EATING DISORDERS AND LAXATIVES - THE FACTS
Many people who suffer from eating disorders abuse laxatives and conclusive statistics about the extent of
laxative abuse are virtually impossible to find. There is a lot of shame attached to abusing laxatives and as
such it is difficult to ascertain the actual number of people who do so. Laxatives are products which are
designed to stimulate the bowel and encourage elimination. Many people take laxatives because they
believe it will help get rid of calories.
Laxative abuse can be defined as taking more than the prescribed/recommended dose, or regularly taking
laxatives over a period of weeks, months, or even years.
Laxatives do not have an effect on body weight or body fat levels!
Most food is absorbed in the small intestine and the laxatives only work in the large intestine. Laxatives give
the illusion of weight loss by causing the body to dehydrate. The body fluid loss causes an imbalance in the
electrolytes in the body as it is through the water loss in the body that the electrolyte - potassium gets
flushed from the cells. This can result in heart problems over a period of time, as potassium regulates
fluid balance, levels of acidity, blood pressure, and neuromuscular function. Both potassium and sodium
are intimately involved with balance and if there is an imbalance, the heart may beat irregularly.
Abusing laxatives can cause palpitations, fluid retention, dehydration, chest pains, heart, liver and kidney damage, intestinal lining damage, leaky gut syndrome and an inflammation of the bowel. Symptoms of abuse include abdominal pain, muscle spasms, nausea, diarrhoea, digestive difficulties, constipation, and dizziness.
COMING OFF LAXATIVES
Coming off laxatives can be challenging as usually a person has become addicted to taking them. The
person can have several irrational feelings associated with taking laxatives - an irrational need to feel empty,
or an irrational need to get rid of anxiety being held in the gut. As such the laxatives are seen to serve the
purpose of regulating emotions. Laxative abuse can also be viewed as a variant of self harm behaviour.
I believe that there are deep psychological issues associated with not wanting bulk or residue in the
abdomen and this contributes to issues Involved in coming off laxatives.
Look at the reasons why you take the laxatives........
After overeating?
Because you feel bloated?
Habit?
Because you think they are a weight Loss tool?
Because you are depressed?
Because they regulate how you feel?
All these reasons have a more appropriate response to them that does not have a negative affect on your
health. If you are abusing them for some time then start by cutting down gradually. Set yourself a weekly
goal of reducing the amount you are taking. Simply by reducing your intake by 10% a week, you can be
laxative free within 10 weeks! Another alternative would be to have a laxative free day each week and
increase this to two days, three days Etc. when you feel ready. Chart your progress and this will make you feel
like you are getting close to achieving your goal. You will look and feel Better at the weeks go on.
Drink plenty of water also and increase the amount of fibre in your daily food choices so the bowel can start
to work for itself more effectively. Fibre rich foods include fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, lentils, Whole
grains. Do not eat large amounts of bran as this interferes with the absorption of some vitamins and
minerals. If your weight changes do not panic. The fluid levels in your body are rebalancing and this is temporary.
You may experience a small level of bloating while the body is rebalancing itself from the laxative
abuse but long term people report they are less bloated after giving up the Laxatives.
Do not panic if you become constipated. ÔRebound Constipation' is common and also eases in time as the body is re-adjusting. Do not replace laxatives with starving or vomiting as you are simply trading one vice for another. Get support from a professional to help you deal with the causes and effects of the laxatives and eating disorder on your body. Take one day at a time and focus on how far you have come, not how far you have to go. Your body will thank you in the end! Practising self care, relaxation strategies, and homeopathic healing can also be of great benefit in coming off laxatives.
For further information please contact us.
Telephone 053 9130506
Mobile 087 2056560
E mail info@eatingdisorders.ie
Website www.eatingdisorders.ie.