How Laxatives Can Ruin Your Life: The Dangers of Laxative Abuse

Laxatives are used to relieve or prevent constipation. They work by drawing water into the bowel, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. However, laxatives also work as a diuretic, which means they can cause dehydration. Laxative abuse has become a major problem in recent years. Laxative abuse includes taking laxatives in order to lose weight or because of addiction to the drug. Abuse can lead to severe electrolyte imbalance, irregular heartbeat, kidney damage, bone fractures, and death.