Folks who take a laxative every time they think: their bowels should move could be headed for health problems. Laxatives are, after all, drugs, and like other drugs carry the risk of adverse side effects from habitual use.
Some of the problems brought on by frequent, prolonged, or habitual use of laxatives follow:
- Can lead to addiction and the ultimate destruction of neurological and muscular control of the large intestine.
- Can deplete bodily fluids, salts, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Can bring on dizziness, fatigue, skin irritation, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, belching, and many other unwanted side effects depending on the laxative taken.
FIBER, EXERCISE HELP
Even when constipation does develop, sufferers can often return to normal merely by increasing their fiber and fluid intake, by exercising more, or by setting more time aside for the commode and allowing time for nature to take its course.
For example, if constipation results from a lack of the dietary fiber necessary to form easily-passed stools, one can increase the intake of fiber-rich foods such as potatoes, beans, whole-grain breads, bran cereals, and fresh fruits, along with an ample diet of other vegetables. At the same time, it is advisable to limit the eating of foods containing little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, white bread, and meats.
If constipation results from a lack of exercise, the affected person should make time to exercise daily, providing health permits.
Sometimes the solution to constipation is a combination of dietary and exercise changes.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Frequently however, misaligned vertebras in the lower spine indirectly cause constipation by pinching spinal nerves serving the bowel area. Though the nerve distribution involved is highly complex this pinching effect can alter nerve impulses controlling bowel evacuation and thus bring on constipation. In such cases, a chiropractic evaluation is in order.
Any significant changes in bowel habits which do not respond to exercise or a diet high in fiber, or both, call for a chiropractic examination.