Active Low-Carber Forums
Atkins diet and low carb discussion provided free for information only, not as medical advice.
Home Plans Tips Recipes Tools Stories Studies Products
Active Low-Carber Forums
A sugar-free zone


Welcome to the Active Low-Carber Forums.
Support for Atkins diet, Protein Power, Neanderthin (Paleo Diet), CAD/CALP, Dr. Bernstein Diabetes Solution and any other healthy low-carb diet or plan, all are welcome in our lowcarb community. Forget starvation and fad diets -- join the healthy eating crowd! You may register by clicking here, it's free!

Go Back   Active Low-Carber Forums > Main Low-Carb Diets Forums & Support > Low Carb Health & Technical Forums > General Health
User Name
Password
FAQ Members Calendar Mark Forums Read Search Gallery My P.L.A.N. Survey


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 16:16
lillylou's Avatar
lillylou lillylou is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 167
 
Plan: Nourishingtrad.& Pilates!
Stats: 190/140/140 Female 5'10
BF:14/size2/size2
Progress: 100%
Location: California
Default

You are so welcome, Jiggerz. Constipation plagues many of us (people in general and it goes up for people doing induction) that I just thought I would share my "story". I know it sounds overly dramatic, but being constipated is SUCH a DOWNER! I am finally glad to have my system up and running again.
Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
  #32   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 17:26
Kristine's Avatar
Kristine Kristine is offline
Forum Moderator
Posts: 25,585
 
Plan: Primal/P:E
Stats: 171/146/150 Female 5'7"
BF:
Progress: 119%
Location: Southern Ontario, Canada
Default

My condolences to the chronically constipated. Been there, but fortunately, it was related to my messed-up hormones, which are now normal. I highly recommend talking about it with a health care professional, because if there's an explanation for it, you can go after the root cause instead of messing around with laxatives.

Just my opinion, but I am a total skeptic on the stuff-stuck-in-your-colon theory. 99% of the time, I disagree with mainstream medicine and side with the natural alternatives, but not on this issue. It's classic health fraud: invent a disease, then sell the cure. Unless you actually have a bowel obstruction, which is a serious condition that requires medical attention, stuff can't stick around too long because your intestinal walls themselves are continually sloughing off. The life cycle of a colon cell is only about five days.

I can see the appeal to those of you who struggle with chronic constipation, but do think twice about using laxatives too often. (And let's call a spade a spade here - anything that makes you defecate water is a laxative.) Laxatives cause even more weakening of the bowel muscle, and then you're hooked. Keep trying 'friendlier' solutions - you might need more (or less) fiber, water, or a heck of a lot of magnesium.

Last edited by Kristine : Sun, Feb-20-05 at 17:33.
Reply With Quote
  #33   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 17:47
mickster mickster is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 211
 
Plan: low Carb..sim to atkins
Stats: 200/155/145 Female 5'9"
BF:
Progress: 82%
Location: Gypsies on the west coast
Default

This subject is often talked about on the Candida section of this forum. I think for some people it can be benificial. I wouldn't mind trying it once, but unfortunately I don't ever have 7 days in a row to spend close to the potty.
Reply With Quote
  #34   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 17:59
MissScruff's Avatar
MissScruff MissScruff is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 6,113
 
Plan: 1
Stats: 110/110/110 Female 111
BF:
Progress: 74%
Default

http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00054470.html


Definition: Laxatives are products that promote bowel movements.

