Medical Considerations
Since coffee is a diuretic, it has the potential to increase the effects of the laxative. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid drinking coffee when taking laxatives. The diuretic effect can reduce the effectiveness of the laxative, as the coffee can flush the laxative out of the body. Furthermore, coffee can increase the urgency of having a bowel movement, as the body may become dehydrated quicker with the added fluid loss.
In addition, coffee can have a laxative effect, which means that it can increase the speed of having a bowel movement. This means that the laxative taken may become redundant, as the coffee may be working in the same way. Therefore, if drinking coffee after taking a laxative the person is at risk of having an unexpected bowel movement.
Possible Side Effects
It is important to also be aware of the side effects of drinking coffee while taking a laxative. Consuming caffeine while taking a laxative can cause the person to experience gas, bloating, and stomach cramps, accompanied by nausea and dizziness. Furthermore, it can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, due to the amount of water being removed from the body quickly.
Doctors’ Opinions
Due to the potential side effects and the risk of reducing the effectiveness of the laxative, doctors are mostly against drinking coffee after taking a laxative.
Dr Karen Diehl, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, states that “Drinking coffee after taking a laxative can reduce the efficacy of the laxative, and could also cause dehydration, which could make things worse. Therefore, I advise my patients to avoid drinking coffee after taking a laxative”.
Coffee Alternatives
Instead of drinking coffee, it is recommended to drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of honey, as this can help reduce abdominal cramps and gas, and also helps in the healing process.
Furthermore, drinking fluids that are high in electrolytes such as fresh coconut water, electrolyte-containing drinks and organic vegetable juices can help rehydrate the body and restore electrolyte balance.
It is also important to regularly consume high fibre foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, as this will help to keep the body regular and reduce constipation.
Seeking Professional Help
If the person is still struggling with pain or any other symptom despite the changes, it is strongly advised to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional. They will be able to provide a tailored plan to help relieve the symptoms and restore normal bowel movements. Furthermore, to help in the diagnosis, doctors may do tests such as blood tests, urine tests, stool sample tests, barium enemas, or colonoscopies.
Precautions to Take
When taking laxatives, it is important to buy the correct type of laxative, as some types can be harsher than others. Therefore, it is advised to speak to a healthcare professional before taking a laxative to ensure the correct type of laxative is chosen, in order to reduce the risk of developing any side effects.
Furthermore, it is important to keep an eye on other substances in the diet that look like laxatives and act in the same way. These substances include alcohol, black licorice, chocolate, herbal tea, and sorbitol. Therefore, if taking laxatives, those substances should be monitored.
Pre-Laxative Routines
To reduce the chance of having side effects, it is important to do certain things before taking a laxative. Firstly, ensuring that the body is hydrated before taking the laxative is important, as dehydration can increase the chance of cramping and discomfort. Having a warm glass of water with a teaspoon of honey 30 minutes before taking the laxative is recommended.
Furthermore, being conscious of what type of meal is eaten before taking the laxative is essential. It is advised to have a light meal that is predominately made up of fruits, vegetables, a small portion of lean protein, and nuts and seeds, as this will reduce the risk of any cramping due to an irregular digestion process.
Limitations of Using Laxatives for Weight Loss
Although laxatives can be used to reduce constipation, they are not long-term solutions, as the body tends to become too dependent on the laxative. Frequent usage can cause the body to get used to the impacted environment, leading to difficulty in relieving the bowels without a laxative.
Furthermore, laxatives should not be used as a form of weight loss, as they are not an effective method. Laxatives can only help to remove waste that has already been digested, and therefore any calories taken have already been absorbed by the body.
Therefore, because laxatives are not effective for weight loss, it is important to ensure that any weight loss journey is done in a safe and healthy way. This can be done by sticking to a balanced diet and doing regular exercise.
Understanding the Difference between Dietary Fibre and Laxatives
It is important to differentiate between dietary fibre and laxatives, as this will help to distinguish between safe and unhealthy methods of controlling bowel movements.
Dietary fibre is found in certain fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, and does not act in the same way as a laxative. Dietary fibre helps to move the food through the digestive system, and also helps to soften the stool. To help rectify constipation or irregular bowel movements, it is advised to increase dietary fibre slow and steadily, as the body needs to get used to the sudden increase in dietary fibre.
Whereas, laxatives are prescribed to individuals with severe bowel problems and should not be used as a quick fix solution in order to alleviate constipation. They should only be taken with a doctor’s permission, and only in cases where dietary fibre has not been able to help relieve the symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is strongly advised to avoid drinking coffee after taking a laxative, as it has the potential to increase the side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the laxative. However, if drinking coffee is unavoidable, it is advised to have a warm glass of water with a teaspoon of honey towards the end of the laxative process, as this will help reduce the potential side effects.
Furthermore, when taking laxatives, it is also important to be conscious of other substances in the diet, such as alcohol, black licorice, chocolate, herbal tea and sorbitol. It is also advised to increase dietary fibre and do regular physical activity, to help restore normal bowel movements. Finally, when in doubt, speak to a doctor or healthcare professional for a tailored plan.
