Ayurvedic laxatives are herbal medicines that help in treating constipation.
Constipation is one of the most common modern problems that’s plaguing the country. An irregular diet, a sedentary lifestyle, low water intake, chronic diseases, and several other factors can result in irregular bowels and eventually result in constipation.
While not passing stools every day is normal, continuously skipping evacuation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, and other issues. Many people turn to natural Ayurvedic laxatives, either on a doctor’s prescription or self-medication.
However wrong dosage or prolonged exposure to laxatives can cause more harm than good.
How do Ayurvedic laxatives work?
Laxatives are substances that ease bowel movements. They push the bowel out of the colon by causing spasms in the muscles of the colon. This gentle push can help in evacuating the hard and dry bowel. But when laxatives are used regularly it makes the muscles in the colon ‘lazy’ and less powerful. This can further contribute to chronic constipation thus leading to an unhealthy dependence on laxatives.
In recent times, people’s reliance on medicines has increased exponentially. They turn to natural, herbal, and Ayurvedic medicines to find cures and comfort. One such common medicine that people buy is a strip of laxative for constipation.
Laxative Can Induce constipation
Regular dependency on laxatives for bowel movements can cause laxative-induced constipation. It is one of the major contributors to the increasing cases of chronic constipation.
Laxatives trigger GI problems
Certain laxatives work by drawing water into the colon that softens the stool. Though this makes evacuation easy, it can result in gastrointestinal issues like bloating and diarrhea. Also, since it draws water to the colon from the rest of the body, it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Drug Abuse of Ayurvedic Laxatives
Constipation is a very common problem and so is laxative abuse. Ayurvedic laxatives are easily available over-the-counter and many people opt for self-medicating. Just because Ayurvedic laxatives are herbal medicines, it does not mean that they are safe or suitable for everyone. Also, patients tend to continue prescribed laxatives way longer than recommended. Prolonged use of laxatives can also result in drug dependency.
Laxative abuse for weight loss
Many people also consume laxatives for weight loss. However, studies have confirmed that laxatives do not have any significant impact on weight loss. Laxatives work by stimulating the muscles of the colon. By the time the food reaches the colon, the nutrients, calories, and fats are already absorbed by the body before the food enters the large intestine. Only the waste and water reach the colon. So, the weight loss caused by laxatives is mainly because of the loss of water.
As soon as you drink water, the weight will be back. In addition to that, the wrong use of laxatives can cause dehydration, dizziness, headaches, fainting, blurry eyes, and other health complications.
Effect of laxatives on gut bacteria
One of the primary concerns of laxative abuse is its impact on the gut. Prolonged use of laxatives can result in a ‘lazy gut’ because of weakened muscle and nerve responses. Recent research also highlighted the negative effects of laxatives on gut bacteria. Laxatives can hamper the growth of common microbes and this effect of laxatives can persist for a long time.
Side effects of laxative dependency
Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to increased instances of constipation, as laxatives make the muscles in your colon lazy and weak. It can also cause loss of essential nutrients and water. Thus, resulting in electrolyte imbalance, fatigue, and cramps. Rarely, laxative abuse can also cause severe health problems and can even lead to hospitalization. Also, the prolonged use of laxatives can take away the efficacy of the medicine, even a sufficient dose can fail to produce the desired results.
How to manage constipation?
Constipation is the result of an imbalance in the body. Ayurveda advocates finding the root cause of the imbalance and correcting it rather than developing a dependency on laxatives. Most of the time, a proper diet, a good lifestyle regime, disciplined sleep, and proper stress management can help in managing constipation.
Laxatives are not the answer to constipation. They will only worsen your constipation, slowly and certainly. Laxatives should not be used unless prescribed by a doctor and one should stop using them after the completion of the prescribed course.
Here are some ways to manage constipation –
- Add more dietary fiber to your diet. Eating adequate vegetables and fruits can help in meeting the fiber requirement.
- Hydration is another important factor in curing constipation. Drinking enough water, and watery foods like buttermilk or watermelon can help in treating constipation naturally.
- Engaging in regular physical activities like taking up a sport or going for a run can also boost your digestion and help in elimination.
- Managing stress with relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, pranayama, walking or Ayurvedic massages can also help cure constipation naturally.
- Avoid drinking caffeine in the morning, smoking, and alcohol as they disrupt your gut.
- Psychological factors like insomnia, nervousness, stress, worry, grief, and fear can also promote constipation. Channeling your emotions properly can help in restoring balance.
- Sleep is another crucial factor that affects your gut. Uninterrupted sleep for seven to eight hours every night can help your body recover.
How to get rid of laxative dependency?
- Stop taking laxatives right away.
- Increase your water intake to 2-3 liters per day and avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Get serious about your physical exercise. No movement can make your system sluggish while excessive vigorous exercise can worsen constipation.
- Eat foods that can naturally promote normal bowel movements.
- Rather than going for laxatives, add more fiber to your diet and practice yoga, and do exercise.
- Try mindfulness and meditation to heal your gut.
Your Takeaway!
Ayurvedic laxatives are herbal concoctions that can help in easing your bowel movements but they should always be used on prescription and with caution. Ayurvedic laxatives can be habit-forming and can hamper the normal functioning of your colon.
Also Read:
Triphala Churna for Constipation
Constipation in children and infants
