Posted on 09/12/2023 10:07:42 AM PDT by Cronos
So many people in the US are using and abusing laxatives that it’s caused a national shortage. Just like many health-related problems of today's world, the dwindling stockpiles of pooping pills can be explained by a mixture of terrible diets, questionable internet trends, the nation’s aging population, and strains on mental health.
The US is currently experiencing a scarcity of polyethylene glycol 3350, the prime compound found in many big brand laxative products like MiraLAX and Glycolax
Some pharmaceutical companies have even reportedly started building new factories, in part, to boost the production of the sought-after compound.
Polyethylene glycol eases constipation by drawing water into your stool, making it easier to pass through your digestive system.
As per the WSJ report, many people are abusing this drug as a “budget Ozempic” in an attempt to lose weight. This extremely risky idea, they say, has been driven by TikTok influencers who promote the supposed benefits of laxatives for good gut health and weight loss.
A clinical psychologist told the WSJ that “at least three of the five or so new teens” they see each week have reported using laxatives for weight loss.
Abusing laxatives like this can prove incredibly dangerous and can be an indication of an eating disorder. By flushing the body, the improper of laxatives can cause a loss of water, minerals, electrolytes, indigestible fiber, and other good things that are essential for your health.
Another factor in the laxative shortage is the aging population of the US. The prevalence of constipation increases with age and, as such, many are advised to take laxatives to help ease things along. Quite simply, more old people means a higher demand for many drugs, including polyethylene glycol.
However, demand is also increasing among younger adults more widely. This can likely be explained by the deeply ingrained foibles of post-industrial lifestyles: ultra-processed foods lacking in fiber, minimal physical activity, and declining mental well-being.
The rising demand for laxatives was especially noticeable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. People ate poorer diets, exercised less, and many experienced more anxiety during the quarantines, all of which are factors that can contribute to bowel dysfunction. As a result, many turned to laxatives in lockdowns and remained reliant on the product even after life had returned to some degree of normality.
“It’s crazy to think that our collective bowel dysfunction problems have gotten so bad that we’re literally running out of stool softeners,” George Pavlou, President of the Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, told the WSJ.
there is a more obvious culprit: the food we eat. Many of us eat a lot of crap because that is what tends to be convenient, cheap, and tasty. Ultra-processed food (UPFs) make up 73% of the USAs food supply. and provide the average adult with more than 60% of their daily calories.
"So many people in the US are using and abusing laxatives that it’s caused a national shortage."
Fiber one original cereal works but they quit making it.
Speaking of which - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku42Iszh9KM
Thanks!
That’s the one I was thinking of
I know. There is no other.
This country is fos.
I would add a warning for all the advice for constipation here… many high fiber (and high FODMAP) foods, mucinex, miralax can actually exacerbate constipation in some people who have IBS-C.
It has the opposite affect for many (and my gastroenterologist has seen many like me).
I stick to a low fodmap diet and that keeps me regular, and has for years. I also steer clear of seed oils, processed foods, wheat, and corn.
Rock Star Ted Nugent visited Manhattan recently where his agent was having a party.
There were some Leftists attending as well, so when they saw Ted Nugent walk in, they decided to put a large poster of Donald Trump on the inside of the bathroom door facing the toilet where it would confront the seated occupant square in the face.
Ted had been traveling, so he really had to go, and the Leftists see him come out smiling instead of gnashing his teeth in anger and Lefties didn’t understand- they figured that he’d be outraged!
“Well didn’t you see Donald Trump in there?” they asked.
“Of course I did,” he replied “And I think it’s the most appropriate place for him.”
“What do you mean?” they asked.
To which the Motor City Madman answered: “I can think of no better way to make a Leftist sh*t faster than seeing an image of Donald Trump.”
“More likely related to increased drug/narcotics usage. And modern marijuana is near narcotic status.”
Opioids are known to be constipat8ng; is there any evidence that cannabinoids are, at any concentration?
Coffee.
5.56mm
So now we know why there are so many people full of “it”.
I was WONDERING where all this sh#t hitting the fan was coming from. Gov’t using too much laxative in every department.
I have some Korean kimchee (fermented cabbage and spices) in the morning. Works great.
I made several batches of fermented pickles and boy are they good....I ‘ve heard that they are healthy but I just love the taste...the crunch...yum.
I am sure we have loads of Cascara Sagrada herb for sale. A strong herbal laxative, https://www.bing.com/search?q=Cascara+Sagrada+herb&PC=U316&FORM=CHROMN
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