Here's When You Should Ditch the Home Remedies and Just Take a Laxative for Constipation, According to a GI Doc

Emily Laurence
·5 min read
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If you deal with constipation regularly (or even just once in a while), there’s a good chance that you have some go-to remedies to help get things back on track. Maybe it’s snacking on prunes or sipping peppermint tea. But sometimes, these remedies just don’t cut it, inevitably leading you to consider taking something stronger—specifically, a laxative.

Laxatives are a type of medicine specifically crafted to cause the bowels to empty. For anyone struggling with constipation, that can sound like the perfect solution. But you may also wonder what the effect will truly be like. Will you have to worry about the opposite problem and literally have to run to the toilet? How will it impact your bowel habits in the following days?

Here, a gastroenterologist explains when to consider a laxative, when it’s best not to take one, and what to expect when you do take one.

Related: The 20 Best High-Fiber Foods to Help You Stay Full and Keep Things Moving

What To Try Before a Laxative

Dr. Christopher McGowan, MD, MSCR, AGAF, FASGE, a gastroenterologist and the CEO, founder and Chief Medical Officer of True You Weight Loss, says that a laxative shouldn’t be the first solution people try every time they’re dealing with constipation. There are other steps to take first. “Mild constipation is easily treated,” Dr. McGowan says. The first step he says to take is to increase the amount of fiber you’re eating. “Adding additional servings of vegetables, fruits and legumes can add a significant amount of dietary fiber, resulting in more frequent and complete bowel movements,” he says. As you increase the amount of fiber in your diet, Dr. McGowan says to also increase the amount of water you’re drinking, which can also help get the digestive system moving.

If you struggle to meet your fiber goals (women should aim for between 21 and 25 grams a day and men should aim for between 30 and 38 grams a day), Dr. McGowan suggests that you consider taking a fiber supplement. These come in many forms, including capsules, powders and gummies.

The next action to take is to move your body. “Your bowels respond well to movement. The more you move, the more they move,” Dr. McGowan explains. So if you’re dealing with constipation, go for a walk, move through a yoga flow, or find some other way to move your body. “You’ll likely improve your bowel function, but you’ll also improve your health and overall well-being. That’s a win-win,” Dr. McGowan says.

Related: Get Health Has an Impact on Just About Everything, So Keep Yours on Track With These 20 Soluble Fiber Foods

When To Take a Laxative—and What To Expect After You Take It

If you’ve increased your fiber and exercised, yet you’re still feeling constipated, then Dr. McGowan says it’s reasonable to consider taking a laxative. “One should consider a laxative if they aren’t moving their bowels as often as they like and if it’s causing any degree of distress,” he explains.

There are different types of laxatives to consider. Dr. McGowan shares that polyethylene glycol laxatives (like Miralax) hydrate stool while senna and bisacodyl laxatives (like Dulcolax) stimulate the bowels to move. “In general, the choice of laxative will depend on a person’s preference, but we typically recommend beginning with Miralax, which is safe, well-tolerated and gentle. If unsure, you should speak to a gastroenterologist or other medical professional,” he says.

Dr. McGowan explains that Miralax (and other polyethylene glycol laxatives) works by absorbing and holding on to water that’s consumed so that the intestines can’t remove it. “Our intestines are designed to absorb most of the water that enters our bowels. Polyethylene glycol will hold on to some of this water, allowing it to remain in the stool,” he shares. “A hydrated stool is a softer stool. That means easier and more frequent bowel movements.”

Related: Being a Little Backed Up Is One Thing—But Here's When Constipation Is a Legit Emergency 

Stimulant laxatives work differently. “Instead of increasing the water content of stool, they work on the muscles that line the intestines to increase activity and contraction, thereby propelling stool forward,” Dr. McGowan explains, adding that there are also prescription laxatives that can be considered, which are more potent than over-the-counter medications.

In terms of when to take a laxative, Dr. McGowan says that with polyethylene glycol laxatives, the timing doesn’t matter because it works gently. In fact, these laxatives can take one to three days of consistent use to work. But stimulant laxatives can work quickly, so you’ll want to take it when you’re near a bathroom. “Everyone responds differently to laxatives,” Dr. McGowan adds.

For some people, laxatives can cause diarrhea, followed by cramping and discomfort. Again, it depends on the person. “With many laxatives, the symptoms will abate over time," he says. "However, changing the timing or frequency of use may be necessary."

While the goal is not to depend on laxatives for consistent bowel movements, Dr. McGowan does say that when it comes to polyethylene glycol laxatives, it’s best to consistently take it for a couple of weeks. Once you start having consistent bowel movements, you can stop taking it, focusing more on sticking with a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated and regularly moving your body.

There are also times when it’s best to see a doctor for help treating constipation. “For someone who experiences new or unexplained constipation, severe constipation or constipation that won’t improve with conservative treatment, it’s best to seek help from a gastroenterologist,” Dr. McGowan says.

It bears repeating that taking a laxative shouldn’t be the first action you take when you’re feeling constipated. But they are an option for when you truly need one. And as with any digestion-related issue, enlisting the help of a GI doc can help you get to the bottom of the reasons why you’re experiencing any gut-related problems regularly.

Next up, here's what you need to know about the link between constipation and cognitive decline.

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