Weight loss tips and tricks keep bombarding on our faces almost every day and most of us follow them at face value. In the absence of solid scientific evidence, many a gullible mind fall prey to the scam of losing weight with certain chemicals or foods.
One such substance that propagated as one of the best weight loss aids is “milk of magnesia”! It’s interesting that a popular laxative milk of magnesia enjoyed the limelight for quite some time.
Role Of Milk Of Magnesia
Constipation is the most popular gastrointestinal distress in the world. Various medications get developed almost every other day in an attempt to help relieve constipation. Milk of magnesia is one among such drugs. It can be used to make your bowel movements regular as well as reduce the severity of acidity.
It’s basically made of three ingredients, namely, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), water and sodium hypochlorite. Its laxative action is due to the activity of magnesium ions which absorbed into the intestinal tract on consumption of milk of magnesia. The high concentration of magnesium within the bowels promotes the inflow of fluids into them.
This causes softening of stools and stimulates bowel movements that lead to diarrhea. It’s also known as an oral osmotic laxative for this reason. Even in people with heartburn, GERD and acidity, the antacid action of milk of magnesia have proven to be very beneficial.1
The Myth About Losing Weight With Milk Of Magnesia
Human beings are thoroughly capable of all kinds of ingenuity. In a world full of millions of weight watchers who would do just about anything under the sun to lose that extra flab, milk of magnesia was seen as the next best thing for it. It has been available for human consumption since the late 18th century in the form of pills and syrups.
Many individuals who started consuming milk of magnesia for constipation started to notice that they fit into clothes better after emptying the bowels. This is because temporary dehydration sets in after laxative use. When you empty your bowels, intestinal as that cause bloating as well as small amount of water gets flushed out of the colon along with the feces.
For desperate dieters who weigh them after defecation, it seems that they have lost weight. However, what they have lost is just water weight instead of actual fat. This tricks them into participating in a DIY weight loss technique. The moment they drink water or eat, they see that their weight has returned which leads them to consume laxatives again. Unfortunately, a vicious cycle of chronic laxative abuse triggers, diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance in the body.
The Dark Side Of Weight Loss With Laxative Abuse
It’s important that we shed light upon the fact that most people who are resorting to risky means to lose weight like laxative abuse are actually suffering from serious eating disorders. Scientific researchers claim that laxative dependency is a characteristic feature of anorexia and bulimia.
People with anorexia or bulimia often starve themselves, overexercise and use laxative and water pills to control their weight. It’s best that you reach out to someone who you think could have an eating disorder. If you are suffering from one, consult your healthcare provider to understand healthier ways to control weight.2
Lose Weight Without Compromising Your Health
Healthier weight loss methods can help you boost your overall vitality and wellbeing. Excess consumption of calories your body doesn’t need or not having an active lifestyle to burn calories are the major factors that cause weight gain. A diet that has calorie restriction but not devoid of all essential nutrients along with exercise and positive state of mind can definitely help you lose weight healthily.
Use your discretion before you consume any drugs. In the case of milk of magnesia also, it’s more likely to be abused as it’s an over-the-counter drug. Consult your doctor before you consume it and avoid it at all costs if you are on medications for gastrointestinal, kidney or heart-related disorders.3
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