Purpose: Laxatives are used to treat constipation -- the passage of small amounts of hard, dry stools, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and even painful to have bowel movements. They may also feel bloated, sluggish, and generally uncomfortable and may have other symptoms such as a dull headache and low back pain. But these symptoms do not always mean that laxatives are necessary. A great deal of misunderstanding exists about their use. Many people believe that they are constipated and should take a laxative if they do not have a bowel movement every day or if their stools are sometimes hard. However, a wide range in normal bowel habits exists, depending on the individual and his or her diet. Some people have bowel movements as often as three times a day, some only three times a week. Anything within this range is considered normal. In addition, some people's stools are naturally firmer than others.
Occasional constipation can often be treated without laxatives. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, drinking enough water and other liquids, such as fruit and vegetable juices, exercising regularly, and setting aside time every day to have a bowel movement are the first steps. These measures will also help prevent constipation from occurring again. If these methods do not relieve the problem, a physician may suggest using a laxative for a limited time. A physician should always be the one to decide when a laxative is needed and which type of laxative should be used.
Description
Laxatives come in various forms -- liquids, tablets, suppositories, powders, granules, capsules, chewing gum, chocolate-flavored wafers, and caramels. The basic types of laxatives are bulk-forming laxatives, lubricant laxatives, stool softeners (also called emollient laxatives), and stimulant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives contain materials, such as cellulose and psyllium, that pass through the digestive tract without being digested. In the intestines, these materials absorb liquid and swell, making the stool soft, bulky, and easier to pass. The bulky stool then stimulates the bowel to move. Laxatives in this group include such brands as FiberCon, Fiberall, and Metamucil.
Lubricant laxatives
Mineral oil is the mostly widely used lubricant laxative. Taken by mouth, the oil coats the stool. This keeps the stool moist and soft and makes it easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives are often used for patients who need to avoid straining -- after abdominal surgery, for example.
Stool softeners (emollient laxatives)
As their name suggests, stool softeners make stools softer and easier to pass by increasing their moisture content. This type of laxative does not really stimulate bowel movements, but it makes it possible to have bowel movements without straining. Stool softeners are best used to prevent constipation in people who need to avoid straining -- because of recent surgery, for example. However, they are not very effective at treating existing constipation. Docusate (Colace, Sof-Lax) is an example of a stool softener.
Stimulant laxatives
Ingredients in these laxatives stimulate muscles and nerves in the intestines. This helps move the stool along. Although these laxatives are popular and effective, they should be used with care, as they are more likely than other types to cause side effects. They may also work more quickly and powerfully than other laxatives. Examples of stimulant laxatives are bisacodyl (Correctol) and senna (Senokot).
Precautions
Laxatives are among the most widely misused over-the-counter medicines. The overuse of laxatives can lead the body to depend on them. When used regularly over a long time, laxatives can damage nerve cells in the colon, and the colon can lose its natural ability to contract. This makes constipation worse. Overuse of certain laxatives can weaken the bones and cause other serious problems. Because of these possible problems, do not use laxatives unless told to do so by a physician. If a physician has recommended a laxative, use it only as directed. Do not take it more often or for a longer period than recommended.
Occasional, temporary constipation usually results from an improper diet, too little exercise, changes in daily routines, or the use of certain medicines, such as pain relievers, antidepressant drugs, diuretics (water pills), and some antacids. However, constipation can also be caused by a number of diseases. See a physician for any of the following symptoms:
• Persistent constipation in a person who has always had regular bowel movements
• Constipation that does not get better with the proper use of laxatives
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Pain when having a bowel movement
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Bloating that continues or gets worse
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Continuing abdominal pain or cramps
• Sores or irritation in the anal area.
Do not use stool softeners, such as docusate (Colace) and lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, at the same time. This may cause unwanted side effects, such as watery diarrhea.
People whose gag reflexes do not work properly (such as people who have had strokes) should not use mineral oil laxatives. They may inhale small amounts of mineral oil, which could lead to inflammation of the lungs and possible pneumonia.
Some types of laxatives contain large amounts of sugar. People who have diabetes or who must limit their intake of sugar or other carbohydrates should read package labels carefully or check with a pharmacist before using laxatives.
People with phenylketonuria should be aware that sugar-free laxatives may contain aspartame.
When using a stimulant laxative, such as bisacodyl (Correctol), take the smallest recommended amount. Do not use this type of laxative on a daily basis.
Some stimulant laxatives can turn stools or urine pinkish or red. This is a harmless, temporary effect that should go away when the person stops taking the medicine.
Bulk-forming laxatives must be taken with at least 8 oz. of water or other liquid. If the laxative is taken without enough fluid, it may form a mass that can block the throat, esophagus, or bowel.
Anyone who develops a skin rash while taking a laxative should stop taking it immediately and call a physician.
Reply With Quote
  #35   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 18:01
MissScruff's Avatar
MissScruff MissScruff is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 6,113
 
Plan: 1
Stats: 110/110/110 Female 111
BF:
Progress: 74%
Default

http://www.something-fishy.org/dangers/methods.php

Laxatives
Pills or liquid, herbal or otherwise, laxative abuse is a common form of "weight control" in people suffering with Eating Disorders. The use of laxatives as a way to lose or control weight is not only dangerous, but irrational. The actual purpose of taking a laxative is to stimulate the large bowel to empty, which occurs only after the food and it's calories for energy have been absorbed through the small intestines. Essentially, a person taking laxatives to control weight is only going to cause their body to lose fluid, which can potentionally be followed by periods of water retention and an appearance of bloating (causing the sufferer to want to lose more weight and ingest more laxatives). The reason people suffering from eating disorders seem to lose weight while taking laxatives is because in most cases they are increasingly watching calorie intake and restricting food consumption, inducing vomiting, and/or compulsively exersizing.
Continued laxative use can cause bloating, cramping, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances and imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, irregular heart beat and heart attack, renal problems, and death.
Phenolphthalein, a popular ingredient previously found in many brands of laxatives has now been recalled by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, United States) due to studies indicating that it has been linked to cancer.
Withdrawal symptoms can be expected in stopping the use of laxatives after a continued period of using them as a "weight loss" method. These include, abdominal cramping, mild to severe constipation, bloating, mood swings and general feelings of fatigue and "feeling sick." In less severe cases the symptoms will usually subside in about 2 weeks, but in cases where a person have ingested handfuls or more laxatives on a regular basis, it may take longer and require medical assitance.
Reply With Quote
  #36   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 18:02
MissScruff's Avatar
MissScruff MissScruff is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 6,113
 
Plan: 1
Stats: 110/110/110 Female 111
BF:
Progress: 74%
Default

http://ibscrohns.about.com/library/...f-laxatives.htm

Definition: Medicines to relieve long-term constipation. Used only if other methods fail.

