In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Are Laxatives?Potential BenefitsPossible Side EffectsWho Should Avoid Using Laxatives?Other Ways to Relieve ConstipationFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Are Laxatives?
Potential Benefits
Possible Side Effects
Who Should Avoid Using Laxatives?
Other Ways to Relieve Constipation
FAQs
Close
Photo:Getty Images
Getty Images
While it may not be the most glamorous subject to talk about, some people may encounter times when their bodies require a bit ofassistance in the bowel movement department.And one solution people may lean on is a type of medicine that helps stimulate bowel movements, aka laxatives. These medications that are easily obtained over the counter can relieveconstipationand help our digestive systems run smoothly.
If you are wondering what may happen if you take laxatives every day, keep reading to learn all about the effects of these popular solutions.
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Even the most “regular” people sometimes need help keeping things on track. Consider laxatives your body’s little personal trainer, giving your digestive system the pep-talk it needs when it decides to take an unscheduled break. Similar to how a well-timed joke can break an awkward silence, a well-used laxative can, well … break something else.
Types of Laxatives
There are different types of laxatives, and each works differently:
Potential Benefits of Laxatives
Taking laxatives can offer some benefits in many situations. Here are some noteworthy highlights.
One significant benefit of taking laxatives is the prompt relief they provide from uncomfortable and often painful symptoms of constipation. By facilitating the movement of stool through the intestines, they not only aid in eliminating waste efficiently but also contribute to overall digestive health, per a 2023 review inInternal Medicine.
You Might Have a Healthy Gut Microbiota
It is important to remember that your gut health depends on many factors, not just having regular bowel movements. Your overall dietary patterns, stress levels and the use of medications can impact your gut microbiota as well.
You Might Lose Weight
While weight loss may be an outcome associated with laxative use, the use of laxatives for weight control is not recommended and should always be discussed with a health care professional.
You Might Have Improved Cognitive Function
Taking laxatives may help people have regular bowel movements. More information is becoming available, suggesting a potential link between gut health and brain health. One 2023 study published inNeurologyevaluated a sample of 112,753 men and women to determine if bowel movement frequency was associated with cognitive health. Results showed that, compared with those with at least one bowel movement a day, those who only defecated once every three or more days had significantly worse cognitive function. In fact, this difference was equivalent to three years of cognitive aging. While we need more data to confirm this link, it appears that having regular bowel movements may potentially positively affect brain health.
You May Feel Less Bloated
If you are taking laxatives because you are suffering from constipation, you may feel less bloated, too. It has been reported that people who have constipation experience bloating, and in turn, constipation relief can be associated with less bloating in some cases.
A 2022 report published inNeurogastroenterology and Motilityhighlighted that severe bloating is associated with constipation.
Taking laxatives, especially on a regular basis, comes with several downsides that can negatively impact health. Here are some potential side effects to consider when adding them to your routine.
You May Become Dependent
Laxative dependence is a condition that arises when the body becomes accustomed to relying on laxatives for bowel movements. Overuse of laxatives can cause the bowels to lose their natural ability to move stool, leading to a vicious cycle of laxative use and constipation.
You May Develop Melanosis Coli
You May Become Dehydrated
You May Increase Your Risk of an Imbalanced Gut Microbiota
While having a healthy gut and regular bowel movements may be linked to a healthy gut microbiota, some data suggest that chronic laxative use may have the opposite effect. “A 2023 study in women with eating disorders found decreased gut microbiome diversity with the use of laxatives,” saysLisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD, a registered dietitian and owner ofSound Bites Nutrition. The study Andrews mentions was published inPsychosomatic Medicine.
You May Develop Nutrient Deficiencies
Prolonged use of laxatives can lead tonutrient deficiencies. Laxatives speed up the transit of food through the intestines, which may reduce the time the body has to absorb nutrients from the food. “A case report of a woman with anorexia showed that taking magnesium-based laxatives could cause iron deficiency,” Andrews shares. “Excessive use of laxatives may bind vitamins, minerals or medications and could lead to deficiencies or ineffective medications.” The case report was published in 2019 inBioPsychoSocial Medicine.
You May Develop a Cathartic Colon
“Overuse of laxatives may decrease the muscle tone in your large intestine (colon) and anal sphincter. This could lead to anal leakage or an inability to hold your poop in for voluntary expulsion,” shares Andrews. She adds that “this is known as ‘cathartic colon’ and is seen in patients with eating disorders.”
This condition can lead to chronic constipation, abdominal pain and bloating. In severe cases, medical intervention may be required to manage the symptoms.
You May Experience Cramping
Cramping is another common side effect associated with the use of laxatives. This occurs when the stomach muscles contract irregularly, causing pain and discomfort in the abdominal region. The severity of the cramping can vary, but it’s often mild and short-lived. However, in some instances, it can be severe and lead to additional complications such asdiarrhea. It’s essential to keep in mind that while cramping may be uncomfortable, it’s generally a sign that the laxative is working to clear the bowels. If cramping persists or becomes severe, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention.
