{"id":193132,"date":"2025-06-18T01:20:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T01:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/193132\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T01:20:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T01:20:11","slug":"how-to-wean-off-laxatives-according-to-an-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/193132\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wean Off Laxatives, According to an Expert"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>Swap laxatives for fiber-rich foods, like fruits and beans, to support natural digestion.<\/li>\n<li>Stay hydrated\u2014water softens stools and keeps things moving smoothly.<\/li>\n<li>Walk daily and consider supplements like prebiotic fiber to ease the laxative transition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/laxatives-for-constipation-8423138\" link-destination-recommendation=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laxatives<\/a> can be a helpful aid for when you\u2019re feeling especially constipated. However, taking them long-term could make your body dependent on them, so it\u2019s important to slowly stop using laxatives once your bowel movements are more regular. This can be tricky, because no one wants to return to the discomfort of being unable to go, so an expert is here to help.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Gastroenterologist <a href=\"https:\/\/theplantfedgut.com\/about\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will Bulsiewicz, M.D.<\/a>, took to Instagram to share how you can healthily and safely wean yourself off of laxatives. From focusing on certain nutrients to swapping out your supplement, here are four habits to prioritize.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>  1. Focus on High-Fiber Foods  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> While <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/how-much-fiber-should-you-be-eating-11752876\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nine out of 10 people<\/a> don\u2019t eat enough of it, if you\u2019re struggling with regularity, fiber should be your best friend. The gastroenterologist is pro high-fiber diet for its gut-health benefits.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cKeep the high-fiber foods,\u201d Bulsiewicz emphasizes. \u201cFiber helps to keep things moving through.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Plus, fiber assists in healthy weight maintenance, and regular intake can lower your type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer risk. Focus on high-fiber foods like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/best-high-fiber-fruits-to-eat-11747635\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fruits<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8044305\/best-high-fiber-vegetables\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vegetables<\/a>, beans and oats for satisfying meals that support your digestive system and overall health.\n<\/p>\n<p>  2. Stay Hydrated  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you\u2019re <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/8030662\/normal-reasons-youre-constipated\/\" link-destination-recommendation=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">constipated<\/a>, one reason could be your water intake, or lack of it. Not drinking enough water can cause harder stools, making it more difficult to pass through and out.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cDrink lots and lots of water,\u201d Bulsiewicz shares, adding a much-needed visual metaphor: \u201cMake water the driving beverage during your day\u2014you want to float that log down the river, OK?\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Honestly, we couldn\u2019t explain that any better. And while drinking enough water is important, you can also meet your water goals by incorporating more <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/17576\/8-hydrating-foods-to-help-you-meet-your-water-goals\/\" link-destination-recommendation=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hydrating foods<\/a> into your diet, like watermelon, cucumber, tuna and plain Greek-style yogurt.\n<\/p>\n<p>  3. Prioritize Movement  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> One of the best lifestyle hacks to help you poop is simply walking and moving your body more. Walking after meals can assist in healthy gut motility, or the movement of food through your digestive system.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cI would love for you to get as close to 10,000 steps per day as possible, ideally outdoors. Lots of movement, lots of activity,\u201d Bulsiewicz says.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Walking provides many benefits outside of healthy digestion, like boosting energy levels, supporting heart health and improving blood sugar levels. Nearly <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/what-happens-when-you-walk-10-000-steps-per-day-11693106\" link-destination-recommendation=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10,000 steps a day<\/a> is great, but incorporating walking into your regular routine\u2014no matter what number you hit\u2014is enough to reap the benefits. For example, one study shows that 20 minutes of walking after a meal can help with digestion.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  4. Consider a Supplement  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you enjoyed the ease of taking a daily laxative, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/supplement-methodology-8362990\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">supplements<\/a> that can help aid in regular bowel movements to replace it in the short-term. Bulsiewicz recommends a prebiotic fiber supplement or a magnesium oxide supplement to keep things moving.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cTitrate up the magnesium oxide while simultaneously titrating down the [laxative],\u201d he explains. \u201cAllow the magnesium oxide to come on board, ideally withdrawing the [laxative] and then, over time, you\u2019ll see what you need in terms of the magnesium oxide.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The gastroenterologist notes that it\u2019s important to talk to a health care provider to see if supplementation is right for you and your lifestyle.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Our Expert Take  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> There are many ways to ease constipation without a laxative. High-fiber foods and staying hydrated are important aspects of a gut-friendly eating pattern. And walking regularly has more of an effect on your bowel movements than you may think. While supplements may help, it\u2019s important to talk to a health care professional to see what the best fit may be for you. Also, be sure to seek medical attention if you are experiencing long-term constipation or digestive discomfort.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Swap laxatives for fiber-rich foods, like fruits and beans, to support natural digestion. Stay hydrated\u2014water softens stools and&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":193133,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4315],"tags":[105,4326,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-193132","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medication","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-medication","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114701744599470570","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/193132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=193132"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/193132\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/193133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=193132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=193132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=193132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}