How long should one wait to eat after taking a laxative?

 Every one of us feels uneasy while dealing with constipation and bloating. We look for the best solution to get rid of these issues instantly. Either we start drinking more and more water or we change our daily diet plan. Sometimes these minor modifications in our everyday routine result in remarkable relief but, in some situations, a stronger solution is needed. Yes, we have to take a laxative to sway away constipation causes and their symptoms. 

There are numerous reasons why we feel constipated, like when there is a lack of fiber in our daily meal, metabolic disease like diabetes, medications like anti-depression, etc. To cure that, laxatives come to the rescue. 

Before understanding when and how to take laxatives, let’s first understand why we should take them.

●      Laxative uses fiber as a bulking agent and increases water content as well as the bulk of the stool.

●      Laxatives act as lubricants as they contain an emollient like mineral oil that helps in passing the stool quickly.

●      Laxatives such as docusate are stool softeners, they add more moisture to stool that allows it to pass easily.

●      Along with these, there are many other reasons to consider laxatives as the best option for treating constipation. 

When should we take laxatives after eating? 

Every laxative works differently. When we are taking oral laxatives, make sure to take them one or two hours after the meal with a glass full of juice, cold water or as prescribed by the doctor. Laxatives are generally consumed after meals so that they can prevent our body from absorbing nutrients if they are consumed along with the food. Whereas, for some laxatives, we need to give at least 30 minutes to an hour for it to get absorbed before taking the next snack or meal. 

Another major thing that we need to adhere to while taking laxatives is that we should avoid consuming processed foods. It is because food with less or no fiber remains in our intestines for a long time and causes disruption while digestion. Also, one should avoid taking red meat, alcohol, fried foods, sweets, etc., as they can slow down the process of digestion, which can result in the worst constipation. 

Healthy changes for a healthy life

To keep the functioning of the digestive system on track, it is essential to make some healthy changes in our lifestyle. Adding fiber-rich food such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains along with enough water is the best way to keep digestive issues at bay. If you feel constipated after making changes in your dietary habits, you can try naturallaxative for constipation as it is preferred by many people who deal with the same issue. In case the problem still persists, don’t waste more time trying one or other options and go to the doctor because there might be something serious that only an expert can figure out.