What Happens to Your Body When You Take Laxatives for Constipation Every Day

Laxatives can help your digestive system run smoothly, but are there downsides to using them every day?

Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia

While it may not be the most glamorous subject to talk about, some people may encounter times when their bodies require a bit of assistance in the bowel movement department. And one solution people may lean on is a type of medicine that helps stimulate bowel movements, aka laxatives. These medications that are easily obtained over the counter can relieve constipation and help our digestive systems run smoothly.

If you are wondering what may happen if you take laxatives every day, keep reading to learn all about the effects of these popular solutions.

Related: 7 Sneaky Reasons You're Constipated That Have Nothing to Do with Food, According to a Dietitian

What Are Laxatives?

Even the most "regular" people sometimes need help keeping things on track. Consider laxatives your body's little personal trainer, giving your digestive system the pep-talk it needs when it decides to take an unscheduled break. Similar to how a well-timed joke can break an awkward silence, a well-used laxative can, well ... break something else.

Technically speaking, “Laxatives are medications or therapies that can help relieve constipation by softening stool in the colon to help you evacuate,” explains Rashmi Advani, M.D., ABOM-D, an assistant professor of medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and director of bariatric endoscopy at Mount Sinai South Nassau. She also adds that “Certain laxatives provide benefit by preventing and treating backup of stool.”

Types of Laxatives

There are different types of laxatives, and each works differently:

• Bulk-forming laxatives: Increase the water content and bulk of the stool, making it easier to pass. Psyllium and methylcellulose are examples.

• Stimulant laxatives: Speed up the movement of the intestines. Examples include bisacodyl and senna.

• Osmotic laxatives: Draw water from the nearby tissue into the bowel to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Examples include lactulose and polyethylene glycol.

• Stool softeners: Add moisture to the stool to prevent dehydration. Docusate is an example.

• Lubricant laxatives: Coat the surface of the stools and the lining of the intestine to keep the stools moist and help them move through the intestine. An example is mineral oil.

• Serotonin 5-HT4 agonists: Stimulate the release of more fluid in the intestines and speed up the movement of the stool. Prucalopride is an example.

Laxatives can be taken in several ways, depending on their type and the specific product. Most commonly, they come in oral forms, such as pills, liquids and powders that can be mixed with water. These are typically taken by mouth as directed on the package or by a doctor. Some laxatives, like certain kinds of osmotic laxatives, may come in rectal forms like enemas or suppositories. These are inserted directly into the rectum.

Potential Benefits of Laxatives

Taking laxatives can offer some benefits in many situations. Here are some noteworthy highlights.

You May Have More Frequent Bowel Movements

One significant benefit of taking laxatives is the prompt relief they provide from uncomfortable and often painful symptoms of constipation. By facilitating the movement of stool through the intestines, they not only aid in eliminating waste efficiently but also contribute to overall digestive health, per a 2023 review in Internal Medicine.

You Might Have a Healthy Gut Microbiota

As long as laxatives are taken appropriately and not overused, taking them may help support the balance of your gut microbiota, particularly by promoting regular bowel movements, according to a 2019 review in Frontiers in Medicine. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

It is important to remember that your gut health depends on many factors, not just having regular bowel movements. Your overall dietary patterns, stress levels and the use of medications can impact your gut microbiota as well.

You Might Lose Weight

Anecdotally, some people report weight loss when they use laxatives. Yet, while it’s true that some people resort to using laxatives as a means to lose weight, it’s crucial to understand that this is not their intended function, and misuse can lead to serious health issues. Laxatives work in the digestive system to increase stool movement. However, by the time they act, most nutrients and calories have already been absorbed by the intestines. Therefore, any weight loss associated with laxative use is mostly due to loss of water, minerals, electrolytes and indigestible fiber and wastes from the colon. This weight loss will not only be temporary and return once the body is rehydrated, but it could also negatively affect your health.

While weight loss may be an outcome associated with laxative use, the use of laxatives for weight control is not recommended and should always be discussed with a health care professional.

