Several types of oral laxatives exist, and they work in different ways to relieve constipation. Oral laxatives include bulk-formers, hyperosmotics, stimulants, lubricants and stool softeners, as well as combinations of these. If you drink a protein shake after taking an oral laxative, your body treats a protein shake as it would any other liquid source of food.
Bulk-Forming Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid in the intestines. Bulk-formers are not digested, but swell when they come into contact with water or other liquid to increase the bulk and soften your stool. If you drink a protein shake after taking a bulk-forming laxative, the laxative will absorb water from the liquid portion of the shake. It's important to drink plenty of water with a bulk-forming laxative in addition to the liquid from the protein shake. The Mayo Clinic.com recommends two 8-ounce glasses of water.
Hyperosmotic Laxatives
There are three types of hyperosmotic laxatives: saline, lactulose and polymer. Saline hyperosmotic laxatives, often called “salts,” are used when it is desirable to rapidly empty the lower intestine and bowel. Lactulose is similar to the saline laxative, but it works more slowly. Polymers cause water to be retained in the stool, which helps keep it soft. All of these laxatives draw water into the bowel from surrounding tissues, and the fluid in a protein shake would have little or no effect on them.
Lubricants and Stool Softeners
Lubricants and stool softeners work by coating the stool with a waterproof film that helps retain liquids or by helping liquids mix with the stool to prevent hard, dry waste. Neither is likely to be directly affected by a protein shake, but the extra fluid in the shake will help to keep the stool soft. However, the Mayo Clinic says lubricants that contain mineral oil should not be taken within two hours of any food because they might interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption.
Stimulants
Stimulant laxatives increase the muscle contractions that move stool through the intestines and colon. The amount of fluid in the colon has no impact on the function of this type of laxative, except that more water produces a softer stool that is easier for the bowel to move and expel. A liquid protein shake is unlikely to have any effect on this type of laxative, but stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach as food slows results.
Considerations and Warnings
Laxatives can have side effects, and are normally only recommended for short-term use. Saline laxatives generally are used only to prepare for an examination or surgery rather than for constipation. Some laxatives may interact with medications, some should not be taken when eating and some should not accompany certain types of foods. If you have chronic constipation, consult a doctor about laxative use.
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