If you rely on Miralax to relieve occasional bouts of constipation you know that it entails mixing this powdery substance with some sort of beverage once a day. Most people just mix it with water and don’t give it a second thought, but did you know you can actually mix Miralax with a number of beverages?
It’s true! The best part is, if you’re a regular coffee drinker, coffee is one of the many beverages that you can mix it into… hot or cold, it doesn’t matter. Instead of chugging an unwanted glass of water before you head out the door for the day, you can get your dose of Miralax by mixing it in with something you’ll drink anyway. It’s a win-win!
What is Miralax?
As its name kind of eludes to, Miralax is a laxative meant to provide relief for those experiencing constipation. It works by using the water in your body to soften stools and promote a return to normal bowel movements. It is different compared to other laxatives that stimulate contractions in your gastrointestinal tract, pushing stools through your body.
Incidentally, coffee has a similar effect as these types of laxatives and can cause contractions in your GI tract shortly after consuming it. By mixing Miralax with coffee, you’re getting the effects of both an osmotic laxative (Miralax) as well as a stimulant laxative (coffee). This combination will usually produce a bowel movement without suffering from any uncomfortable side effects like bloating, cramps, or gas.
How do you add Miralax to coffee?
Adding Miralax to coffee is almost as simple as putting cream or sugar in your cup of Joe. Whether you take your coffee hot or cold, all you have to do is use the cap on the bottle of Miralax to measure out the proper dose, pour it into a 4-8 ounce serving of coffee, and stir!
If you’re worried that adding Miralax to coffee will change the flavor or texture of your beverage, don’t give it a second thought. Even when mixed with water, Miralax is flavorless and doesn’t create a gritty mouthfeel, so there’s no need to be concerned… you won’t even know it’s there.
What else is there to know about Miralax?
As with any over-the-counter supplement, using Miralax should be done responsibly. Here are a few things to keep in mind if opting to add Miralax to your morning brew, or any other beverage.
How long can you use Miralax?
While Miralax can be extremely effective in combatting occasional constipation, it shouldn’t be used for more than seven days straight. If you find yourself in need of a laxative for more than a week, contact a medical professional for further consultation.
When can I expect relief?
The effects of Miralax are mild, so you can expect a bowel movement in one to three days. Adding Miralax into coffee may expedite things a bit, but it should not have you running to the bathroom by any means.
Is Miralax safe to drink with coffee?
Absolutely! Miralax is definitely safe to add to coffee, along with many other hot and cold beverages. Overall, Miralax is a gentle laxative that promotes your body’s natural process for bowel movements that has been proven to be safe and effective.
It is never a bad idea to talk to your doctor before starting any over-the-counter treatment, especially if you have any known medical conditions or are taking prescription medications. Generally speaking, however, Miralax is safe to use for most.
Does Miralax with coffee cause any side effects?
The most common side effect of using Miralax is a change in your stools. Since Miralax works by pulling water into your colon to soften your stool, you may notice that your bowel movements are looser or more watery than usual.
Are there any additives in Miralax?
Miralax can fit into many people’s diets, even if they have certain sensitivities. It is gluten-free, sugar-free, stimulant-free, and preservative-free.
What other beverages can you mix with Miralax?
If you aren’t a regular coffee drinker or find yourself in need of a dose of Miralax after you’ve had your morning coffee, there are countless other beverages you can add Miralax into, including:
- Water
- Juice
- Iced or hot tea
- Coconut water
- Seltzer
- Smoothies
How to know if you could benefit from Miralax in your coffee
Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable, but sometimes it can be difficult to know whether or not you should resort to an over-the-counter treatment or just hope it resolves on its own. If you experience the following symptoms, you may want to consider trying a laxative.
- 24 hours without a bowel movement
- At least one out of four bowel movements are hard or lumpy
- You find yourself straining or feeling like you had an incomplete bowel movement at least one out of every four times
- A week with fewer than three bowel movements
There are many causes of constipation and some are more within our control to fix than others. Diet plays a huge role in our gastrointestinal regularity and proper fiber intake can help keep things moving. Try eating plenty of foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruit, and whole grains to keep constipation at bay.
At the same time, be sure to drink plenty of hydrating fluids–most importantly, water. When you don’t drink enough water, your body steals it from the water in your stool, making it harder to pass. This can be easily avoided by staying properly hydrated.
While eating the right foods and staying hydrated is well within our control, there are some things that cause constipation that are harder to combat on our own. Certain medical conditions and even medications can cause constipation, so chatting with your doctor about your options can be helpful in keeping this uncomfortable condition manageable.
Miralax and coffee make a good pair
Whether you’re familiar with Miralax or are considering trying it for the first time, there’s no need to worry about any issues arising from adding it to your daily coffee. Enjoy it iced or steaming hot… either way, you won’t even know the Miralax is in there!
