Daily laxative use?

I was diagnosed with IBS earlier this year. My biggest problems are severe stomach pain after eating and constipation despite a high fiber diet. My GI has recommended taking a laxative daily. Is this safe long-term?

[Nikodicreta]

Hey jenny.

Personally, I have never used laxatives.
I have used Vitamin C 3000mg and magnesium chloride 200mg daily,
along with a diet rich in fresh vegetables and coconut oil. Also exercise is helpful.
Most people are Magnesium deficient anyways. It is very difficult to absorb and the above suggestion is only for constipation.
For  a proper and efficient delivery, try "magnesium oil". It is not an oil at all. It is a dilution of MgCl flakes with water. I do a 50/50 using boiling water. When cool, I transfer to a spray bottle and spray all over my body and rub well. I leave it for 30 min. and then shower.
Twice a week should be enough. The skin absorbs the Mg gradually and safely.
The Cl part of it is used for gastric acid production as needed.

Also try colonic massage. It's very simple to do yourself. Just do a search.

Laxatives over time may cause problems with the bowel. The bowel may atrophy
and lose its ability to work well. Dependency would be a concern to my opinion.

Should you need any help with managing your IBS, please post at the alternative therapies (forum rules), for some holistic recommendations.
Take care and god bless,
Nikodicreta

[patient915]

While alternative therapies may work for some, they will not work for all.  There are laxatives that will not cause problems with the bowel over time.  Laxatives like miralax are very gentle and very safe.  Also, some people find that high fiber diets don't work and they need to eat a low fiber diet instead.