Can You Mix Miralax And Probiotics Together

Is It Safe To Use Miralax Long

Over-the-counter MiraLAX and other laxatives are usually only recommended for short-term use, up to a week.

If your constipation lasts longer than a week, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may want to evaluate the cause of your constipation. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend long-term use of MiraLAX or other treatments.

Benefits Of Probiotics While Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains an array of healthy nutrients for babies, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Research has also shown that probiotics are naturally present in breast milk, which offer benefits to both the caregiver and baby.

As Dr. Weiner explains, “Probiotics do not directly transfer into breast milk but they work by improving the mother’s health, which in turn changes the composition of the breast milk to make it healthier for baby.”

While more research is needed to definitively confirm the benefits of probiotics while nursing, as mentioned previously there are some studies that suggest they may help treat mastitis in those who breastfeed and prevent eczema in breastfed babies.

Miralax Vs Milk Of Magnesia

MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative. That means it draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements.

Milk of magnesia is another name for magnesium hydroxide. It works like an osmotic laxative.

Uses

MiraLAX is used for short-term treatment of constipation and long-term treatment of chronic constipation. Its also used for bowel prep before colonoscopy.

Milk of magnesia is used for short-term treatment of constipation. Its not currently recommended for long-term treatment of chronic constipation.

Drug forms

MiraLAX comes as a powder in bottles and single-serve packets. You mix the powder with four to eight ounces of liquid and drink it once daily.

Milk of magnesia is the liquid form of magnesium hydroxide. Milk of magnesia products come as liquid suspensions. Theyre usually taken once daily, but may be taken more often if needed.

Magnesium hydroxide products also come as oral tablets or caplets that are typically taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Common side effects of MiraLAX include:

• diarrhea or loose stools

• heart rhythm changes

Effectiveness

An analysis of studies comparing MiraLAX and milk of magnesia for constipation in children found conflicting results. Some of these studies show that MiraLAX might be slightly more effective than milk of magnesia. However, another study in the analysis found that milk of magnesia may be more effective.

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Mistake #: Youre Not Prepping Your System Prebiotics

Prebiotics are food for good bacteria. But Nielsen warns that most of the research on prebiotics is done with high doses , which can be hard on the stomach, especially for those with gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome.

So, how do you get the benefits of prebiotics to get the benefits of probiotics? I recommend eating a diet high in plant foods, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, says Nielsen. A high-fibre, plant-centred diet has been shown to have an overall beneficial effect on the flora, and will naturally include prebiotic foods such as wheat, legumes and onions.

Taking Fiber With Miralax

While both fiber products and Miralax can be taken regularly, fiber is generally considered a first line option for constipation and can be taken daily as a supplement. Miralax can be taken daily as well, but usually only for chronic constipation. In cases where both Miralax and a fiber product are used, the Miralax is discontinued when constipation symptoms are controlled.

If constipation remains under control with fiber and diet solely, Miralax can be used simply as needed for more severe symptoms as they come up.

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Dairy Foods And Probiotics

Keep in mind that not all dairy is the same. While your probiotic-rich yogurt or kefir is good for your health and your gut, and actually contains the good bacteria on its own, some dairy can really do bad things for your digestive system. Many dairy products are pasteurized and processed, especially the low-fat dairy options which are advertised all over. Conventional dairy items can also have antibiotics which destroy the good bacteria in your gut after you consume them from food. So, at one meal you will be replenishing your healthy bacteria, and then at another meal you will be killing them off yet again. Opt for good quality organic and full-fat dairy products for best results.

Where To Buy Metamucil

Metamucil is a product that is readily available for purchase. It is available through both in-store and online retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and CVS. However, the products prices vary per retailer.

The average price of Metamucil is about $25 for 180 doses by most online retailers. Smaller versions can be found for about $10 to $20.

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When To Talk To A Doctor

If you find yourself trying one laxative after another for long periods, see your doctor for an evaluation. Additional testing can lead to better therapy and rule out any possible serious malfunctions. “And if it is just constipation, your doctor can offer other medications to you that may be more helpful than over-the-counter laxatives,” Dr. Wolf says.

Can You Mix Miralax With Applesauce

Applesauce is another soft food that those taking MiraLAX have found success using. Applesauce, whether chunky or smooth, can be mixed with MiraLAX to aid in disguising the taste of the laxative.

Recall also that the high-fiber content of applesauce, particularly homemade applesauce, will help move the bowels on its own. Just be sure to prepare, or purchase, a low-sugar or unsweetened variety to ensure that further constipation does not occur.

