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| New evidence highlights the myths
surrounding laxatives and supports their use in early stages of constipation |
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An independent review
recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology1, has
revealed that a number of long-held beliefs for the routine treatment of
constipation - including increasing fibre intake, fluid and exercise to
alleviate symptoms of constipation - are based on myths and misconceptions.1
The ‘Myths and Misconceptions About Chronic Constipation’ paper clarifies
that many common assumptions about treating constipation are not based on
hard fact or medical evidence. Although a healthy lifestyle with a diet rich
in fibre may be helpful, the review challenges the role of certain diet and
lifestyle advice in the management of constipation.
Key findings: |
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Diet and lifestyle alone should not be assumed to be the
cause of constipation |
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For some, a fibre-rich diet may be helpful, however, in
many people with more severe constipation, fibre intake can make symptoms
even worse |
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Increased fluid intake has not been shown to provide
significant relief from constipation, except if you are dehydrated |
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Further findings relate to
the use of laxatives, which have wrongly been associated with a number of
unsubstantiated claims over the years. The review found that these claims
are mostly unfounded and that: |
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Claims that stimulant laxatives may cause damage to the
colon have been made on poorly documented experiments and are not supported. |
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Laxatives can cause electrolyte disturbances when taken
in high doses but no changes in serum electrolyte levels were found with
recommended doses of a stimulant laxative taken for more than 1 year |
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Developing a loss of effect (tolerance) to laxatives is
uncommon in the majority of users |
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Professor Müller-Lissner,
lead author of the paper, comments, “Constipation is a widespread and
sensitive disorder. Many sufferers often feel guilty and responsible for
their symptoms, believing that their lifestyle is to blame. This review
provides both sufferers and healthcare professionals with strong and
legitimate foundations to remove these feelings of guilt.” |
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| Reference |
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1 Müller-Lissner SA, Kamm
MA, Scarpignato C, Wald A. Myths and Misconceptions About Chronic
Constipation. American Journal of Gastroenterology January 2005;
www.amjgastro.com |
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