You Might Have Improved Cognitive Function

Taking laxatives may help people have regular bowel movements. More information is becoming available, suggesting a potential link between gut health and brain health. One 2023 study published in Neurology evaluated a sample of 112,753 men and women to determine if bowel movement frequency was associated with cognitive health. Results showed that, compared with those with at least one bowel movement a day, those who only defecated once every three or more days had significantly worse cognitive function. In fact, this difference was equivalent to three years of cognitive aging. While we need more data to confirm this link, it appears that having regular bowel movements may potentially positively affect brain health.

You May Feel Less Bloated

If you are taking laxatives because you are suffering from constipation, you may feel less bloated, too. It has been reported that people who have constipation experience bloating, and in turn, constipation relief can be associated with less bloating in some cases.

A 2022 report published in Neurogastroenterology and Motility highlighted that severe bloating is associated with constipation.

Possible Side Effects

Taking laxatives, especially on a regular basis, comes with several downsides that can negatively impact health. Here are some potential side effects to consider when adding them to your routine.

You May Become Dependent

Laxative dependence is a condition that arises when the body becomes accustomed to relying on laxatives for bowel movements. Overuse of laxatives can cause the bowels to lose their natural ability to move stool, leading to a vicious cycle of laxative use and constipation.

Advani emphasizes that, specifically, “senna [a compound used to treat constipation] can cause dependence and should only be used short term.” Instead, she explains that certain kinder laxatives, which act by pulling water into the colon to soften the stool (such as those containing polyethylene glycol), “are better in treating and preventing constipation long term and do not cause dependency like the other over-the-counter laxatives. Although these may take a little longer to work (one to seven days, depending on the degree of stool backup), it is a much more gentle way of relieving constipation.”

You May Develop Melanosis Coli

Certain laxatives that contain senna can cause a condition in the colon called melanosis coli when used long-term, Advani explains. Melanosis coli is a condition characterized by a darkening of the colon's lining, often associated with chronic use of certain types of laxatives, per StatPearls. The condition gets its name from the distinctive pigmentation that occurs in the colon's lining due to the accumulation of a pigment known as lipofuscin. While melanosis coli is typically harmless and often reversible once laxative use is discontinued, it is regarded as an indicator of long-term laxative overuse.

You May Become Dehydrated

Dehydration is a significant risk associated with the overuse of laxatives. Since laxatives work by accelerating the movement of stool through the intestines or by increasing the water content in the stool, this leads to more frequent and fluid bowel movements. This rapid loss of water from the body can result in dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness and severe thirst. In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to serious health complications, such as kidney damage.

You May Increase Your Risk of an Imbalanced Gut Microbiota

While having a healthy gut and regular bowel movements may be linked to a healthy gut microbiota, some data suggest that chronic laxative use may have the opposite effect. “A 2023 study in women with eating disorders found decreased gut microbiome diversity with the use of laxatives,” says Lisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD, a registered dietitian and owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. The study Andrews mentions was published in Psychosomatic Medicine.

You May Develop Nutrient Deficiencies

Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Laxatives speed up the transit of food through the intestines, which may reduce the time the body has to absorb nutrients from the food. “A case report of a woman with anorexia showed that taking magnesium-based laxatives could cause iron deficiency,” Andrews shares. “Excessive use of laxatives may bind vitamins, minerals or medications and could lead to deficiencies or ineffective medications.” The case report was published in 2019 in BioPsychoSocial Medicine.

You May Develop a Cathartic Colon

“Overuse of laxatives may decrease the muscle tone in your large intestine (colon) and anal sphincter. This could lead to anal leakage or an inability to hold your poop in for voluntary expulsion,” shares Andrews. She adds that “this is known as 'cathartic colon' and is seen in patients with eating disorders.”

This condition can lead to chronic constipation, abdominal pain and bloating. In severe cases, medical intervention may be required to manage the symptoms.

You May Experience Cramping

Cramping is another common side effect associated with the use of laxatives. This occurs when the stomach muscles contract irregularly, causing pain and discomfort in the abdominal region. The severity of the cramping can vary, but it’s often mild and short-lived. However, in some instances, it can be severe and lead to additional complications such as diarrhea. It's essential to keep in mind that while cramping may be uncomfortable, it’s generally a sign that the laxative is working to clear the bowels. If cramping persists or becomes severe, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention.

Who Should Avoid Using Laxatives?

