Can you become dependent on metamucil

Water irrigation used to be quite popular in the first half of the past century, but eventually became controversial because of the exaggerated claims made by some of its promoters.

A less invasive form of colonic therapy is practiced the United States today. Here is how Ms. There is nothing inserted deep within the colon, and the "nozzle" is not advancing. Most of the units in North America work on gravity flow in and out, and some use 1 psi infusion pressure, but no suction on the outflow.

Studies indicate colonoscopy is statistically much more likely to cause perforation that colonic irrigation. Most practitioners keep the water pressure under 1psi, but the safe limit allows an upper value of 2psi.

I personally believe colonic hydrotherapy CHT is a very safe procedure. In 7 years I have not seen any perforation nor infection. It is especially a good "first try" approach to resolve fecal impaction in young children and seniors before attempting a manual disimpaction in the hospital settings.

Laxatives are a non-invasive preparation, taken via the mouth. There are several types of laxatives, classified by their mechanism of action.

Most laxatives are addictive i. Unfortunately, there is no such a thing as a 'good laxative. These include fiber from natural sources, such as psyllium Metamucil or bran, and synthetic bulking agents, such as calcium polycarbophil FiberCon or methylcellulose Citrucel. Problems: Bulk-forming laxatives should not be used to normalize stools under any circumstances, because they may cause even more severe constipation or fecal impaction. Conclusion: Not appropriate for the task of loosening up hard stools.

Mineral oil or its emulsion passes through the small intestine unchanged. It lubricates coats hardened stools and, presumably, eases the passing of large stools. While transiting through the small intestine, mineral oil absorbs the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, K, and E. Mineral oil may cause lipid pneumonia , if a small amount enters the lungs a common occurrence among young children and impaired adults, who have problems with swallowing.

These are supposed to break down and soften hard stools, and are recommended for long-term use. Emollient laxatives are quite popular at hospitals and nursing homes. They are based on a synthetic compound called docusate, and sold under different brand names, such as Colace, Dialose, Diocto, DOS, Dosaflex, Genosoft, and others.

Since all cellular membranes are made of fat, emollients damage and penetrate the intestinal wall, enter the bloodstream, and are potentially carcinogenic. Emollients permit the absorption of mineral oils and undesirable trans fats, which accumulate in the lymph nodes and can cause inflammation there.

Docusate should not be used in combination with mineral oils. Emollients are slow acting and may take a week or more to act. Conclusion: Unsuitable for long-term use, especially for older adults. Marginally effective for most people.

These are, essentially, diarrhea-causing agents, because they do not absorb in either the small or large intestine, and cause water retention. Under the deceptive name of lactulose, lactose is sold as Kristalose, Cephulac, Chronulac, Cholac, Constulose, Enulose, and others. Polyethylene glycol MiraLax , Polyethylene Glycol is a factory-made organic compound that acts just like lactose sans fermentation. Problems : Lactose-derived hyperosmolar laxatives are unsuitable for people who are lactose-sensitive, because even a slight overdose may causes severe diarrhea.

The fermentation of lactose inside the intestines causes bloating and cramping from gases produced by bacteria. Polyethylene glycol-based laxatives damage bacterial flora, block absorption of nutrients throughout the GI tract, cause dependence, and, soon, intensify all of the symptoms of dysbacteriosis and constipation.

Life-long dependence and no chance of recovery. May cause acute dysbacteriosis, malnutrition, blood loss, chronic pernicious anemia.

These preparations cause inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and overstimulate the nervous receptors. The inflammation blocks water absorption, while the stimulation of the nervous receptors speeds up intestinal peristalsis.

The best-known stimulant laxatives are castor oil cascara is the active agent , senna Ex-Lax, Senokot , bisacodyl Dulcolax, Correctol , and aloe juice. To stabilize rapidly rising osmotic or hydraulic pressure, the blood promptly ejects excess plasma and electrolytes the ions of mineral or organic salts into the colon. The ensuing surge of fluids inside the colon breaks down hard stools, and stimulates defecation by flowing down and filling up the rectum.

Two of the best known saline laxatives are Milk of Magnesia and Epsom Salts. It has strong antacid properties, and interferes with gastric digestion if taken with food. Individuals with impaired kidneys may develop toxic levels of magnesium from extended use of Milk of Magnesia.

Epsom Salts is a brand name for magnesium sulfate. The risks in each are similar. Indigestion when taken with food, abnormal kidney accumulation, possibility of diarrhea, dehydration, and a loss of sodium chloride salt.

Conclusion: If used properly, osmotic laxatives are may be used for loosening up hardened stools or relieving occasional constipation. Originally, I developed Hydro-CM program for myself in order to get off laxatives and fiber.

I had to overcome irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, severe hemorrhoidal disease, anal fissures, and bleeding caused by a high-fiber vegetarian diet. Before the Hydro-CM program, practically all trips to the bathroom were a torturous, dreadful experience, particularly without a laxative.

I was trying to avoid laxatives because their residual side effects included an exacerbating round-the-clock pain and discomfort related to irritable bowel syndrome.

It also erased a profound, paralyzing fear of going to the bathroom due to excruciating pain and a toilet bowl full of blood. Similar outcomes have been confirmed by practically everyone who started with and continue using the Hydro-CM program after reading my books or following my recommendations.

Also, since then, I am not as dependant on the Hydro-CM program because it has helped me to restore anorectal sensitivity and a natural urge. Obviously, I am free from IBS as well. For those and many other good reasons I recommend using the Hydro-CM program to normalize stools and maintain regularity over other methods.

Please review the Hydro-CM program page for additional detailed information about its content, application, benefits, safety, indications, frequently asked questions, and related facts. Michael R. Although there are many agents used to prevent or treat constipation, metamucil is in a class of medications known as bulking agents.

By causing water to be absorbed into the colon, metamucil helps produce bulky stools which then stimulate the colon to move and cause a bowel movement.

However, as with any laxative, overuse of metamucil can paradoxically lead to worsening constipation. When used regularly over extended periods of time, the normal neuromuscular action of the colon which leads to bowel movements can be disrupted. In this case, without increasing doses of metamucil, the colon will not be able to stimulate a bowel movement independently.

In most cases, laxatives are not meant to be lifelong medications but should instead be prescribed by a physician for a specific medical reason. Regular follow-up with your doctor is important to ensure that the underlying medical reason for constipation is treated, rather than relying solely on laxatives. Zocdoc Answers is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor in the United States immediately. This medicine is being used to treat constipation. It also increases the levels of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass This medicine is used to treat constipation.

Why would you take Metamucil? This medicine is used to treat constipation. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass through. Is it OK to take Metamucil every day?

As a dietary fiber supplement: Metamucil can be taken up to three times daily as a dietary fiber supplement. What are the side effects of taking Metamucil? Some of the common side effects of Metamucil are: - Bloating - Minor change in bowel habits. What is the Metamucil 2 week challenge? After just two weeks of daily use, the gentle psyllium husk fiber in Metamucil will trap and remove the waste that weighs you down, leaving you feeling lighter and more energetic.

Does Metamucil help with belly fat? One study linked a gram increase in daily soluble fiber intake to a 3. Several other studies also show that people who eat more soluble fiber are at lower risk for belly fat. Does Metamucil make you poop more? Laxatives come in liquid, tablet, gum, capsule, granule or powder form. Fiber supplements make your stool bulkier, so it's easier to get through. Be aware that these supplements may also cause bloating. What happens if you take too much Metamucil?

You will need to remember to drink more fluids during the day when you take Metamucil. If you add too much fiber and bulk without adding enough water, it can make constipation worse.