{"id":632132,"date":"2025-05-12T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632132"},"modified":"2026-04-21T10:05:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:05:43","slug":"foods-to-avoid-while-taking-miralax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/foods-to-avoid-while-taking-miralax\/","title":{"rendered":"6 foods to avoid while taking MiraLax"},"content":{"rendered":"

MiraLax<\/span><\/a> is a popular brand-name, over-the-counter (OTC) laxative that helps relieve constipation. Containing the active ingredient <\/span>polyethylene glycol 3350<\/span><\/a> (PEG 3350), <\/span>MiraLax<\/span><\/a> is FDA approved to treat occasional constipation in adults. It has several off-label uses, too, including treating chronic constipation, constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bowel preparation for colonoscopy procedures, and treating constipation in children (which the American Academy of Pediatrics considers safe).<\/span><\/p>\n

For most people, MiraLax is an effective way to <\/span>relieve constipation<\/span><\/a> without any side effects or health risks. You can take it with many different foods and drinks as part of a normal diet, but if you\u2019re hoping to poop as quickly as possible, there are some foods you should avoid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Saturated fat, ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and unripe bananas, for example, have been shown in studies to increase the risk of constipation. Eating these foods while taking MiraLax could make it harder for the medication to treat your symptoms. Here\u2019s what to know about what you should and shouldn\u2019t eat on MiraLax.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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How MiraLax works<\/span><\/h2>\n

MiraLax is an osmotic laxative, says <\/span>Alyssa Simpson<\/span><\/a>, RDN, CGN, CLT<\/span>, a digestive health dietitian in Phoenix, Arizona. This means it works by increasing the amount of water in your intestines to make your stool softer and easier to pass. It\u2019s considered a <\/span>gentle, predictable laxative<\/span><\/a>. Unlike stimulant laxatives such as <\/span>Dulcolax (bisacodyl)<\/span><\/a>, \u201cit doesn\u2019t rely on stimulating your gut muscles, so it tends to cause fewer side effects, giving your gut a little nudge, [not] a harsh push,\u201d Simpson says.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people who take MiraLax will have a <\/span>bowel movement in one to three days<\/span><\/a>, according to the manufacturer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 foods to avoid with MiraLax<\/span><\/h2>\n

MiraLax isn\u2019t directly affected by anything you eat. Simpson says it doesn\u2019t need to be absorbed in your intestines to work, so it doesn\u2019t interact with foods or drinks. However, eating <\/span>foods that cause constipation<\/span><\/a> can make it harder for MiraLax to do its job. It\u2019s like trying to unclog a toilet while flushing down reams of toilet paper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To help MiraLax work effectively in your intestines, it\u2019s best to avoid the following constipation-causing foods while taking it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Foods high in saturated fat<\/span><\/h3>\n

Foods with a high saturated fat content are known for slowing down your digestive system and causing constipation. Common <\/span>dietary sources of saturated fat<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n