 Conditions that suggest Laxative/Enema Overuse:
Risk factors for Laxative/Enema Overuse:
Laxative/Enema Overuse can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for Laxative/Enema Overuse: | |  | | | Diet |  Increased Water Consumption
Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption | Many people who are dependent on laxatives feel that they must keep on using them because otherwise they become very constipated. A natural way to break this cycle involves eating 1-2 pieces of dried fruit a day, drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day, exercising daily, and stopping all laxative use. There may be no bowel movement for several days, and it may be very hard, but after that the body should settle down to some sort of schedule. It is not necessary to have bowel movements every day; so long as the stools are soft, things are working normally. If dried fruit is not what you like to eat, apples are a good alternative. If, after 2 weeks, you are not feeling any better, go see your doctor. There are some medical conditions that are associated with chronic constipation, which you should be checked for if diet changes do not help. |
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Habits |
Aerobic Exercise |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Strongly counter-indicative | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Electrolyte (Electrolytes)
An element or compound that, when melted or dissolved in water or other solvent, breaks up into ions and is able to carry an electric current.
Laxative (Laxatives)
A substance (food, herb, chemical) that stimulates evacuation of the bowels. Examples include cascara sagrada, senna, castor oil, aloe vera, bisacodyl, phenolphthalein and many others.
Potassium
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically 9oz versus 4oz). About 98% of total body potassium is inside our cells. Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells and is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a cofactor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building.
Vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood by improving their absorption and utilization. Necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth. For Vitamin D only, 1mcg translates to 40 IU.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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