Around 64% of American adults currently consume coffee every day. According to a study conducted by the NCA, this is the highest rate since 2012. In our infographic about bizarre sleep habits, you can see that some famous writers were also regular coffee drinkers.
Worldwide, experts estimate that people consume around 2.25 billion cups of coffee per day. Researchers have looked at the benefits of drinking coffee for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease. There is evidence to support some, but not all, of these claims.
Coffee contains a number of useful nutrients, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium, and various phenolic compounds, or antioxidants. Some experts suggest that these and other ingredients in coffee can benefit the human body in various ways.
What Is MiraLAX?
MiraLAX is a brand of polyethylene glycol 3350 a medication that was designed to treat occasional episodes of constipation. MiraLAX is classified as an osmotic laxative because it draws fluid into your bowels. This action results in softer, easier-to-pass stools, and increases the frequency of bowel movements.
Interestingly, the formulation of MiraLAX, when combined with electrolytes, is often used to prep the bowels prior to a colonoscopy or intestinal surgery.
MiraLAX effectiveness has been proven for the following conditions:
• For short-term use: MiraLAX has been demonstrated to be effective in relieving the symptoms of occasional bouts of constipation. However, keep in mind that it may take one to three days for the medication to result in a bowel movement.
• For chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC): An institution no less impressive than the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), in its latest review, has concluded that MiraLAX is an effective treatment for improving the symptoms of CIC. In contrast to other laxative options, typically the dosage of MiraLAX does not have to be raised over time to continue to be effective. In some cases, the dosage may even be lowered and still be of help. For CIC, research has indicated that MiraLAX is more effective than placebo in easing the symptoms of constipation—this includes prompting regular bowel movements, normalizing stool consistency, and reducing straining during bowel movements. It also appears that when MiraLAX is taken on a regular basis that it also might reduce bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, and burping.
• For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): In several studies on the subject, results indicate that MiraLAX is good at doing what it is designed for—easing symptoms of constipation. But, the medication does not appear to be effective in easing abdominal pain or the other overall symptoms of IBS.
Can I put MiraLAX in coffee?
Yes, you can mix MiraLAX powder with coffee. Using MiraLAX in coffee increases its laxative effect. Several studies have shown that coffee can activate contractions in your colon and intestinal muscles. Contractions in the colon push contents towards the rectum, which is the final section of your digestive tract.
To use MiraLAX powder, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle. This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot beverage such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save for later use.
MiraLAX should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.
Use MiraLAX exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not use MiraLAX more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
