts a weight loss site that also has focus on ways to make the dieter feel upbeat and proud of their accomplishments and ways to enjoy eating healthy. Weight loss products are reviewed honestly and good products are promoted. To find out more, visit http://www.fastweightlossbyk.com
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