Can laxatives make your stomach swell?

And laxatives actually increase swelling, pain and gas formation. The symptoms gradually disappear as eating returns to normal. experience constipation and it will take some time for normal bowel function to return, but with adequate food intake, it should not take long.

How long does laxative bloating last?

Symptoms can last from 1 to 3 weeks, or occasionally longer, and include fluid retention, constipation, bloating, and temporary weight gain (from water and stool). Remember that in the long run your symptoms will improve, and you will be much healthier and feel better when you are not taking laxatives.

Do laxatives affect the food in your stomach?

The truth is that laxatives do not stop your body from digesting food. They act on the large intestine, but most calories and fat are absorbed before they get to the large intestine.

Do laxatives make you gassy?

You may experience bloating and gas along with the laxative effect, however. Another option would be a magnesium-based laxative, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements.

What are the long term effects of taking laxatives?

Side effects of laxatives can include diarrhea, dehydration, rectal bleeding, fainting and permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Long-term abuse of laxatives can also destroy the body’s ability to create bowel movements on its own without a laxative. Laxatives can also interrupt menstrual cycles and affect fertility.

What are the dangers of taking laxatives everyday?

There are many dangers of laxatives when they are abused. Taking stimulant laxatives for a long period can cause cathartic colon. Using any laxative as a weight loss aid is dangerous. The dangers of laxatives include laxative dependency and worsening of the constipation over the long term.

What are the benefits of taking laxatives?

The benefit of laxatives is that you can purchase them without a doctor’s prescription and they are generally safe and effective. Laxatives may help prevent constipation caused by some drugs or prevent straining to have a bowel movement, which might be dangerous for some people.

Is it bad to take laxatives too often?

Laxative use can be dangerous if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. If you frequently use laxatives for weeks or months, they can decrease your colon’s ability to contract and actually worsen constipation.