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Lose The Reflux Medicine

Fungal infections worsen reflux, and reflux medicines worsen fungal infections. Click here for more on why you dont want to leave your child on reflux medicine for very long. Like Miralax, reflux medicines are widely prescribed for babies and kids some say over prescribed but are not approved for use in those age groups. There are no proton pump inhibitors approved for use in infants age one year or younger. There is only one approved for use in children under age eleven years. Still, I have encountered countless infants and toddlers given reflux medicines only approved for adults, and left on them, for over a year or even two. This will worsen constipation, since it worsens fungal infections, and lowers digestive function overall. Using reflux medicine long term also diminishes uptake of many nutrients, especially minerals. Two children in my practice who used reflux medicines for over a year suffered fractures later on, and others have experienced stunting and delayed bone age. They were not absorbing minerals normally, and could not mineralize or grow bone as expected.

Should You Take A Psyllium Fiber Supplement

The decision whether you should take a psyllium fiber supplement is highly individual and truly is one you must make for yourself, and I would caution you do that in all instances having to do with your personal health. Never just take someones word for it, no matter how authoritative they may appear to be.

That said, let me tell you what I do and why.

I do take a daily psyllium supplement and have for years. My original reasoning was for the many known and documented health benefits it confers, from heart health to weight control to cholesterol reduction to, yes, regularity.

To be honest, the notion that it provides additional benefits for my microbiome is basically frosting on the cake.

If you are specifically looking to benefit your microbiome, I do believe psyllium plays a role, but not the only one, and certainly not the primary one. It is becoming increasingly apparent that a wide variety of fibers, including both broadly and narrowly defined prebiotics, are your best bet.

The beneficial microorganisms that inhabit your gut can be particular about what they consume, so the greater variety of food you provide them, the greater variety of health-promoting microorganisms you will have.

And the healthier your gut is, the healthier you are.

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Is It Safe To Take Probiotics While Breastfeeding

It is generally considered safe to take probiotic supplements while pregnant or nursing. In fact, there are possible health benefits associated with probiotic use while breastfeeding.

Rebecca Agi MS, IBCLC, a private lactation consultant in Los Angeles and member of the Verywell Family Review Board, explains, “Studies have shown that maternal consumption of certain Lactobacillus strains can actually help treat mastitis and may even reduce crying time in babies with colic.”

Of course, it is important to first seek advice from your healthcare provider. “It’s always recommended to consult with a physician before starting any supplements,” Agi says.

What Is Miralax Used For In Cats

Miralax is most commonly used to relieve and treat constipation in cats. Prescription PEG 3350 containing electrolytes is mostly used to clean out the bowels before endoscopy procedures and to help flush toxins out of the gastrointestinal tract for cats that have eaten something harmful. There are no other currently recommended uses for Miralax in cats.

In humans, Miralax has recently been found to be more effective than lactulose for treating hepatic encephalopathy . Miralax may be useful to treat this condition in cats, but studies are lacking .

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Side Effects And Interactions

Probiotics usually dont cause major side effects in healthy individuals.

However, you may experience minor symptoms, such as gas and bloating. These often improve with time, but taking your probiotic at night may reduce daytime symptoms.

If you take a probiotic to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, you may wonder whether the antibiotic will kill the bacteria in your probiotic. However, strains designed to help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea wont be affected (

Can Miralax Be Mixed Into Milk

Yes, unless your doctor states otherwise.

If youve scoured the internet with the intent of finding an answer to this question, odds are that youve been left confused.

Though many state that it is unsafe to consume MiraLAX with milk, the answer to why this is the case remains unclear.

Some suppose that the reason you cannot consume milk with MiraLAX is that milk can be viewed as a solid, though it has the properties of liquid. Still others vouch that because MiraLAX states that it can be mixed with any liquid, mixing it with milk is okay.

Our verdict? Mixing MiraLAX with milk is okay unless your doctor advises against it.

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How To Take Miralax

To take Miralax, measure the amount of powder in the attached cap. The dose is 17 grams each day. Mix the powder with 8 ounces of a hot or cold beverage, such as water, coffee, or juice. If using individual-dose packets, mix one packet with 8 ounces of liquid. Stir the powder and liquid mixture to dissolve the powder, and then drink it immediately.

Take once a day as needed, and do not take for longer than one week without your healthcare providers instruction. You can take it at any time of the day.

