Epsom salt is a crystallized form of magnesium sulfate that people use as a traditional remedy for many ailments, including constipation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approve the use of Epsom salt as a laxative. Laxatives can help a person have a bowel movement when they are temporarily constipated.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epsom salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation.
After a person uses Epsom salt for constipation, they will usually have a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours.
While all the new prescription products provide more treatment options, Wald says, most people don't need them. Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice.
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)? Magnesium sulfate taken orally can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth, especially antibiotics. Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or after you take magnesium sulfate as a laxative.
Epsom salt is a mineral compound with many different uses, but people with diabetes should avoid using it. No form of foot soak is appropriate for individuals with diabetes.
How often can you take Epsom salt baths? You can take an Epsom salt bath once a week or every 2 to 3 days. Since there's no proven medical benefit from it, there are no strict guidelines either — so, follow the instructions on the packaging as best you can.
Dehydration can lead to symptoms like dizziness, light-headedness and feeling tired after an epsom salt bath, and is caused by not having enough water in your system. The way to counter this is by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your bath.
Prune Juice
Even though it can help you fight constipation, Epsom salt does not taste great. Luckily, you can replace it with a much tastier alternative: Prune juice. Prune juice has laxative properties, and it's safer to consume than Epsom salt.
Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).
Eating When you Have Constipation. Try these things to relieve your constipation: Do not skip meals. Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries.
Fecal impaction often occurs in people who have had constipation for a long time and have been using laxatives. The problem is even more likely when the laxatives are suddenly stopped. The muscles of the intestines forget how to move stool or feces on their own.
MiraLAX ® provides complete, comfortable and predictable relief. MiraLAX ® offers both stool-softening and laxative effects. MiraLAX ® does not cause harsh side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping and sudden urgency. MiraLAX ® relieves occasional constipation that may be caused by certain medications.