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.
Magnesium Citrate is by far the best laxative there is. Take it for the benefit of Magnesium but the side effect is smooth pooping.
Fill a full-size pickup with gas. You’ll s**t.
It was not fun for anyone involved.
People get upset because of the research into pain drugs, "Don't we have enough?" Not without major downsides. And that is with responsible medically supervised use.
C jabs are.
Many meds cause constipation regardless of age. Low fiber is another reason. I’m not an expert, but am a Gastro Patient. With a long list of drug reactions. Estrogens and OA drugs will cause constipation. Besides ruin your Gastro Tract from Reflux.
Castor oil can be bought on Amazon.
Fermented foods are great. I make huge batches and I eat them daily. Probably too much salt but gotta take the good with the bad.
Watch 15 seconds of “The View” and your bowels will empty with violent abandon...
Gallbladder surgery will take you in either direction, Hub had his removed, now on daily Miralax. Thankfully the Navy Base supplies it as a script. Stuff is expensive.
Due to blockage in the supply lines, no doubt!
Regards,
White Castle hamburgers.
They’re called sliders for a reason.
This would explain the toilet paper shortage.
The more processed foods sold and bought, the more the need for laxatives. Havoc to the GI tract.
Eat more beans.
“And modern marijuana is near narcotic status.”
National Marijuana law should allow use by pilots, crewmen, of the Air Force and the US Navy.
That scene was a gas.
My wife had a rather unpleasant time after surgery some years ago. A Taco Bell burrito supreme with green sauce was what finally worked.
LOL! I actually like Taco Bell, but I’ve never experienced the vaunted ‘side effects’.
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