Are oral laxatives good for you?
We are not big fans of oral laxatives at Vitalife, because they dehydrate the body and you can become dependent on them. Once dependent, the colon has trouble producing its on peristaltic action. If you are taking oral laxatives, you should know the risks. Laxatives cause low peristaltic contractions and dehydration. Two very major problems for maintaining a healthy colon.
Here are a some popular laxatives that people may have readily available at home.
Senna: This is a habit forming stimulant laxative. It causes cramping due to violent contractions in the GI tract, the body builds a tolerance, and becomes dependent. When you stop taking this stimulant, the colon will not produce peristalsis on its own. Also, you will need higher and higher doses to get same effect as when you started.
Milk of Magnesia: First problem? Dehydration. This is an osmotic laxative. It works by drawing water to the bowel from nearby tissue. That’s not a good idea long term, as dehydration causes low HCl. (Betaine HCl: gastric acid (HCl) initiates digestion in the stomach).
When you’re well-hydrated, fluid can more easily move from the wall of the colon and into the lumen, thereby softening stool that is present. In contrast, when you are dehydrated, the wall of your colon may be inclined to absorb water from the lumen of the colon, thereby making any stool present there, harder and more difficult to pass.
Better alternatives
- TRIPHALA. Blend of 3 Ayurvedic plants that tonify the GI tract, aid digestion, and act as a mild non-habit forming laxative. Triphala powder can be put in smoothies or oatmeal, or taken in capsule format, eg. AOR Triphalax 2 caps once or twice a day (But… only if extremely constipated). Triphala is safer because it doesn’t cause the body to become dependent.
- FLAX SEED OIL 1 tablespoon at bedtime. Flax seed oil is a good source of omega-3, it is non-habit forming and non-cramping, and helps promote regularity. It also assists in lubricating hardened stool. Flax seed oil must be kept in the fridge.
- AVOID: Sugar, alcohol, fried or processed food as much as possible. These things should be thought of as “rewards” for good behaviour. Do your best to consume non-processed whole foods, organic vegetables – and – if you like your meat, choose grass fed meat whenever possible and your body will reward you!
