Long term or excessive laxative use is a very dangerous practice that can lead to a variety of problems.
Laxatives may be divided into different types based upon the way they work. Each type has particular problems associated with its abuse.
\"loss Weight\"
So-called stimulant laxatives work by irritating the lining of the intestines and "speeding up" their activity. They also alter the way fluid is handled by the intestine. Used excessively, these laxatives can cause dehydration and serious imbalance of so-called electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Severe deficiencies of water or electrolytes can be fatal. Long term use may lead to a condition called cathartic colon, where the large intestine's normal function has been damaged so that it can no longer work on its own. Treatment aimed at retaining the intestine to function normally can be long and difficult. Some patients with this self-induced problem end up needing a colectomy, or surgical removal of the intestine. Although most such patients have been abusing laxatives for thirty to forty years, several have been less than thirty years old.
Specific chemicals used in certain laxatives may also cause damage to the lining of the intestine, irritation of the stomach, or inability to absorb calcium well (this will weaken bones), or can cause unusual skin conditions and allergic reactions. So-called lubricant laxatives, containing mineral oil, coat the stool to make it easier to pass and also keep more water in the intestine. Prolonged use, again, can lead to severe side effects. Vitamin A and D deficiencies may develop; if the oil is absorbed into surrounding tissue or organs, the body attacks these deposits as "foreign" and inflammation occurs.
Excessive Laxative Use - How Dangerous Is It?
You don't need laxatives for fast weight loss. Click Here [http://www.master-cleansesecrets.info] to learn how you can lose weight fast without laxatives.