Both probiotics and laxatives can help relieve constipation, but they work in different ways. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help rebalance the gut microbiome, while laxatives stimulate the intestines to induce bowel movements. Choosing between probiotics and laxatives depends on the cause and severity of constipation, as well as personal preference.
How do probiotics help with constipation?
Probiotics contain strains of good bacteria and yeast that help promote a healthy, balanced gut microbiome. They work in several ways to relieve constipation:
- Probiotics increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These good bacteria help break down food, absorb nutrients, produce vitamins, and keep pathogens in check.
- Probiotics may reduce inflammation in the gut. Inflammation can contribute to constipation.
- Some probiotic strains help stimulate motility in the intestines. This can facilitate regular bowel movements.
- Probiotics soften stool and add bulk, making it easier to pass.
Studies show probiotics can shorten gut transit time, increase bowel movement frequency, and improve stool consistency in people with constipation. The beneficial effects depend on the probiotic strains used.
How do laxatives relieve constipation?
Laxatives work by increasing stool bulk, softening stool, lubricating the intestines, pulling water into the intestines, or stimulating intestinal contractions. The main types of laxatives include:
- Bulk-forming laxatives – Absorb water and add bulk to stool to stimulate bowel movements. Psyllium husk is an example.
- Stool softeners – Soften and lubricate stool to ease passage. Docusate is a common stool softener.
- Osmotic laxatives – Draw water into the intestines from surrounding tissues to soften stool. Polyethylene glycol and lactulose osmotic laxatives.
- Stimulant laxatives – Act on the intestines to increase muscle contractions. Senna and bisacodyl are stimulant laxatives.
- Saline laxatives – Cause a watery stool that triggers bowel movements. Magnesium hydroxide is an example.
Laxatives provide quick relief from acute constipation, but they are not designed for long-term use. Taken occasionally, they can help get bowel movements back on track.
Key differences between probiotics and laxatives
| Probiotics | Laxatives |
|---|---|
| Contain live microorganisms that can rebalance gut bacteria | Do not contain live microbes |
| Help strengthen digestive health when taken regularly | Meant for occasional, short-term use for acute constipation |
| May take days or weeks to show benefits | Typically work within hours or 1-3 days |
| Helps address underlying causes of chronic constipation like dysbiosis | Does not treat root causes |
| Generally safe for long-term use | Risk of side effects increases with prolonged use |
| May cause initial bloating or gas | May cause cramping, bloating, diarrhea |
When are probiotics a better choice?
Probiotics have some advantages that make them a better first choice over laxatives for some people with constipation, including:
- Safe for long-term use – Probiotics can be taken daily for extended periods without significant risk of harm.
- Improve gut health – Probiotics support overall digestive health, beyond just constipation relief.
- No risk of dependency – Probiotics do not cause dependency or disturb natural bowel functioning like some laxatives.
- Address underlying issues – Probiotics help counter issues like gut flora imbalances that cause chronic constipation.
- Natural approach – Probiotics provide a more natural option for constipation relief without harsh synthetics.
- Preventive benefits – Probiotics may help prevent constipation when taken proactively.
Those with recurrent constipation, IBS, or suspected gut flora imbalances may benefit most from trying probiotics first. Probiotics should also be considered for children and pregnant women when constipation relief is needed.
When are laxatives a better choice?
Laxatives have some distinct advantages that make them a preferred choice in some scenarios, such as:
- Fast-acting relief – Laxatives typically stimulate a bowel movement within 6-12 hours, faster than probiotics.
- Stronger relief – Laxatives tend to provide more powerful relief of acute constipation than probiotics.
- Short-term use – Laxatives can be used sporadically when needed to get quick relief.
- Bowel prep – Laxatives thoroughly clear the bowels before procedures like colonoscopies.
- Severe constipation – Laxatives may be better suited to alleviate painful, severe constipation.
People struggling with acute, short-term constipation or needing a thorough bowel cleansing may find faster relief from laxatives. Those with occasional constipation or preparing for medical procedures benefit most from laxatives.
Combination approach
For some people, the best solution is to use both probiotics and laxatives. Probiotics can be taken daily to promote gut health, reduce bloating and gas, and help prevent constipation episodes. Laxatives can provide occasional relief when acute constipation flares up. Using both modalities helps support digestive health while also providing a quick fix when needed.
Key takeaways
- Probiotics and laxatives both help relieve constipation through different mechanisms – probiotics by rebalancing gut bacteria and laxatives by stimulating bowel movements.
- Probiotics support overall gut health and are safer for long-term use. Laxatives provide fast relief but are meant for occasional use only.
- Probiotics are preferable for recurring, chronic constipation, while laxatives work better for acute, severe cases.
- Using probiotics daily alongside laxatives when needed can provide both preventive and on-demand relief.
- Consult a doctor to determine whether probiotics or laxatives are more suitable based on your specific circumstances.
