Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Question #18627
1 year ago
763

Laxative Drugs - #18627

Riley
FREE

For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with severe constipation. It started as an occasional problem, but now it’s become a regular issue. I sometimes go three to four days without a bowel movement, and when I finally do, it’s painful and uncomfortable. I’ve tried increasing my fiber intake and drinking more water, but it doesn’t seem to help. A friend suggested trying laxative drugs, but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. I’ve heard that there are different types of laxative drugs, and I don’t know which one would be best for me. Some people say that stimulant laxatives work quickly, but I’ve also read that they can be habit-forming. Others recommend osmotic laxatives, which supposedly draw water into the intestines, making stool easier to pass. But do these have side effects? I’m also wondering if there are natural alternatives to laxative drugs. Are there any herbal remedies or dietary changes that can help with chronic constipation? I’d prefer a long-term solution rather than just relying on medication. Another concern I have is whether using laxative drugs regularly can damage my digestive system. I’ve heard stories about people who became dependent on them and couldn’t go to the bathroom without taking a pill. Is this true? If I start using laxative drugs, how can I avoid becoming dependent on them? Lastly, I’ve been feeling bloated and uncomfortable almost all the time. Could this be related to my constipation? Will taking laxative drugs help with bloating as well, or should I be looking into something else for that? I’d really appreciate a doctor’s advice on this. Should I go ahead and try laxative drugs, or is there a better way to treat chronic constipation?

Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

I’m glad you’re reaching out for help with your constipation, as it’s clearly a distressing issue for you. Chronic constipation, especially with accompanying bloating, can indicate an imbalance in your digestive system, likely involving your Agni or digestive fire, which may be weak. Rather than turning to laxative drugs, which can indeed lead to dependency and other side effects, I’d recommend a more holistic approach.

First, focusing on your diet is essential. Incorporate warming and moistening foods like cooked vegetables, oats, and ghee, which can help stimulate digestion. Aim to include more easily digestible fiber sources such as psyllium husk or soaked chia seeds, which promote softer stools without overloading your system. Consider drinking warm water, ideally with a squeeze of lemon in the morning, to stimulate your digestive tract.

Herbs can also assist dramatically. Triphala is a renowned Ayurvedic remedy that aids digestion and promotes regularity. Try taking a teaspoon of powdered Triphala in warm water before bed. You may also consider adding fennel or ginger to your meals, as these aid digestion and can help reduce bloating.

Additionally, ensure regular physical activity. Gentle activities like walking or yoga can stimulate bowel movements. Consider the practice of Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) or gentle twists to stimulate the digestive organs.

Monitor your stress levels, as they can significantly impact digestive health. Techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help relax your mind and gut.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further assessment. While immediate relief might seem appealing, prioritizing long-term digestive health through lifestyle and dietary changes is more beneficial in the long run.