Also Known As: Also called cathartics.
Reply With Quote
  #37   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 18:06
MissScruff's Avatar
MissScruff MissScruff is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 6,113
 
Plan: 1
Stats: 110/110/110 Female 111
BF:
Progress: 74%
Default

http://www.geocities.com/edpetition..._laxatives.html

Interesting story. Language is a bit offensive to me so I didn't copy it over.
Reply With Quote
  #38   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 18:34
Lisa N's Avatar
Lisa N Lisa N is offline
Posts: 12,028
 
Plan: Bernstein Diabetes Soluti
Stats: 260/-/145 Female 5' 3"
BF:
Progress: 63%
Location: Michigan
Default

Quote:
Keep trying 'friendlier' solutions - you might need more (or less) fiber, water, or a heck of a lot of magnesium.


Another option, in addition to fiber, water and adequate fat, would be a stool softener which is different from a laxative in that it only softens the stool making it easier to pass instead of causing a mass infusion of water into the colon followed by explosive diarrhea (and this is what 'liquifying fecal matter' is referring to).

I'm also a skeptic of the "Your colon is dirty and must be cleansed" way of thinking. The colon is quite efficient at cleansing itself as Kristine explained above.
Reply With Quote
  #39   ^
Old Sun, Feb-20-05, 19:37
Jiggerz's Avatar
Jiggerz Jiggerz is offline
Round 2
Posts: 1,782
 
Plan: RNY & LowCarb
Stats: 270/180/160 Female 5'10
BF:sz 24/sz16/sz8
Progress: 82%
Location: Holland, Michigan
Default

Quote:
Another option, in addition to fiber, water and adequate fat, would be a stool softener

That would be Colace.
Reply With Quote
  #40   ^
Old Mon, Feb-21-05, 00:19
MissScruff's Avatar
MissScruff MissScruff is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 6,113
 
Plan: 1
Stats: 110/110/110 Female 111
BF:
Progress: 74%
Default

Reply With Quote
  #41   ^
Old Mon, Feb-21-05, 05:24
Lisa N's Avatar
Lisa N Lisa N is offline
Posts: 12,028
 
Plan: Bernstein Diabetes Soluti
Stats: 260/-/145 Female 5' 3"
BF:
Progress: 63%
Location: Michigan
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MissScruff


Technically it's in the family of laxatives, but it is not a stimulant laxative in that it does not actively cause bowel movements. It simply softens (not liquifies) stools so that they can be passed without straining. These types of medications are called stool softeners.
Reply With Quote
  #42   ^
Old Mon, Feb-21-05, 07:49
MissScruff's Avatar
MissScruff MissScruff is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 6,113
 
Plan: 1
Stats: 110/110/110 Female 111
BF:
Progress: 74%
Default

Thanks! I learn something new everyday! My Dad takes them, but I didn't understand what they are.
Reply With Quote
  #43   ^
Old Mon, Feb-21-05, 11:38
misskimbee's Avatar
misskimbee misskimbee is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 1,140
 
Plan: 000
Stats: 000/000/000 Female 5'7"
BF:
Progress: 0%
Default

Well, I'm all for trying the particular product Oxy-Powder, but they want $16.25 JUST TO SHIP TO CANADA!!!

That's insane!

There are no health food stores in Yellowknife so I guess I'm screwed, unless I could make arrangements with someone on the board here to pay them thru Paypal or something to get it for me!!!
Reply With Quote
  #44   ^
Old Mon, Feb-21-05, 15:11
Lisa N's Avatar
Lisa N Lisa N is offline
Posts: 12,028
 
Plan: Bernstein Diabetes Soluti
Stats: 260/-/145 Female 5' 3"
BF:
Progress: 63%
Location: Michigan
Default

Miss Scruff...just to be clear. Colace is a stool softener containing only docusate sodium. Pericolace adds Senna, which is a stimulant laxative, to the docusate sodium (the stool softener ingredient). The two are different medications even though they are made by the same company and have a similar name.
Reply With Quote
  #45   ^
Old Mon, Feb-21-05, 19:37
potatofree's Avatar
potatofree potatofree is offline
Fully Caffeinated
Posts: 17,245
 
Plan: Back to Atkins
Stats: 298/228/160 Female 5ft9in
BF:?/35/?
Progress: 51%
Default

Don't they have Drano in Canada?
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:26.


Copyright © 2000-2024 Active Low-Carber Forums @ forum.lowcarber.org
Powered by: vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.