While laxatives can be a lifesaver for people who are having trouble having bowel movements, some groups of individuals should avoid them or take them with caution. “People with heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease should be cautious when starting laxatives,” Advani explains.

Pregnant people should only take laxatives under the guidance of their health care provider, as some types could stimulate uterine contractions and potentially lead to premature labor, per a 2018 small study in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine. Additionally, people with bowel disorders, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, should also use laxatives carefully due to the potential for increased irritation to the intestinal tract. Lastly, individuals with eating disorders who may misuse laxatives for weight control must avoid them due to the severe health consequences associated with their abuse. Always consult a health care provider before beginning a regimen that includes laxatives.

Other Ways to Relieve Constipation

Laxative use isn’t the only way to relieve constipation. In fact, there are some natural ways to promote healthy and regular bowel movements that don’t require the use of any medication.

“The best way to improve your gut health and prevent constipation long-term is to incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet,” Advani explains. “These foods will not only help bulk up the stool to improve stool evacuation but will improve the overall health of your gut microbiome, which can helpful in preventing cancers, GI polyps, GI infections, diverticulosis and hemorrhoids.”

Some examples of high-fiber foods include:

• Whole grains: Foods like brown rice, oatmeal and whole-grain bread are excellent sources of dietary fiber.

• Fruits: Pears, apples, bananas and berries are all high in fiber. Remember, much of the fiber in fruits is in their skins.

• Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and collards, along with root vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, and cruciferous vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and broccoli, are all examples of vegetables with a good amount of fiber.

• Legumes: Foods such as beans, lentils and chickpeas are high in fiber and also provide protein.

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, chia seeds and flaxseeds are not only fiber-rich but also provide lots of healthy fats and proteins.

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids also helps reduce dehydration, a common cause of constipation.

Regular physical activity can stimulate the muscles in your intestines, helping move waste through your digestive system more efficiently.

Behavioral remedies, such as not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, can also help. Certain types of probiotics may also promote healthier and more regular bowel movements. However, as with any health concern, it's always important to consult your health care provider before implementing new dietary or exercise regimens.

Related: 4 Signs You're Drinking Too Much Water

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly do laxatives work?

Depending on the specific type used, laxatives can vary in their onset of action. Bulking agents, which work similarly to dietary fiber, may take a few days to produce an effect. Osmotic laxatives typically yield results within a few hours to a couple of days. Stimulant laxatives are designed to stimulate the intestinal muscles.

How long does the effect of a laxative last?

The duration of a laxative's effect varies greatly depending on the type of laxative and individual factors such as a person's age, diet and overall health. Generally, once a laxative has induced a bowel movement, its effects should cease within approximately 24 to 48 hours. However, some residual effects, such as a softer stool consistency, can last a few days if the laxative has a longer mechanism of action.

What are the side effects of laxatives?

Laxatives, while beneficial for short-term relief from constipation, can also have potential side effects. Mild side effects can include bloating, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, gas and increased thirst. In some instances, overuse of laxatives can lead to a situation where the body becomes reliant on them to produce bowel movements, a condition known as laxative dependency. Long-term use can also result in an electrolyte imbalance in the body, affecting levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which can have significant health implications.

When should you see a health care provider?

“If you have chronic constipation, which can be defined as less than three bowel movements per week, difficult-to-pass stools, or if you feel like your bowels are always full, check in with your doctors. They can evaluate your gut for other medical conditions which contribute to constipation,” explains Amy Archer, RDN, CLT, CHWC, a gut-brain registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Wellness RD.

The Bottom Line

Laxatives come with benefits and risks. And each person who takes them should weigh these potential positives and negatives with their health care provider to determine if taking them is right for their needs. Beyond this decision, deciding which laxative one should take should be decided with a health care provider, too.

If you do jump on the laxative train, be sure to drink lots of fluids to help promote bowel movements and prevent dehydration. And as long as your doctor says it is appropriate, eating high-fiber foods can help move your bowels, too.

To include more fiber in your diet, try some of our recipes that provide an impressive amount of this nutrient, like our Overnight Oats and Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale.

Related: 6 Totally Normal Reasons You're Constipated, According to a Dietitian

Read the original article on Eating Well.