Using over-the-counter laxatives could increase your risk of developing dementia. according to a study.
A team of researchers from Harvard University, China and the UK found that people who regularly used laxatives were 50% more likely to suffer from cognitive decline.
The study used data from more than half a million people over a 10-year period. Researchers believe the drug may affect gut bacteria in a way that creates toxins in the nervous system, which travel to and damage the brain.
The observational study doesn’t definitively prove that laxatives cause dementia, but changes to the gut microbiome can have widespread effects on a person’s body, with some even speculating it can change their personality.
More than 4 million Americans suffer from constipation, making it the most common gastrointestinal problem.
The condition occurs most often in middle-aged adults and older people.
This can often be the result of not eating enough fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Constipation is also a side effect of many medications that seniors may need to manage their day-to-day health.
Although constipation itself rarely causes long-term health problems, the pain and discomfort can affect the quality of life of sufferers.
To solve the problem, many turn to over-the-counter laxatives. These drugs soften the stool and make it easier to pass through the body.