A member asked:

Was constipated and took laxatives, now i'm having diarrhea, how can i have normal bowels again?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Give it time, but...: There are lots of drugs that have a laxative effect. If the one you selected stimulates GI muscular contractions you will experience cramping which at times may be quite unpleasant. I recommend, next time, that you opt for a more gentle approach using stool softeners and/or miralax (polyethylene glycol). Better still, get checked to see if your system is too slow, rectum doesn't work, or a disease requires treatment.

Answered 2/19/2016

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Dr. Martin Fried answered

Specializes in Nutrition

Diet recommends: Instead of using medications- try eating more fruits and vegetables and beans, legumes and whole grains. They are high in fiber and help you have a normal bowel movement . You need about 45-60 ounces of fluids a day to help the fiber work in the intestinal tract. Water is the best fluid. You need about 30-35 grams of fiber a day and natural sources may be best.

Answered 2/19/2016

4.5k views

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