A doctor will be able to give advice on this. Laxative misuse often requires medical help for both physical and mental treatment. Non-fiber-based laxative use has also been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, though more research is needed to fully understand this association. Internal organ damage: The colon can become stretched and the muscle wall may become thin and flaccid.Laxative dependency: The colon stops reacting to usual doses, meaning larger and larger doses are required.Dehydration: This can cause tremors, weakness, blurry vision, and kidney damage.Imbalance of electrolytes and minerals, particularly potassium: These are necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the colon and heart.Health complications associated with laxative misuse include: They do not reduce body mass, fat, or calories and can contribute to an eating disorder diagnosis. While those misusing laxatives may notice weight loss, this is usually because of the loss of fluids. People with anorexia and bulimia sometimes use large amounts of laxatives as part of a pattern of disordered food behavior. This is not the case, and laxative misuse can lead to a number of health complications. Often, this occurs after overeating under the mistaken belief that food and calories will be rushed through the body before they are absorbed. For instance, some people attempt to lose weight through the frequent and repeated use of laxatives. Individuals may take laxatives for the wrong reasons, and misuse is relatively common. Prokinetic laxatives: These are used for severe constipation in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation.Often, they are enemas used to empty the bowel before invasive procedures or surgery. Saline laxatives: These are used when there is no blockage in the bowels.Lubricant laxatives: These lubricate the intestines by decreasing the amount of water absorbed by the intestines.

There are also some less common types of laxatives:

Stool softener laxatives: These decrease the surface tension of stools so that they absorb more water, making them softer.Usually, they take effect within 6вЂ“12 hours. Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the digestive tract walls, speeding up bowel movements.They may take up to 2вЂ“3 days before they start to work. Osmotic laxatives: These soften the stool by increasing the amount of water secreted into the bowels, making it easier to pass.They usually take 12вЂ“24 hours to start working. Adults with constipation should start taking bulk-forming laxatives as a first-line solution unless there is a specific reason not to do so. They increase the bulk of stools by getting them to retain liquid, which encourages the bowels to push them out. Bulk-forming laxatives: Also known as fiber supplements, these work in the same way that fiber in the diet normally does.The choice of laxative will depend on a number of different factors. Different types of laxatives work in different ways.

Will a laxative clean me out