Other Digestive Support Supplements For Cats

If you arent interested in using Miralax for your cat, there are many other viable options to address occasional feline digestive upset. Cats get constipated for any number of reasons, so always check with your veterinarian first. Here are a few products to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine.

All featured products were chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and not directly recommended or endorsed by the author of this article. Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

A wise old saying goes, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In a perfect world, cats poop at least once a day. The consistency of that poop is solid, but not too hard nor too soft, and not overly smelly. Great Poop for Cats gives your feline family members a healthy digestive tract so proper poop happens. Its infused with probiotics and digestive enzymes in a chewable format your cat will devour.

Highlights

• Tasty chicken-flavored chew means no more messing with powders or pills
• Promotes a healthier gut for more regular pooping cycles
• Normalizes poop consistency for easier litter box cleanup
• Proudly made in the USA
• Made with natural, active ingredients including ginger root powder, pumpkin seed powder, and probiotics
• Helps prevent diarrhea and loose stools, constipation, and bloating

Things to Consider

Highlights

Things to Consider

Highlights

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Do Probiotics Make You Poop

Plus, a list of probiotic-rich foods to incorporate into your diet.

You know what really stinks? A crappy digestive systempooping problems can really make you feel down in the dumps. .

If youve struggled with IBS or constipation, you may have wondered if probiotics are the key to a healthy gut. Heres what you need to know about probiotics and their relationship to poop:

How To Give Miralax To Cats

Miralax comes in a powdered form meant to be dissolved in liquid. However, it is okay to give the powder to cats as long as it is mixed with food, preferably canned or wet food. The powder is tasteless and odorless, so most cats will take Miralax without a fuss.

When Miralax is used to treat severe constipation or in preparation for an endoscopy procedure, it is generally administered as a liquid solution. It must be given by a trained veterinary professional.

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The Truth About Miralax Use

The truth is, besides having potent toxicity for at least some children, this drug does nothing to treat causes of constipation. Like many drugs, it is a bandaid approach. What it does do is turn stool into mush, by pulling more water into the intestine. Children can go from being impacted with hard dry feces , to expelling some mushy stool regularly. But, they can still be left with impacted sticky fecal matter, despite using more, more, and more Miralax.

A common problem that Ive encountered in my practice for kids on this drug is overflow diarrhea that is, blow outs of loose stool every few days, with or without firm, hard, or dry plugs of stool. This overflow, which seeps around the impacted matter, causes staining in pants that kids cant control. For toddlers, it can explode up the childs back and and down to ankles. Many moms have described to me the daily chore of stripping kids down, bathing them, and getting fresh clothing because this pattern covers their toddlers or babies in stool. Older kids experience embarrassing stool accidents with this pattern. Needless to day, this is exasperating and concerning for parents and miserable for kids. Regardless, its common for pediatricians to use Miralax indefinitely anyway: In 2013, Miralax was the fourth most popular drug in the digestive category, with nearly $180 million of it sold!

There are many other solutions. They are non-toxic, safe, and more effective. My top three interventions for constipation are

Is Psyllium Fiber A Prebiotic

Psyllium is a prebiotic a substance needed for healthy colonies of probiotics to grow in the gut. A healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy tissue and cells.

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Uses That Are Not Recommended

Not all potential uses for MiraLAX are recommended.

MiraLAX for weight loss

Some people take laxatives, including MiraLAX, with the hope of losing weight. However, MiraLAX and other laxatives are not effective for weight loss. In addition, they may cause harmful side effects if theyre used inappropriately. These can include diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

If you would like to lose weight, dont use MiraLAX for that purpose. Instead, talk to your doctor about weight-loss approaches that can work well for you.

Take MiraLAX according to the instructions on the package or according to the directions youve received from your doctor.

Can You Mix Miralax With Chocolate Milk

Yes, you can mix MiraLAX with chocolate milk. Recall, however, that if milk is the reason for constipation, especially in young children, then you may want to skip taking MiraLAX with milk and try something else instead.

Remember also that MiraLAX should be used with caution in babies and young children.

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Warnings Of Benefiber And Metamucil

It is important to take Benefiber and Metamucil products with adequate amounts of fluid. Taking fiber therapy without adequate fluid intake can lead to esophageal blockage and choking. Do not take these products if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

If you experience constipation for more than seven days or if you experience rectal bleeding while taking Benefiber or Metamucil, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Benefiber and Metamucil powders are gluten-free, though some other products made by these brands may not be. Patients with celiac disease should read the label and consult a healthcare professional to ensure the fiber product they have chosen is safe.

Lifestyle Changes To Help Constipation

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