Is there a laxative that can be taken daily?

Bulk-forming laxatives.
They are considered the safest type of laxative and the only type that might be recommended for daily use. Examples are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). It is important to drink plenty of fluids with a bulk laxative.
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What is a good laxative to take everyday?

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
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Can laxative be taken daily?

Do not take laxatives every day to ease your constipation as this can be harmful. Speak to a GP if you're still constipated after making lifestyle changes. In some cases, you may be prescribed a laxative to use regularly, but this should always be supervised by a GP or gastroenterologist (a specialist in gut problems).
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Can taking a laxative daily be harmful?

The overuse of laxatives can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration and mineral deficiencies. Laxative abuse can also cause long-term and potentially permanent damage to the digestive system, including chronic constipation and damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon.
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Can I take laxatives everyday for a week?

Constipation and diarrhea.

Using laxatives for longer than one week can cause loss of bowel muscle tone. Because your muscles become weak, you may have trouble passing stool on your own. Laxatives can cause long-term constipation, but they can cause diarrhea too.
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3 Natural Laxatives to Help Reset Your Digestion



Is it OK to take MiraLAX every day?

You should use MiraLAX® for no more than seven days. If you need to use a laxative for longer than one week, stop use and consult your doctor.
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What helps constipation permanently?

They may recommend you:
  1. Eat more fiber. Pack your plate with lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains and don't eat too many low-fiber foods like dairy and meat.
  2. Drink more water. Your digestive system needs water to help flush things out.
  3. Exercise. ...
  4. Take the time to go.
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How do you retrain a lazy bowel?

Steps in Bowel Retraining

Sit on the toilet for a fixed amount of time usually about 15 minutes. It's preferable to do this 10 to 20 minutes after a meal with coffee. If you do not have a bowel movement in that amount of time just get up and go about your regular activities. Do not strain to have a bowel movement.
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What is the best laxative for the elderly?

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
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Which is better miralax or Metamucil?

Metamucil (psyllium)

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style. Helps get things moving. Metamucil (psyllium) is a natural fiber that is cheap and effective at relieving constipation. Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.
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Is it OK to take Dulcolax everyday?

Long-term use of DULCOLAX is not recommended. If you use DULCOLAX every day, you should consult with your doctor to find out the cause of your constipation. Long-term and excessive use of DULCOLAX may cause an imbalance of salts in the body (including low potassium), muscle weakness and kidney problems.
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Is it OK to take a stool softener every day?

Over-the-counter stool softeners are effective for some people. However, in controlled clinical trials, there is no evidence that they improve symptoms. While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful.
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What happens if you take Ex Lax everyday?

Complications. If your constipation is caused by another condition — such as diverticulosis — frequent or long-term laxative use can worsen constipation by decreasing your colon's ability to contract. The exception is bulk-forming laxatives. These are safe to take every day.
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What is the best laxative to clean you out over-the-counter?

Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice. They tend to work at least as well, often have more evidence for their safety, and are much cheaper.
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What can I use instead of laxatives?

Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.
  • Drink more water. ...
  • Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber. ...
  • Exercise more. ...
  • Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. ...
  • Take Senna, an herbal laxative. ...
  • Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. ...
  • Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.
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What can you take to regulate your bowels?

If you aren't pooping as easily or often as you'd like, addressing these aspects can help.
  1. Drink water. ...
  2. Eat fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. ...
  3. Add fiber foods slowly. ...
  4. Cut out irritating foods. ...
  5. Move more. ...
  6. Change your bathroom posture. ...
  7. Keep your bowel movements in mind.
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Can you take senokot everyday?

Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication (see also Side Effects section). It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement.
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How do you treat severe constipation in the elderly?

6 effective home remedies for chronic constipation in seniors
  1. Avoid constipating foods like: ...
  2. Regularly eat (and drink) foods like: ...
  3. Exercise regularly and as vigorously as possible. ...
  4. Establish a regular bathroom time and also respond immediately to the urge to go. ...
  5. Take a daily soluble fiber supplement. ...
  6. Use laxatives properly.
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What is a natural laxative?

Prunes. Prunes are probably one of the most well-known natural laxatives. They provide lots of fiber, with 7.7 grams in a 1-cup (248-gram) serving. They also contain a type of sugar alcohol known as sorbitol ( 34 ). Sorbitol acts as a laxative when consumed in large amounts ( 35 ).
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How can I have a bowel movement every morning?

After waking, it usually takes around 3o minutes for the urge to poop to set in. Morning routines like stretching, drinking water, and of course coffee all help to move digestion and trigger that first poop. About 30 percent of people report the need to poop after a hot cup of joe.
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How do you stimulate a bowel movement with your fingers?

Insert a lubricated finger into the anus. Move it in a circle until the sphincter muscle relaxes. This may take a few minutes. After you have done the stimulation, sit in a normal position for a bowel movement.
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Are bananas good for constipation?

Bananas are high in fiber

Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation ( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).
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What is the fastest home remedy for constipation?

If you're experiencing constipation, the following quick treatments can help induce a bowel movement in as little as a few hours.
  • Take a fiber supplement. ...
  • Eat foods for constipation relief. ...
  • Drink a glass of water. ...
  • Take a laxative stimulant. ...
  • Take an osmotic laxative. ...
  • Try a lubricant laxative. ...
  • Use a stool softener. ...
  • Try an enema.
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How much prune juice should you drink to have a bowel movement?

For adults, drink 4 to 8 ounces of prune juice each morning to stimulate a bowel movement. Shop for prune juice. Just remember that more isn't always better. Adding more fiber doesn't always help stimulate a bowel movement.
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