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Can Miralax Be Taken For Severe Constipation?
I am severily constipated. Per my doctors advice, I can take Miralax and a stool softener 1 time a day to help my issue. I eat a very healthy diet with lots of fiber and at least 8 glasses of water a day along with running generally 4 days a week, 3 miles a day. I started eating coconut and making my own granola treats that includes a very small amount of coconut oil. My poop is now very soft and stringy. Is this normal or something I should be concerned about?
Fri, 28 Aug 2020
Hi,
1. Miralax [polyethylene glycol 3350] is an OTC [over the counter] osmotic laxative used for short term treatment of constipation, and remember: constipation is not diagnosed by the Physician but by the patient himself.
2. Some common lifestyle and dietary modifications which one can incorporate into his daily activities to overcome laxative abuse are:
* Regular bowel habits with attempted bowel movements 15-20 minutes after breakfast when the gastrocolic reflex is strongest.
PS. regular walking + Yogasanas to improve the tone of abdominal wall muscles
* High fiber diet: green vegetables, fruits, raw bananas.
* Adequate fluid intake: a glass of hot water in the morning, with 1-2 tablespoon ghee, and if needed prefer a bulk laxative like Isapghul, Kayam Churan, or Triphala Churan
PS. Do not give the same laxative for a very long time, change the drug frequently.
3. Glycerine syringe or Dulcolax suppository or simple soap water enema, if drugs fail.
PS. Constipation is not a disease but symptom of a disease, thus if the problem persists kindly consult Medicine specialist to exclude common medical conditions like low thyroid, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS-C], any neurological disease
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood, Ayurveda Specialist
1. Miralax [polyethylene glycol 3350] is an OTC [over the counter] osmotic laxative used for short term treatment of constipation, and remember: constipation is not diagnosed by the Physician but by the patient himself.
2. Some common lifestyle and dietary modifications which one can incorporate into his daily activities to overcome laxative abuse are:
* Regular bowel habits with attempted bowel movements 15-20 minutes after breakfast when the gastrocolic reflex is strongest.
PS. regular walking + Yogasanas to improve the tone of abdominal wall muscles
* High fiber diet: green vegetables, fruits, raw bananas.
* Adequate fluid intake: a glass of hot water in the morning, with 1-2 tablespoon ghee, and if needed prefer a bulk laxative like Isapghul, Kayam Churan, or Triphala Churan
PS. Do not give the same laxative for a very long time, change the drug frequently.
3. Glycerine syringe or Dulcolax suppository or simple soap water enema, if drugs fail.
PS. Constipation is not a disease but symptom of a disease, thus if the problem persists kindly consult Medicine specialist to exclude common medical conditions like low thyroid, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome [IBS-C], any neurological disease
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood, Ayurveda Specialist
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