What happens if you take too many laxatives at once?

We’ve all been there – feeling overindulgent and uncomfortable after devouring that entire pizza by ourselves. Or perhaps a little backed up from too much traveling or stress. In times like these, the idea of taking laxatives may sound like an appealing quick fix to alleviate our discomfort. However, taking too many can end up doing more harm than good.

Here’s what happens if you take too many laxatives at once:

Understanding Laxatives

Before we dive into the consequences of excess laxative consumption, let’s first understand what they are and how they work in our bodies.

Laxatives are substances that help treat constipation by promoting bowel movements. They work by softening stool, increasing fecal bulk or stimulating bowel activity (1). While some types of laxatives work more slowly and gently than others, all serve the same purpose: to make it easier for stools to pass through your system smoothly.

Types Of Laxative Overdosing

Different types of people react differently when it comes to usage or dosages with regards to effective outcomes;

Stimulant Laxative Overdose

Stimulant laxatives generate contractions within your intestines which then stimulates the canal wall muscles leading faecal elimination even without hydration absorption due mainly because water gets absorbed slower anyways but recommended amount is needed still taken at maximum twice daily.

### Osmotic And Lubricant Based Laxative Cycling
Even though osmotic cycling has fewer side effects compared stimulative cases; excessive use can lead tomuch hazardous complications such muscle damage.

On another hand lubricating based ones just makes passage smoother rather causes diarrhoea instantly hence caution should be exercised on high dosage levels..

The Consequences Of Taking Too Many Laxatives

While it may seem harmless enough, taking too many strips messages of the little guys can lead to a whole host of uncomfortable and even dangerous side effects.

  1. Dehydration-

Many types of laxatives increase stool frequency by drawing water into the intestine, making it softer and easier to pass through (2). However, overuse or misuse of these products can result in too much water loss from your body leading you to dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. Symptoms include extreme thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, headache and fatigue due lack hydration which may cause dizziness

  1. Electrolyte Imbalance- The big deal with electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals that play an important role in fluid balance within our bodies along other bodily functions such as low potassium uptake hence among numerous symptoms experienced cramps which could potentially lead tyo irregular heartbeat among other side-effects

  1. Digestive Problems –

Excessive intake exceeds bowel mobility tempo causing sensitivity on your stomach lining ultimately even causing excessive belching..

  1. To Diarrhea And Beyond – Every Man’s Nightmare

In Conclusion

In conclusion taking Laxatives for personal comfort is not necessarily harmful but there should be a certain degree of rules governing their use especially following administration directions helps prevent unnecessary harm.?The best remedy remains contacting health professions upon feeling discomfort or any symptomatology?

Bibliography:
(1) Cleveland Clinic
(2) Medical News Today

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