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Robin Card
traineo Newbie
Posts: 5
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 # Posted: 11 Oct 2006 09:36


a girlfriend of mine is taking senna every night, which I think is a laxative of sorts and she's lost a lot of weight from it, she says it's just to keep her digestive system flowing but surely this is an eating disorder if she is going to the toilet 2/3 times a day? is this dangerous..I'm worried? sorry if this is a stupid question.
Kelsey Brookes
traineo Newbie
Posts: 15
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 # Posted: 11 Oct 2006 11:26


I found a couple of sites about Senna, here's a couple:

http://www.viable-herbal.com/herbdesc3/1senna.htm
http://www.drugs.com/MTM/senna.html

Both say that it's a pretty powerful laxative and shouldn't be taken regularly beyond a week or two. Prolonged use can cause 'lazy bowel' which means that bowel movements become impossible without chemical stimulation.

If she really is taking it every night and has been taking it for a while she should see someone.

That is assuming it isn't prescribed anyway - crazy question, but have you tried talking to her about it?

Having said all that, 2 or 3 BM a day isn't terribly unusual if it's happening naturally.
Nathan P.
Fitness Guru
Posts: 498
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 # Posted: 19 Oct 2006 16:38


I have 2 or 3 BM a day (TMI i know), but i take nothing to support that (just a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, yummm.)

I would confront her, if you really think it is a problem. But try to do it calmly and be understanding.
Jeremiah Utecht
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 190
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 # Posted: 19 Oct 2006 16:53


Quoting: PozzSka
I would confront her, if you really think it is a problem. But try to do it calmly and be understanding.


An .oz of tact and loving kindness will go a lot farther than anything else.

There is always the chance that she is miss informed as to the nature of what she is taking.
Fitness Geek
traineo Regular
Posts: 27
Post History
 # Posted: 24 Oct 2006 22:12


Actually, we humans should be eliminating 2-3 times a day. Most of us, however, are not that lucky.

Laxative abuse as a form of weight control is a known disorder and can have some serious long-term effects. I do hope you can gently express your concerns to your friend regarding her well-being and encourage her to find more reasonable methods of managing her weight. If chronic constipation is an issue for her without the laxatives, she may need help from a health care provider who can recommend diet/lifestyle changes or other less drastic means to keep herself regular.

Best of health to you both!
Nick Richards
traineo Fanatic
Posts: 123
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 # Posted: 25 Oct 2006 02:25


i 'eliminate' 2 or 3 times a day

lol

Nick
K M
Fitness Guru
Posts: 392
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 # Posted: 25 Oct 2006 14:52


Are we still talking about Bowel movements? ha-ha
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