While laxatives can be a lifesaver for people who are having trouble having bowel movements, some groups of individuals should avoid them or take them with caution. “People with heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease should be cautious when starting laxatives,” Advani explains.
Pregnant people should only take laxatives under the guidance of their health care provider, as some types could stimulate uterine contractions and potentially lead to premature labor, per a 2018 small study in theJournal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine. Additionally, people with bowel disorders, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, should also use laxatives carefully due to the potential for increased irritation to the intestinal tract. Lastly, individuals with eating disorders who may misuse laxatives for weight control must avoid them due to the severe health consequences associated with their abuse. Always consult a health care provider before beginning a regimen that includes laxatives.
Laxative use isn’t the only way torelieve constipation. In fact, there are some natural ways to promote healthy and regular bowel movements that don’t require the use of any medication.
“The best way to improve your gut health and prevent constipation long-term is to incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet,” Advani explains. “These foods will not only help bulk up the stool to improve stool evacuation but will improve the overall health of your gut microbiome, which can helpful in preventing cancers, GI polyps, GI infections, diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.”
Some examples ofhigh-fiber foodsinclude:
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids also helps reduce dehydration, a common cause of constipation.
Regular physical activitycan stimulate the muscles in your intestines, helping move waste through your digestive system more efficiently.
Behavioral remedies, such as not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, can also help. Certain types ofprobioticsmay also promote healthier and more regular bowel movements. However, as with any health concern, it’s always important to consult your health care provider before implementing new dietary or exercise regimens.
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The Bottom Line
Laxatives come with benefits and risks. And each person who takes them should weigh these potential positives and negatives with their health care provider to determine if taking them is right for their needs. Beyond this decision, deciding which laxative one should take should be decided with a health care provider, too.
If you do jump on the laxative train, be sure to drink lots of fluids to help promote bowel movements and prevent dehydration. And as long as your doctor says it is appropriate, eating high-fiber foods can help move your bowels, too.
To include more fiber in your diet, try some of our recipes that provide an impressive amount of this nutrient, like ourOvernight OatsandBaked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsDepending on the specific type used, laxatives can vary in their onset of action. Bulking agents, which work similarly to dietary fiber, may take a few days to produce an effect. Osmotic laxatives typically yield results within a few hours to a couple of days. Stimulant laxatives are designed to stimulate the intestinal muscles.The duration of a laxative’s effect varies greatly depending on the type of laxative and individual factors such as a person’s age, diet and overall health. Generally, once a laxative has induced a bowel movement, its effects should cease within approximately 24 to 48 hours. However, some residual effects, such as a softer stool consistency, can last a few days if the laxative has a longer mechanism of action.Laxatives, while beneficial for short-term relief from constipation, can also have potential side effects. Mild side effects can include bloating, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, gas and increased thirst. In some instances, overuse of laxatives can lead to a situation where the body becomes reliant on them to produce bowel movements, a condition known as laxative dependency. Long-term use can also result in anelectrolyte imbalancein the body, affecting levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which can have significant health implications.“If you have chronic constipation, which can be defined as less than three bowel movements per week, difficult-to-pass stools, or if you feel like your bowels are always full, check in with your doctors. They can evaluate your gut for other medical conditions which contribute to constipation,” explainsAmy Archer, RDN, CLT, CHWC, a gut-brain registered dietitian nutritionist and founder ofWellness RD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the specific type used, laxatives can vary in their onset of action. Bulking agents, which work similarly to dietary fiber, may take a few days to produce an effect. Osmotic laxatives typically yield results within a few hours to a couple of days. Stimulant laxatives are designed to stimulate the intestinal muscles.
The duration of a laxative’s effect varies greatly depending on the type of laxative and individual factors such as a person’s age, diet and overall health. Generally, once a laxative has induced a bowel movement, its effects should cease within approximately 24 to 48 hours. However, some residual effects, such as a softer stool consistency, can last a few days if the laxative has a longer mechanism of action.
Laxatives, while beneficial for short-term relief from constipation, can also have potential side effects. Mild side effects can include bloating, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, gas and increased thirst. In some instances, overuse of laxatives can lead to a situation where the body becomes reliant on them to produce bowel movements, a condition known as laxative dependency. Long-term use can also result in anelectrolyte imbalancein the body, affecting levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which can have significant health implications.
“If you have chronic constipation, which can be defined as less than three bowel movements per week, difficult-to-pass stools, or if you feel like your bowels are always full, check in with your doctors. They can evaluate your gut for other medical conditions which contribute to constipation,” explainsAmy Archer, RDN, CLT, CHWC, a gut-brain registered dietitian nutritionist and founder ofWellness RD.
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