13584 answered questions
30% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What causes sticky and loose stools with dark color after taking Dadimashtaka and Panchkol?
How to identify which doshas are imbalanced based on my digestive and skin issues?
What to do for increased frequency and urgency of stools after cholecystectomy in a diabetic and hypertensive patient?
How to treat chronic malabsorption and hormonal issues after Amoebiasis in a 22-year-old male?
Can I stabilize saman vayu in a week with bilvadi churna and panchkol after fasting?
How long should I take Pilex tablets for bleeding internal piles at 65 years old?
How to treat loose motion and bloating with frequent hunger and dizziness?
How to treat bloating and constipation in my mother with stage 3a kidney disease and diabetic complications?
Why do I feel extremely tired and uneasy with gas after eating?
How to treat visham agni with symptoms like bloating, dry skin, and dizziness in 1 month?
What to do for daily loose motions at 3 AM after previously having constipation?
What to do for persistent stomach pain and irregular stool for over a month?
How to treat Visham Agni and digestive issues like bloating and weakness?
How to treat piles and fistula to reduce lumps after 8 years?
How to treat chronic bloating and weakness with dizziness and hair loss?
What to do for frequent loose motions and low blood pressure with dehydration during summer?
Why does my stool become sticky and loose again after stopping treatment for mandagni and pitta aggravation?
What to do if taking ashwagandha and other herbs causes constipation and hard stools?
What to do for severe diarrhea and weakness lasting 7 years?
How to treat gallbladder stones and thickening of the gallbladder wall with high cholesterol?
How to treat chronic constipation in a 69-year-old despite using laxatives?
What are Ayurvedic medicines and diet for grade 1 fatty liver disease?
What to do for acid bloating, loss of appetite, and acute stomach pain in the lower abdomen?
How to treat bleeding piles with swelling and painful defecation after eating spicy food?
What Ayurvedic medicine can help with H. pylori and gastritis diagnosed by endoscopy?
How to treat chronic loose motion and bloating after traveling in hot weather?
Can Ayurveda help with my chronic gastritis, colitis, and PCOS as a 33-year-old woman?
What to do if my child has constipation and is not growing properly?
How to treat acute constipation that hasn't improved with laxatives for six months?
How to treat persistent digestive issues and bile vomiting with headaches and dizziness?
What is the best diet and medicine for chronic bloating, constipation, and menstrual pain?
What could be the reason for stomach pain after taking Kayam tablet with cold water for 5-6 days?
Why does my stomach hurt after taking hormone juice for 10 days?
How to treat IBS with diarrhea and abdominal pain while using Kutajirashtam and Vilwadi Gulika?
What is the best supplement to treat stubborn external hemorrhoids that take weeks to heal?
How to know if my IBS treatment is effective and is my upper back pain a serious issue?
What to do for persistent stomach pain and unusual discharge after sexual activity?
How to treat excess pitta dosha causing digestive issues and weight gain without a kitchari diet?
Can I take Avipattikar for Pittaj Atisara after using Panchkol and Bilvadi?
What to do for pain below my left rib that worsens with eating?
How to treat mild abdominal pain and nausea from gallstones with Ayurveda?
How to treat IBS symptoms like gas and frequent bowel movements after eating spicy food?
What to do if my 17-year-old son has IBS-D and is experiencing pain during bowel movements with little stool production?
How to know if my Ayurvedic treatment for IBS and gallstone is effective?
What to do for gas that causes headaches and dizziness?
What to do for digestive issues with incomplete bowel movements and lack of appetite?
What to do for bad smell in flatulence and stools for 20 days without other symptoms?
What to do for low digestion, heavy gas, and frequent loose stools after mild corona?
What causes brown mucus when passing stool and stomach noises?
Can I take Pantoprazole DSR with Agnitundivati for my GERD in the morning?
How to treat digestive issues and weight loss after stomach problems for 2.5 years?
How to treat sticky stool and heaviness after morning routine for a 45-year-old on methotrexate?
How to heal Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia (GAVE) with blood on stomach lining?
What is the best internal medicine or basti treatment for my son's severe gastritis and constipation?
What is causing my sudden false urge to go and discomfort after meals at 45 during perimenopause?
How to use Riyansh amrut juice for constipation and acidity in diabetic patients?
How to treat gas, acidity, and constipation with bad breath and taste issues?
What causes pancreatitis in a 59-year-old with fatty liver and borderline HbA1c, and how can Ayurveda support her treatment?
How to stop my gut from bleeding after 5 days of symptoms at 54 years old?
Is my upper back pain caused by gallstones and can Ayurvedic treatment cure it?
Is triphala safe for elderly with gastritis, diverticulosis, and duodenal ulcer, and can it be taken with Digesticare, papaya, turmeric, and ginger?
What to do for constipation lasting over 2 years?
What is the treatment for phangastritis with constipation and dry gas?
How to treat chronic constipation that hasn't improved for over 2 years?
How to treat long-term constipation with associated symptoms like headaches and dry skin?
What to do for persistent bloating and constipation with IBS symptoms?
How to completely stop the burning sensation in my stomach after H. pylori treatment and improve my weight gain?
Can I use Swarna Sekhara Rasa to treat high acidity at night?
How to know if my upper back pain is caused by gallstones or severe hyperacidity?
How to treat H. pylori infection with burning sensation after spicy or oily foods?
How to treat pot belly and water brash in a 38-year-old female?
What to do for abdominal pain and pinworm movement with itching in the morning?
How to treat my 2-year-old son's severe gut issues and loose motions?
How to use Amla juice daily on an empty stomach if I have acidity?
What to do for gastritis erosion and persistent stomach pain after taking allopathic medicine for 8 months?
What Ayurvedic treatment can help my 9-year-old daughter with stomach pain and occasional constipation?
What to do if Ayurvedic treatment for IBS hasn't fully cured my symptoms after 3 months?
What to do if I have right-sided abdominal pain and loss of appetite?
What to do for false urge to poop and heaviness in rectal area?
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for SIBO hydrogen sulfide with symptoms worsening from sulfur-containing foods?
What should I do if I feel muscle tightness near my heart and dizziness after gastric issues?
How to treat flatulence and stomach irritation in an 86-year-old after meals?
Can I give one Kaayam tablet to my 13-year-old daughter for stomach cleansing instead of castor oil this year?
What to do for stomach ache after eating brinjal sabzi at night?
How to treat my 2-year-old son's severe gut issues with loose motions and indigestion?
What to do for stomach pain and unusual discharge after one week?
How to treat PCOD and gastritis with loose stools and low weight?
How to treat constipation for an 82-year-old with no bowel movement for 4-5 days?
How to treat bloating and acidity with weight gain and poor digestion?
How to treat erosive gastritis and duodenitis with bloating and gas after eating?
How to treat sludge in the liver with acidity and heaviness in the stomach using Liv 52 DS and Divya Aarogya Vardhani?
What to do for persistent stomach pain and irregular stool for over a month?
How to treat serious acid reflux effectively?
How to treat piles and frequent fainting that I've had for 9 years?
Can I use Himalaya Piles tablets to treat my piles problem?
How to treat persistent digestive issues for 5-6 years despite seeing doctors and using Ayurvedic remedies?
What to do for stomach ache after eating brinjal sabzi at night?
How to treat Grade 2 fatty liver and acidity for an obese 38-year-old woman?
How to treat digestive issues and fungal overgrowth after antibiotics with gas, constipation, and brain fog?
What diet plan can help with visham agni, bloating, and dizziness?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Natalie
53 minutes ago
Thanks for the advice! Your explanation made sense and the remedy seems to be working. Feeling thankful to have found the right help!
Thanks for the advice! Your explanation made sense and the remedy seems to be working. Feeling thankful to have found the right help!
Addison
2 hours ago
Thanks for the tip doc! Really appreciated your clear advice. Makes sense to avoid more sugar for my mom. Feeling relieved!
Thanks for the tip doc! Really appreciated your clear advice. Makes sense to avoid more sugar for my mom. Feeling relieved!
Nevaah
2 hours ago
This answer was super helpful, thanks! Really clear guidance on managing my mom's symptoms without stressing her kidneys.
This answer was super helpful, thanks! Really clear guidance on managing my mom's symptoms without stressing her kidneys.
Brooklyn
9 hours ago
Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Your response was super clear and to the point. I feel way more confident about using Arjuna Churna now. Appreciate the detailed steps and extra tips!
Thanks so much for the helpful advice! Your response was super clear and to the point. I feel way more confident about using Arjuna Churna now. Appreciate the detailed steps and extra tips!