Brief Answer:
agree, overuse of laxatives known to stop bowel from working well

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

I agree with you about the laxatives. It is well known that the persistent use of laxatives can actually eventually cause/worsen constipation.
It causes reflex constipation because the bowel is now not able to function on its own.

You can find information on the increase use of laxatives and resulting constipation on line if you wish to take a look.

Laxatives should be used for an acute episode of constipation then discontinued, this would include the magnesium citrate and mag oxide that your pharmacist is suggesting as well as senna and miralax
All of these are recommended for short term use only to avoid complications

Generally, to get back bowel function, you would need to significantly increase your fiber and fluid.
In addition to diet fiber, fiber supplements should be used

Diet fiber-(a) at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily- with each main meal and snack

(B)Whole grain foods, seeds (flax, pumpkin etc)

Fiber supplement- use metamucil (sugar free is stronger), cetrucil, benefiber- In addition to your diet fiber, using a fiber supplement will make sure that you get enough

Start at the lowest dose and increase weekly until getting bowel movements as you want. Increase till no straining with bowel movements or reach maximum

Remember these are not laxatives and will not induce a bowel movement immediately so should be taken daily even if thought not needed

FLUIDS

Fluids are key and very important. At least 8 glasses of water daily.

Milk and milk products should be discontinued if cause constipation

Coffee, tea and alcohol do not count as fluids because these have diuretic effect and can actually cause fluid loss.

If you are using a lot of fiber as mentioned and a lot of fluids and still having problems then you may need to see a gastroenterologist for assessment and treatment

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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