Laxatives - #18642

For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with constipation, and it’s affecting my daily life. At first, I thought it was just a temporary issue, maybe because I wasn’t drinking enough water. But even after increasing my water intake, eating more fiber-rich foods, and exercising regularly, my digestion hasn’t improved much. I feel bloated all the time, my stomach feels heavy, and sometimes, I go three or four days without passing stool. The discomfort is unbearable. A few weeks ago, I started using laxatives to get relief. I picked up an over-the-counter laxative syrup from a pharmacy, and at first, it worked like magic. Within a few hours, I was able to go to the bathroom without any strain. But after using it for a while, I noticed that I needed to take higher doses for the same effect. If I skip a dose, my constipation gets even worse. I feel like my body has started depending on laxatives, and I don’t want to rely on them forever. I also experience cramping and stomach pain after taking laxatives. Sometimes, it causes diarrhea, which leaves me feeling weak and dehydrated. I read somewhere that long-term use of laxatives can harm the intestines and even lead to dependence. Now I’m scared that I might have already damaged my digestive system by using them too often. I want to switch to a natural and Ayurvedic approach to heal my digestion without using laxatives. What herbs or home remedies can help regulate my bowel movements naturally? Are there any Ayurvedic formulations that can cleanse my system without making my body dependent on them? I’ve heard that triphala is good for digestion—how should I use it? Also, could my constipation be linked to something else, like stress or an underlying health issue? I usually have a high-stress lifestyle, and my sleep cycle is irregular. Does stress play a role in digestion? Lastly, how can I improve my gut health in the long run so that I don’t need laxatives at all? Should I focus on specific foods, yoga poses, or daily routines? I want to fix this problem naturally before it turns into something more serious.