But don't take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry. The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate. These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. You may experience bloating and gas along with the laxative effect, however.Īnother option would be a magnesium-based laxative, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate. These essentially trigger a mild case of the runs. Another option that works for some people is diet candies containing the sweetener sorbitol. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements.

If stool softeners aren’t providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. Consider wearing a protective pad in your undergarments to absorb any leakage. But don't use it for more than a few days, because mineral oil interferes with absorption of some vitamins and if inhaled it can cause pneumonia. Don't take mineral oil at the same time as stool softeners.

Mineral oil, a lubricant, helps stools 'slide on by' if the stools feel stuck low in your bowels, if you have an internal tear or 'fissure,' or if you have pain from hemorrhoids during bowel movements. Stool softeners add moisture to stools to make them softer and easier to pass. They may be marketed as laxatives or as fiber supplements. They contain various ingredients, and you may have to try more than one to find the product that helps you with minimal side effects, such as flatulence and bloating. But don't expect instant gratification: these can take a half-day to several days to provide relief. First choice: bulk-forming laxativesīulk-forming laxatives draw water into stool, making it softer and easier to pass. You should see your doctor and discuss it if you are constantly needing to take laxatives. But when you do have constipation, start with the gentlest and safest option, like a bulk-forming laxative. You should be sure you are eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking adequate fluids, and staying physically active. Occasional irregularity is a fact of life, but you can minimize it with some basic steps. If constipation becomes chronic, don't keep playing laxative roulette.

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