Constipation is an uncomfortable but common problem, and laxatives are often the go-to solution. But what if the remedy is causing more harm than good? Shocking new research reveals a link between regular laxative use and a dramatically increased risk of dementia. Could your brain health be at risk? Let’s explore the surprising connection and discover safer, natural ways to stay regular while protecting your memory.
Key Takeaways
The Shocking Connection Between Laxatives and Dementia
No one gets through life without getting constipated. It’s one of the great equalizers among us humans. However, new research shows that the many treatments available for constipation may deliver some unequal results… especially regarding your brain and your memory.
According to one study, consistent use of this over-the-counter laxative can dampen your memory and dramatically increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
If you suffer from constipation, you’ve probably tried all the ways to be regular.
Walking… more water intake… and increasing fiber intake. And when those don’t work, you have no choice but to head to the drugstore for a laxative.
Unfortunately, when taking these over-the-counter drugs becomes a habit, your memory could be in grave danger.
Increases Dementia Risk by 64 Percent!
In a shocking new study published in the journal Neurology, scientists analyzed laxative use and dementia outcomes of more than 500,000 participants. At the end, they found that regular use of osmotic laxatives – the type that draws water into your colon like glycerin or sorbitol – increased the participants’ risk of developing dementia by a whopping 64 percent. And there’s more bad news…Those using one or more types of laxatives – including bulk-forming, stool-softening, or stimulating laxatives – saw a 90 percent increased risk!
This means no matter what type of laxative you select you could be putting your brain at risk.
The data shows that laxatives are safe when used for irregular constipation. However, when used daily or weekly, they can impact your gut bacteria and scramble the nerve signals between your gut and brain.1
"Constipation and laxative use are common among middle-aged and older adults," said study investigator Feng Sha, PhD, a health statistician and associate professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "However, regular laxative use may change the microbiome of the gut, possibly affecting nerve signaling from the gut to the brain or increasing the production of intestinal toxins that may affect the brain."2
What To Do Instead
The best way to stay regular – and fight dementia – is with a high-fiber diet. Studies have shown that eating a high-fiber diet can help lower your risk of developing dementia.3 High-fiber foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. And the researchers agree… “Finding ways to reduce a person’s risk of dementia by identifying risk factors that can be modified is crucial,” said Dr. Sha. “If our findings are confirmed, medical professionals could encourage people to treat constipation by making lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, increasing dietary fiber and adding more activity into their daily lives.”My Takeaway
If you suffer from occasional constipation, some gentle, natural options exist. First, never doubt the power of prunes. These tiny fruits are jam-packed with fiber and other nutrients to help you “go.” And my other go-to for not going is papaya. This tasty tropical fruit contains special enzymes that can help relieve constipation and can be consumed in fruit or juice. You can get both prunes and papayas at your local grocery store. Supplementing with probiotics is also a great idea, but choosing a quality formula can be challenging. That’s why Green Valley Naturals developed ComfortPro: Premium Probiotic Formula. Once available only in Japan, this unique strain of probiotic, BB-536, is the ONLY probiotic clinically proven in six human studies to alleviate the three biggest constipation problems at once: hard stools, constipation, and harmful bacteria overgrowth. BB-536 is the only probiotic strain with over 110 health studies documenting its health benefits, making it the most researched probiotic in the world and the #1 best-selling probiotic in Japan.Summary
A recent study highlights the risks associated with frequent laxative use, showing it increases the likelihood of dementia by up to 90%, depending on the type. Overuse of osmotic and other laxatives can disrupt the gut-brain connection, leading to potential neurological damage. Researchers recommend natural alternatives like a high-fiber diet, probiotics, and staying hydrated to maintain gut health and prevent memory decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do laxatives increase dementia risk?
Regular laxative use alters the gut microbiome and nerve signaling between the gut and brain, potentially increasing toxin production that affects brain health.Which laxatives are most dangerous?
Osmotic laxatives like glycerin and sorbitol pose a 64% increased dementia risk, while combining multiple types of laxatives raises the risk to 90%.
1 https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2023/02/22/WNL.0000000000207081 2 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988727#vp_1 3 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2022.2027592
What are safer alternatives to laxatives?
Natural options include a high-fiber diet, increased water intake, exercise, and probiotic supplements to support gut health.Can probiotics help prevent constipation?
Yes, probiotics restore gut bacteria balance, improve stool consistency, and promote regular bowel movements without harmful side effects.What high-fiber foods are best for digestion?
Foods like prunes, papayas, whole grains, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent for boosting fiber intake and maintaining gut health.1 https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2023/02/22/WNL.0000000000207081 2 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988727#vp_1 3 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2022.2027592
