True or False: Some laxatives can cause potentially life-threatening imbalances with prolonged use.

Prolonged use of certain laxatives can indeed lead to potentially life-threatening imbalances in the body, particularly electrolyte imbalances. This is due to the way some laxatives function, as they can cause the body to lose important minerals like potassium and sodium. Electrolytes are crucial for various bodily functions, including maintaining proper heart rhythm and muscle function. When these levels become imbalanced, it can lead to serious health issues such as cardiac arrhythmias or even organ failure in extreme cases.

Additionally, overuse of laxatives can lead to dependence, where the body can no longer regulate bowel movements on its own, creating a cycle of increased laxative use and greater risk of complications. Thus, the statement reflects an important consideration in the safe use of laxatives, making it true that some can cause potentially life-threatening imbalances with prolonged use.