Laxatives have been around for over 2000 years. They are drugs meant to be taken for a short time to relieve constipation. Long-term use, especially for losing weight, can lead to serious medical problems, including damage to your intestines and electrolyte imbalance due to dehydration.
Who Uses Laxatives?
Historically, those who use laxatives are trying to ease or eliminate their constipation problems. People who use laxatives are grouped into four categories: Surprisingly, the largest group is individuals suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. They aim to reduce or eliminate food so they will not gain weight. Most hope to become or remain thin.
Older people use laxatives when constipated or are worried when they do not have a daily bowel movement. Our metabolism slows down as we age, often affecting our bowel movements.
People engaged in certain types of athletic training, especially where a limit on one’s weight is required.
Those who believe they are overweight and want to drop pounds easily and quickly. Medical History
Laxatives were originally referred to as cathartics or purgatives. The Ebers Papyrus from 1500 BCE (before the common era) is an Egyptian medical manuscript detailing over 700 herbal treatments for ailments, including constipation….