Are laxatives dangerous?
Laxatives are very dangerous medications. Many anorexics and bulimics take them in the mistaken belief that they aid weight loss. I myself took them for about a year, overdosing at least once or twice a week. Laxatives are very addictive and, as the sufferers body becomes dependent on them, it can no longer carry out its natural functions unaided. Laxatives do not actually cause weight loss because they work on the bowels and once food has reached that point, all the calories have been removed. However, they do cause dehydration, removing all the vital salts and electrolytes like potassium that regulate your heart function. If you continue to take laxatives on a regular basis, you do risk completely losing your bowel.
