Foods to avoid while taking MiraLAX

Key Points

• MiraLAX is an over-the-counter laxative used to treat occasional constipation
• Foods to avoid when taking MiraLAX include too much fiber, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, dairy products (for lactose-intolerant people), and fried or fatty foods
• These foods can interfere with MiraLAX's effectiveness or worsen side effects
• MiraLAX is for short-term relief; a registered dietitian can help with treating persistent constipation

Constipation can leave you feeling bloated, heavy, and generally miserable. MiraLAX, the common over-the-counter laxative, may provide some immediate relief. But, certain foods can interfere with its effectiveness. Avoiding these foods might help you feel more comfortable and get better results.

Let's talk about what MiraLAX actually does and which foods you might want to skip while you're using it.

What is MiraLAX and how does it work?

"MiraLAX is an over-the-counter osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements," explains Dr. Gia Eapen, MD. "It's commonly prescribed for occasional constipation and is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, if symptoms continue to persist or if you're considering use in children under 17 years of age, please consult your healthcare provider."

MiraLAX is considered a gentle laxative since it increases water content in the bowels. However, certain foods may also impact how well MiraLAX works.

Understanding which foods to avoid while taking MiraLAX can help you gain relief and minimize discomfort from constipation.

5 foods to avoid while taking MiraLAX

1. Alcohol

"Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which means it pulls water out from your system, while the goal of MiraLAX is to add water to your intestines,” says Dr. Eapen. "So, if you drink alcohol when taking MiraLAX, the medication's effectiveness may be reduced.”

Additionally, apart from potential dehydration, alcohol also irritates the digestive tract lining and can impact gut activity.

2. Too much fiber

Getting enough dietary fiber is helpful for long-term digestive health. It adds bulk to your stool and helps prevent constipation. However, consuming too much can lead to digestive issues, like bloating, gas, and discomfort.

The Institute of Medicine recommends a daily fiber intake of:

• 38 grams for men 50 and younger
• 30 grams for men older than 50
• 25 grams for women 50 and younger
• 21 grams for women older than 50

"It helps to moderate certain high-fiber foods while taking MiraLAX. This includes raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, whole grain cereals with more than 10 grams of fiber per serving, legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas," says Registered Dietitian, Rita Faycurry, RD. "Consider choosing well-cooked vegetables over raw ones."

If you’re dealing with constipation on a regular basis, consider consulting a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to learn the right amount of fiber you may need.

3. Ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods contain additives and preservatives that can disrupt your digestive system and potentially make MiraLAX less effective.

"Artificial additives, high sodium content, and refined sugars in ultra-processed foods can disturb your gut microbiome and slow natural digestive processes," says Faycurry, RD.

Avoid these processed options:

• Packaged snack foods (chips, crackers, cookies)
• Instant meals and canned soups with high sodium
• Sugary breakfast cereals and granola bars
• Fast food and frozen dinners
• Candy and artificially sweetened beverages

"When selecting foods during MiraLAX treatment, try to choose whole, minimally-processed alternatives to help you overcome your issues with constipation," notes Faycurry, RD.

4. Dairy products

Eapen, MD, says, "Bloating, flatulence, and even diarrhea are common symptoms of lactose intolerance, and some people may also experience constipation. If you are lactose intolerant or suspect that you may be, consider avoiding dairy while taking MiraLAX.”

Consider avoiding or limiting:

• Whole milk and heavy cream
• Ice cream and milkshakes
• Soft cheeses like brie and camembert
• Large amounts of butter or cheese

"If you don't want to eliminate dairy entirely while taking MiraLAX, consider lactose-free alternatives. Some people with a sensitivity to lactose can tolerate hard, aged cheeses,” notes Faycurry, RD.

5. Fatty and fried foods

"Deep-fried and greasy foods may be delicious, but being high in fat content makes them harder to digest. Foods high in fat can potentially delay food emptying from your stomach and intestines, leading to more constipation," says Eapen, MD. "As a result, foods that are high in fat could reduce the effectiveness of MiraLAX."

Consider skipping these fried options when taking MiraLAX:

• Deep-fried chicken, fish, or vegetables
• French fries and onion rings
• Fried pastries and doughnuts
• Heavily breaded foods

It may also help to moderate your intake of:

• Fatty cuts of red meat
• Full-fat dairy products
• Large portions of nuts and nut butters
• Rich cream-based sauces and dressings

Faycurry, RD, says, “Try baked, grilled, or air-fried alternatives to avoid creating the digestive burden that interferes with MiraLAX's effectiveness.”

How a registered dietitian can help

MiraLAX is meant as a short-term solution for constipation. However, if you experience constipation more regularly and would like to get help, consider talking to a registered dietitian.

A gut health dietitian can help with:

• Creating a personalized nutrition plan to address constipation issues
• Figuring out which foods specifically trigger your digestive issues
• Making sure you're getting the nutrients you need
• Building long-term habits for digestive health (beyond medication)
• Finding alternatives to foods you need to avoid, backed by real research

Many insurance plans cover nutrition counseling, particularly when it’s tied to a health concern. This makes expert advice accessible. Working with a registered dietitian can help you address the root causes of your constipation.

Final thoughts: Foods to avoid while taking MiraLAX

What you eat might help your MiraLAX work better. If you can avoid certain foods that tend to cause constipation-related problems, you may feel less digestive discomfort. Foods to avoid while taking MiraLAX include alcohol, ultraprocessed foods, fatty meals, dairy (if lactose intolerant), and too much dietary fiber.

Everyone's different, so it's worth paying attention to how your body reacts to different foods. That's how you start to figure out what works for you. And if you're feeling overwhelmed by all this, a dietitian can be really helpful.

Find a gut health dietitian near you, covered by insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I eat eggs while taking MiraLAX?

Eggs are easily digestible and not known to interfere with MiraLAX. Consider preparing your eggs by boiling, poaching, or scrambling them with minimal oil to avoid adding unnecessary fats that could slow down digestion.

Can I eat bananas while taking MiraLAX?

According to Eapen, MD, “Ripe bananas are generally well-tolerated in moderation when taken with MiraLAX. However, everyone's body reacts differently. So if you find that bananas make you feel worse while taking MiraLAX, try cutting back on them and talk to your healthcare provider if things don't improve.”

Can I drink coffee while taking MiraLAX?

While a cup or two of coffee may support digestive movement, excessive caffeine can sometimes be counterproductive, as it acts as a mild diuretic and can lead to dehydration. This dehydration could work against the way MiraLAX works.

If you’re unsure, consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine if caffeine is suitable for you while taking MiraLAX.

What should I not eat with MiraLAX?

Avoid combining MiraLAX with alcohol, ultra-processed items, excessive dairy (if you’re lactose intolerant), fried foods, high-fat meals, and too much fiber. Consider focusing on simple, easily digestible foods and drinking enough water to optimize your results.

What are the common side effects of MiraLAX?

Common MiraLAX side effects include bloating, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and loose stools. If you experience any side effects, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Boost gut health with a registered dietitian who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.