While there are numerous ways in which taking certain medications can cause you to lose weight, the most common side effect is making you want to go to the bathroom more frequently than usual. This is especially the case with laxatives, which are often prescribed for people who are trying to lose weight. So, if your doctor has suggested that you try a laxative, then it may be because he or she thinks you are too overweight or obese to benefit from medical treatments alone (which is usually the case with chronic conditions). In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways that laxatives can help you lose weight and what you should know before you begin taking them.
Reduce Overnighging
While it is always great to strive to go to the bathroom more frequently than usual, especially when traveling or if you have an episodic disorder like colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this may not always be the case. In those instances, having fewer bowel movements can be a cause for concern. You may not want to overexpose yourself to laxatives by taking them every day just to have a few extra bowel movements, and therefore risk developing a dependence on them. This is why it is important to try to find the right balance between taking the medication and living your life as usual. The key to successful weight loss with laxatives is, in fact, not going to the bathroom more often than usual or trying to stimulate more frequent bowel movements. Instead, it’s about reducing your overall consumption of solids and fluids to allow your body to adjust to a more healthy weight. This can be hard to do if you are not used to consuming less food, but with careful monitoring of your diet and daily activity, you will surely be able to bring about the needed improvements.
Lower Your Risk Of Migraine Headaches
Another wonderful side effect of taking certain medications is preventing or reducing your risk of getting migraine headaches. This is especially the case with laxatives, as they are often used to treat severe constipation, which is a known precursor of migraine headaches. So, if you are prone to migraine headaches, taking a laxative may be a good idea in order to prevent or reduce the recurrence of these painful incidents. Of course, if you have already had a migraine headache, then it can be more difficult to determine the trigger for the next one. In this case, it may be helpful to try and eat healthier and more nutrient-rich food, as well as get enough sleep and relaxation.
Help You Deal With Episodic Bowel Movements
An additional benefit of taking a laxative occasionally is helping you deal with your bowel movements. If you suffer from occasional constipation or IBS, then taking a laxative at the right time may alleviate some of these discomforting spells. The best time to take a laxative is once or twice a day, about 15 to 30 minutes after eating a meal. This will naturally increase the bulk of your bowel movements, so there is no need to worry about whether or not you have to go now. Your body will be telling you to hurry up and exercise regularly in order to prevent more serious complications. This, in turn, may cause you to lose more weight, potentially even to a healthier level. So, while it may not always be easy to stick to a diet when taking a laxative, remember that your doctor may have suggested this medicine for a reason.
Helpful For Those Who Are Trying To Wean Themselves Off Opioids
Finally, if you are trying to wean yourself off of opioid pain medications, then taking a laxative can be a helpful tool in doing so. Opioids are extremely powerful narcotics that are often prescribed for people with moderate to severe chronic pain. As with any other medication, there are many side effects that may occur, including nausea, constipation, and a decreased desire to go to the bathroom. However, one of the most common side effects of opioids is that they make you want to eat more, which can cause you to gain weight even if you are already at a healthy weight. So, for those who are trying to wean themselves off of these medications, it may be helpful to take a laxative so that your bowel movements are easier to monitor and control. If you are already experiencing side effects from the medication, then it may be a good idea to try to wean yourself off of them slowly, over a period of several weeks or months.