A laxative is defined as, A substance that is used to promote a bowel movement when you are constipated.

Laxatives work by starting and stimulating peristaltic action. Peristaltic action is a wave like movement that occurs throughout your gastrointestinal tract - esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon - that helps move your food into your stomach, through your intestines, through your colon, and out your rectum.

Laxatives can enlarge and seriously damage your colon when used for a longtime. Eventually, after continual use, you will not be able to have a bowel movement without using them.

The five types of drugstore laxatives are:

*Bulk Forming Laxatives - (clears constipation in 1-3 days)

*Stool Softening Laxatives - Emollients - (works in 1-4 days)

*Lubricant Laxatives - (works in 5- 9 hours)

*Osmotic or Saline Chemical Laxatives - (works 1- 3 hours)

*Stimulant Laxatives - (works in 6 - 24 hours)

Natural bulking agents are karagy, guar, agar, and psyllium seed. Some semi-synthetic bulking agents are methylcellulose or carboxy-methyl cellulose, which I do not recommend.

Some bulk forming laxatives you will find in the drugstore are:

*Citrucel - contains methylcellulose (not recommended)

*Fiberall - contains psyllium seeds

*Fibercon - contains Calcium Polycarbophil (not recommended)

*Hydrocil - contains psyllium seeds

*Metamucil - contains psyllium husks

*Perdiem Fiber - contains senna

*Ultrafiber - contains psyllium seeds and prunes

The Dangers Of Using Laxatives For Weight Loss

One popular weight loss supplements available in the market today take the form of tea. Stores all over sell slimming tea, dieter's tea and others but all of them are actually the same. They may appear to be effective, but what is not seen may actually harm you.

One of the effects of drinking dieter's tea is frequent bowel movement. This gives people the feeling of body cleansing. These people may get toxins out of their body but it isn't exactly the only thing that slimming tea actually does to the body.

Slimming tea contains herbs which are natural laxatives. These include aloe, senna, rhubarb root, cascara, buckthorn and castor oil.

Cascara, castor oil and senna are substances which are recognized as laxatives available over the counter and are also regulated as drugs.

Commercials for laxatives would have you believe that everyone needs to have a bowel movement at least once a day. This is not always the case. Some people need to have a bowel movement more often – they naturally defecate 2-3 times per day. Some people naturally defecate once per day - while still others may only need to defecate 2-3 times per week. There is no set precedence. Each individual body functions according to it’s own timetable.

The best constipation treatment is one that consists of a healthy diet and sufficient exercise. A healthy diet and exercise are essential for your overall health – and in turn, a healthy digestive system is essential for your overall health. A healthy diet should consist of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, foods that are rich in fiber, and foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Read About Weight Loss Methods Also Read About Diabeties and Weight Loss and Ways to Lose Weight

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