Laxatives for Weight Loss?

Many slimming teas available over the counter have been widely advertised in the newspapers to promote weight loss. They usually contain natural laxatives derived from plants such as senna, rhubarb root, cascara, castor oil, buckthorn and aloe.

What do they taste like?

Not bad at all, I must say. Some have been flavored while others retain their natural flavor. It is usual to take a cup of tea after dinner so that when you wake up the next morning you will go to the toilet.

What is the result of having consumed the tea?

They result in frequent bowel movements and give you the sense of body cleansing.
Toxins are removed from the body and constipation is relieved through induced bowel
movements.

However, these laxatives work only on the large intestines instead of the small intestines where most of the calories are absorbed. Stools become greasy and loose. However there is some weight loss.

Nevertheless, taking laxatives for a prolonged period to induce weight loss can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract and weaken the bones too.

Pregnant women and women trying to conceive should avoid taking laxatives. Abusing laxatives can result in electrolyte disorder, dehydration, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and in time, the colon loses its function. This may necessitate the removal of the colon through surgery.

Thus the use of laxatives to lose weight is to be avoided as it will cause health problems later on.
It is better to eat right and to exercise in order to lose weight.

If there is a lot of weight to lose, you can opt for help in the form of weight loss supplements which you can find in the side bar on the right or in the Slim n Trim Store.