Although laxatives can treat constipation, healthcare providers don’t always recommend them as a first-line treatment.
Nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are all good dietary sources of fiber.
Two Types of Laxatives
Osmotic and stimulant laxatives are the most common over-the-counter laxatives.
Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images
When Should You Use Laxatives?
Most of the time, you probably don’t need to use a laxative.
Simple changes like increasing your water intake, exercising, and eating more fiber-rich vegetables can help relieve constipation.
“Some people have to take it every day if they’ve got chronic constipation,” Ganjhu said.
Daily laxatives might be a treatment option for some people when high-fiber diets and fiber supplements fail.
But you shouldn’t start a daily laxative regimen until you’ve spoken to your doctor, Ganjhu added.
“Any changes in your bowel habits should be evaluated,” she said.
Should You Use Laxatives Every Day?
Chronic constipation may not be the only reason people are taking laxatives.
“Laxatives can cause diarrhea and hence can cause medical problems, including dehydration andelectrolyte instability.”
American College of Gastroenterology.Constipation and defecation problems overview.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Issues.Eating, diet, & nutrition for constipation.
2020;41(3):139-145. doi:10.4082/kjfm.18.0182
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Foods for constipation.
Andrews CN, Storr M.The pathophysiology of chronic constipation.Can J Gastroenterol.
2011;25 Suppl B(Suppl B):16B-21B.
National Eating Disorders Association.Laxative abuse.
National Association for Continence.Can constipation cause urinary incontinence?.
