Is Laxative Abuse Dangerous?
Weight loss has become a primary concern for many people in today’s increasingly health-conscious world. Thanks to a barrage of promises from the weight loss industry, many people believe that body fat can be removed simply by taking a simple pill or laxative. Rather than adopting effective, long-term lifestyle changes, some people erroneously believe laxatives (along with other weight loss products) will solve their health issues. Unfortunately, these products can often be a dangerous way to go about accomplishing health goals, especially if used excessively over a long period of time.
Laxatives, for example, can lead to long-term health complications through extended use. [1] Not only does the body become dependent on laxatives and is unable to perform its natural evacuation function, damage to the colon and other internal organs can also occur through extended use.
Increases Constipation Risk
Taking a laxative for occasional constipation relief is one thing; however, continued laxative use can actually increase constipation risk, promoting the exact same problem the product is supposed to remedy. [2] Laxative abuse can cause the walls of the intestine to become weak and unable to stimulate the movement of wastes out of the body. In other words, the colon becomes dependent on laxatives as a means of initiating the body’s evacuation and elimination process.
Anatomical Abnormalities
A 1998 study involving patients who had used stimulant laxatives more than three times per week for a year or more found distinct anatomical changes to the colon versus patients who had not been taking laxatives. [3] It appears that long-term laxative use damages the musculature of the colon, an action that hinders its overall function. For this reason, it is always best to keep the colon healthy at all times, even with occasional laxative use.
Diarrhea and Electrolyte Imbalance
The excessive use of laxatives can also cause chronic diarrhea, contributing to the elimination of much-needed electrolytes like potassium and sodium. [4] Not only can chronic diarrhea cause an electrolyte imbalance, it can also increase one’s chances of developing dehydration. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include cramping, mental fatigue, and, in some severe cases, coma and death.
Does Not Promote True Weight Loss
Fat loss can only occur through exercise and nutritional intervention, whereas laxative use results in nothing more than the loss of water weight. Many people believe that laxatives allow the body to remove ingested calories, yet this myth has been consistently debunked. By the time the stool reaches the large intestine, fat and calories have already been absorbed by the body. Read more
What are Polyphenols?
Polyphenol is a generic term for the several thousand plant-based molecules that have antioxidant properties. The health benefits of antioxidants are well known and polyphenols are also helpful for regulating enzyme function and stimulating cell receptors. [1] Polyphenols are divided into four primary groups: phenolic acids, lignans, stilbenes, and flavonoids. [2] Plants with polyphenol activity have played a major role in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. With an anti-inflammatory action, support for the liver, and promoting normal circulatory health, their benefits are plentiful.
6 Benefits of Polyphenol Consumption
Polyphenols are available in a wide variety of unprocessed raw vegetables and fruits. With the explosion of polyphenol research and the extensive discussion in scientific journals, potential therapeutic applications for these compounds have been discovered. Here are just a few of the benefits related to polyphenols.
1. Skin Protection
The consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and antioxidant-rich beverages may protect the skin from UV radiation. Resveratrol, a compound in red wine, has active polyphenic qualities that aid in protecting the skin. Other compounds, like silymarin, genistein, delphinidin, pomegranate fruit extract, grape seed, proanthocyanidins, and green tea polyphenols, may also ward off UV damage. [3]
2. Brain Health
The antioxidant effect of polyphenols offers holistic support for the aging neurological system, possibly combating the early onset of dementia-like symptoms. Polyphenols have been linked with lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Researchers also note that polyphenols offer a holistic approach to neurological health by addressing the complex physiology involved with certain brain disorders. [4]
3. Supports Normal Blood Sugar
Glucose management is an issue for many people in the United States, with about 1 out of every 10 people having type II diabetes or prediabetes. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenols, has displayed beneficial effects for supporting normal blood sugar levels. These flavonoids, typically found in foods like tea and cocoa, appear to enhance insulin secretion, reduce cell death, regulate glucose metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and increase glucose uptake by cells. [5]
4. Nutritional Support for Cancer?
While polyphenols won’t cure cancer, research has explored their potential therapeutic role. Some polyphenols appear to offer protection against carcinogens — cancer-causing substances present in food and the environment. [6] [7] Although coffee raises an eyebrow among some health-conscious consumers, research suggests that the polyphenols in coffee may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. [8]
5. Blood Pressure
Studies indicate flavonoids, like catechins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, are important dietary compounds that support normal blood pressure by inhibiting the physiological mechanisms which trigger hypertension. [9]
6. Cardiovascular Health
Polyphenols found in cocoa have been shown to reduce cardiovascular stress through the inhibition of LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, oxidation. These compounds also increase the vasodilation of blood vessels to promote circulation. [10] Keep in mind that organic dark chocolate, 72% cacao and above, is where the benefits have been found. In other words, cheap candy is not good for your health.
