may recommend different types of over-the-counter laxatives, including fiber supplements, osmotic agents, stool softeners, lubricants, or stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives are generally reserved for situations where constipation is more severe or other approaches have not worked.
Using laxatives unnecessarily or repeatedly is not the same thing as improving digestive health.
If you regularly need laxatives to have a bowel movement, talk with a healthcare professional rather than continuously increasing the dose yourself.
A Simple Nighttime Routine to Try
For people who occasionally experience constipation or digestive heaviness, a simple routine may look like this:
After dinner:
Take a gentle walk.
Drink water according to your normal hydration needs.
Choose a meal containing vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or fruit.
Avoid eating very large meals immediately before bedtime.
Give your body time to digest before lying down.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
The goal is not to empty your entire colon overnight.
