Constipation Supplement Ideas

Consult your doctor before taking any supplements to be sure they are right for you! We are physical therapists, not pharmacists nor primary care physicians nor dieticians. This is merely info and NOT medical advice. We lack the expertise needed to guide you about specific supplement protocol combinations, and cannot give dosage advice. Ask one of the previously listed medical providers for more precise guidance about your supplement protocols, especially if what you’re trying initially is not working for you or if you have systemic medical conditions. 

Here is a list of supplements and over the counter medicines many of our clients with constipation find useful:

  • Miralax (polyethylene glycol/PEG 3350)

    • Miralax keeps more water in your stool so it’s softer, more malleable through the contortions of the bowel, and easier to pass. Miralax is less irritating to the colon than a laxative, since it merely softens the stool rather than inducing intestinal contractions.  Miralax is a powder so you can modulate the dosage, allowing you to get that “just right” amount that softens your BM without turning it into diarrhea.

  • Magnesium

    • Magnesium acts as a stool softener, and has the added benefit of inducing muscular relaxation which can help relax the anal sphincters permitting easier passage of your BM. There are many different forms of magnesium used for constipation, including magnesium citrate (like “Calm” powder or magnesium citrate pills/gummies) and magnesium oxide/hydroxide (like Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta).

  • Hemp seed and hemp seed extract

    • Hemp seed is commonly prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for constipation. It has been shown to increase frequency of spontaneous BMs and reduce constipation severity without side effects. It’s thought to stimulate colonic mucous secretions to improve GI motility, to reduce intestinal inflammation, and to soften/moisten the stool.

  • Glycerin suppositories

    • Glycerin suppositories are a form of stool softener like Miralax, making BMs easier to pass.


Pelvic Care Physical Therapy

3770 W. Robinson St. - Ste. 112 - Norman, OK - 73072 

www.pelviccare.org - 405.240.9575 – info@pelviccare.org