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Weight Loss Program
Losing weight is the hardest thing that many people will ever do. And regardless of what the TV commercials and magazine articles would have you believe, there is no shortcut. That’s the bad news. But here’s the good news, losing weight can be fun and fulfilling. You can enjoy your life to the fullest by making a few simple changes that will not only help you lose weight, they will strengthen the immune system, reduce fatigue, lessen the side effects of certain medications, prevent constipation and other digestive disorders, and maintain the chemical balance within the body. It’s as simple as eating delicious wholesome foods and making exercise an enjoyable part of your day! Are you ready to make a few small changes that will lead to big results? Read on to learn about the only weight loss program you will ever need for permanent weight loss. We do recommend taking the product Slimirex® with all weight management programs.
Eat and Chew!!
Improving your diet does not mean starving yourself or eating tasteless, boring foods. It just means that you need to be smarter about the food choices you make. You don’t need tricks and gimmicks to help you lose weight. You need to learn the basics of nutrition and put what you learn into action on your dinner plate. That can be the hardest part of a weight loss program: translating words into meals! But the most important thing to remember about a healthy diet is that YOU SHOULD NOT BE HUNGRY. If you feel truly hungry (and not just bored) it is your body’s way of telling you that it needs food to keep going.
If you are hungry, EAT and Chew! Regular meals throughout the day help you stay full and in control of the foods you eat. Aim for five or six small meals to keep you going throughout the day. And when you have time, eat slowly and chew each bite of food 25x before you swallow. This gives you more time to enjoy your meal and allows you brain to signal your tummy when it’s full. If you want to lose weight and keep it off for good, follow a nutritious eating plan that keeps you feeling full and in control.
Make It Delicious!
The best way to ensure you stick with a healthy diet is to plan your meals and snacks so that they include foods you actually want to eat. You will never stick with a plan that forces you to eat tasteless, boring food. What’s the point of living if you can’t enjoy your food? If you want to lose weight you just need to be more selective about the foods you are choosing to satisfy your hunger. There are thousands of recipes in books and online that can offer delicious organic nutritious meals that fit well with a weight loss program. The key is to plan ahead to make sure that you have the time, energy, and ingredients to prepare these meals. It’s not always easy. And there will be days when you simply cannot make it happen. But if you make the effort 95% of the time, you will still be able to achieve the goals of your weight loss program. Read more
5 Kidney Cleansing Drinks
The kidneys are our organs that filter out toxins and waste from the bloodstream. Because toxins can affect your entire body, there is no question that supporting your kidneys is crucial for keeping your overall health in check. Without a balanced diet, purified drinking water, and body cleansing, toxins can build up and affect the function of the kidneys, liver, and neighboring organs… and may even lead to kidney stones and other problems.
Cleansing the Kidneys With a Few Sips
Cleansing the kidneys is a simple process and most cleanses don’t require an exhaustive supply of tools or ingredients to work. In fact, just drinking plenty of purified water is the first step toward an effective flush. Water, however, only provides hydration. The following 5 kidney-cleansing drinks may provide that extra cleansing boost.
1. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has been touted for years as supporter for the urinary tract. Research shows that cranberries can help fight against urinary tract infections, possibly by decreasing the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder and urethra. [1] Cranberries may also be helpful for cleansing the kidneys of excess calcium oxalate, one of the main contributors to kidney stones. [2] When purchasing cranberry juice, always choose varieties that are certified organic and free of added sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors; or, get a juicer and make your own.
2. Beet Juice
Beets and beet juice contain betaine, a very beneficial phytochemical. It has antioxidant qualities and increases the acidity of urine. This can help clear calcium phosphate and struvite buildup from the kidneys. [3] The removal of calcium in the kidneys not only promotes kidney function, but decreases the likelihood of kidney stones.
3. Lemon Juice
Naturally acidic, lemon juice has been shown to increase citrate levels in the urine, a factor that discourages kidney stones from forming. For a quick lemon kidney cleanse, squeeze 4-5 lemons into a quart of cold water and drink up. Or, for a warming beverage, squeeze one quarter to one half a lemon into 8 ounces of hot water daily.
4. Juice Cleanses
Juice cleanses are all the rage, and with good reason. A juice cleanse combines the nutritional power of fruits and vegetables into one, easy-to-drink beverage. The juice of vegetables and fruits is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients necessary for facilitating the removal of toxins. This helps take the strain off the liver, colon, and kidneys. Vegetables like celery, cucumber, zucchini, lettuce, carrots, kale, and spinach are great for juicing. For fruits, try apples, peeled oranges, pears, pineapple, and peaches.
5. Homemade Kidney Cleanse Beverage
Here’s one of my favorite beverages that will aid any kidney cleanse. All you will need are fresh lemons, apple cider vinegar (organic and raw), purified water, and Renaltrex. I’d suggest checking out the full kidney cleanse instructions for a detailed breakdown. But, in short, it involves mixing lemon juice, purified water, ACV, and Renaltrex into a beverage that you drink over the span of a four day cleanse. Read more
