Gluten Free Laxatives

As you're choosing the best gluten-free laxatives for you, the form is often a key consideration. Products such as Prunelax Ciruelax, come in tablet form, so you can swallow them quickly. You can also find powdered laxatives that mix into water. If you're buying laxatives for children, look for options such as Pedia-Lax, which comes in chewable tablets with a kid-friendly flavor. 

Your doctor may recommend these products for constipation if you have celiac disease, wheat allergies or a gluten intolerance. In some cases, gluten-free laxatives can also be an alternative if you experience stomach upset with traditional laxatives. Gluten-free laxative brands, such as Genexa, also use ingredients that are vegan and GMO-free to suit a range of dietary preferences. 

Gluten-free laxatives are made without gluten; more importantly, they're typically produced in factories that eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. That means that the ingredients aren't exposed to other substances that contain gluten during production. As a result, some gluten-free laxatives contain the same active ingredients as traditional laxatives. An example is MiraLAX laxative powder, which uses polyethylene glycol to soften the stool. 

While traditional laxatives often use stimulants, such as bisacodyl, or stool softeners, such as docusate, some gluten-free products use bulk-forming ingredients. Konsyl laxative contains psyllium fiber, which can help bring water into hardened stools and make them easier to pass. 

Usage instructions for gluten-free laxatives vary based on the product form and the active ingredient. Many products can be taken between one and three times per day, though it's usually a good idea to use the smallest effective dose. Bulk-forming laxatives that use psyllium to soften the stool may take longer to work, so it's important to plan ahead. No matter which product you choose, drink plenty of water, follow your doctor's recommendations and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.