In other words, it causes slower than normal movement of food waste stool through the digestive tract. The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK considers someone to have constipation when they produce fewer than three bowel movements a week, or have hard, dry and small bowel movements that are painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation is usually caused by a combination of different factors, including those related to your diet, level of movement and also your stress levels. There are also foods that cause constipation, with factors like eating a low fiber diet and being dehydrated playing major roles in your digestive regularity.

Having unusual amounts of emotional stress can also lead to chronic constipation. When constipation occurs, several things often take place within the GI tract: There is slowed movement of stool passing through the colon or not enough stool is being formed, there is delayed emptying of the colon from the pelvis, or a combination of both.

Do you suffer from IBS symptoms? If so, irritable bowel syndrome IBS could be the cause of severe constipation. The abnormal digestive occurrences described above are often attributed to functional digestive disorders including IBS, which can cause persistent constipation along with other symptoms.

Functional GI disorders are considered those that cause the digestive system to work an abnormal way, yet without evidence of damage due to a disease. The risk factors listed below also contribute to IBS and functional digestive disorders.

Here are several factors that might be contributing to your constipation, according to research published by the American College of Gastroenterology:. Combine this with supplements and mind-body practices, and your gut will thank you. The most common ways to relieve constipation include taking fiber supplements and using over-the-counter laxatives.

Some people also get prescribed constipation medications to help control bowel movements and regulate digestive functioning, although this is much less common than using inexpensive, widely-available laxatives.

Although laxative teas, solutions and tablets might temporarily help relieve constipation, they can also be overused and cause many side effects. You can also occasionally try tactics like a salt water flush which serves as an enema for constipation or bone broth fast to help clear things out and get them moving again.

Laxatives work by causing the muscles of the GI tract to contract, increasing water absorption or bulking stool so it can move quickly through the colon. The problem is that this often interferes with the renin-aldosterone part of the digestive system, causes abnormal loss of fluid and ultimately weakens muscles needed for bowel movements.

The body rebounds after taking laxatives by holding on to all of the available water it can get, which leads to edema water retention or bloating. Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Health Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr. Axe on Twitter 70 Dr.

Axe on Instagram Dr. They contain pectin, a type of fiber that softens stools and speeds up their passage through the gut. Oat bran is sourced from the outer layer of oat grains. One cup of raw oat bran is packed with Prunes are known for their high fiber and sorbitol levels which makes them a natural laxative.

They may increase stool frequency and enhance its consistency, proving as a potentially effective remedy for constipation. Kiwis not only have fiber but also other enzymes that aid digestion. A single kiwi offers nearly 2.

This is because these laxatives are a by-product of plants. Plants are used as raw materials to formulate these laxatives that aid constipated patients.

Staying hydrated is crucial for regular bowel movements. Drinking water softens stools and lets them move more easily within your gut. It also aids in getting rid of waste from the body. Next to water, other drinks may also support bowel functions.

Having warm water or botanical teas may stimulate digestion and relieve constipation but caution, drinks with a lot of sugar or caffeine may worsen constipation symptoms. Your gut health may also get a boost from probiotics and fermented foods. They may help your digestion and serve as natural laxatives.

Kefir, a fermented drink, is packed with probiotics. This may do wonders for your digestive health. Regularly drinking kefir may lead to improved stool shape and frequency, less need for laxatives, and better bowel function. Another probiotic-rich food is Greek yogurt.

Other probiotic food choices include sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and kombucha. Adding these to your diet may enhance your digestive health. According to me, both natural laxatives derived from plants and synthetic laxatives made by man using chemical compounds have similar potential uses and side effects, as both work as stimulant laxatives.

Therefore, one may avoid the use of laxatives in general by following other measures such as drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Olive oil may soften stools and facilitate passing stools. Having a spoon of olive oil on its own, or as part of a meal is a simple way to leverage its laxative benefits. Castor oil, made from castor beans, has ricinoleic acid. This component aids digestion and stimulates bowel movements.

Consuming castor oil in moderation may alleviate constipation symptoms. Coconut oil, another useful option, has medium-chain fatty acids. These may aid in digestion and make stool consistency softer. Several herbal laxatives and supplements offer natural laxative properties.

These may support healthy bowel movements and reduce constipation. Senna, a plant-derived laxative, is commonly found in over-the-counter products. Sennosides in senna make the nerves in your colon active. This may aid in bowel movements. Rhubarb, a plant with sennoside A, has natural laxative effects.

Eating rhubarb may soften stools, ease bowel movements, and thus help ease constipation. As a non-fermentable soluble fiber, psyllium may ease bowel movements by making stools bulkier.

Magnesium Citrate, available as an over-the-counter supplement, acts as an osmotic laxative. This pulls water into the intestines, which softens stools and increases bowel movement frequency. Aloe vera contains anthraquinones, known for having natural laxative properties.

Consuming aloe vera juice or adding aloe vera to your diet may help relieve constipation. Regular physical activity may keep constipation at bay. Including moderate exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling in your routine may improve digestive health.

For some people, coffee stimulates the digestive system. Research shows that coffee may induce bowel movements in certain cases due to its stimulating effect. Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, like apples, pears, broccoli, and carrots, are beneficial. They support healthy digestion and relieve constipation.

While natural laxatives may help cope with constipation, it is important to use them correctly. If you have chronic or severe constipation, see your healthcare provider. They can diagnose any underlying conditions and suggest the right management strategy. Beware of potential side effects like bloating, gas, and stomach pain when using natural laxatives.

Also, consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements or herbal remedies. They possibly may interact with other medicines or worsen health conditions.

Although natural laxatives may relieve constipation, do not use them excessively. Long-term or excessive use can lead to dependency or other health problems.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any new treatment for the long term. Constipation is a common issue that can greatly affect your daily life.

Many natural laxatives may promote healthy bowel movements and provide relief. You may try out various diet changes, and herbal remedies, and drink a lot of water to get your best management plan. Always reach out to your healthcare provider before starting a new routine.

Also, remember the possible risks and side effects of natural laxatives use.

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Axe on Facebook 2. This is a popular herbal laxative that comes from the bark extract of a species of buckthorn tree. This extract works by irritating the colon enough to promote bowel movements. Short-term use is usually well tolerated , but it may cause abdominal pain or electrolyte imbalance.

Long-term use may cause liver injury ranging from mild to acute liver failure. Learn more about cascara sagrada. A member of the plantain plant species, psyllium is a natural fiber laxative that helps create bulk stools. Psyllium is often used to treat chronic constipation and may be combined with other laxatives, both natural and synthetic.

It may cause certain side effects, such as:. While it may be best known as an ingredient for pie, this vegetable is also used to treat constipation. Rhubarb has a laxative effect, but a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that it also has antidiarrheal effects because of its tannin content.

As a result, rhubarb should only be used on a short-term basis for constipation. Senna is used to treat constipation and clear the bowel before some medical procedures. The fruit is thought to be gentler than the leaf. Still, it should only be used in the short term and at the recommended doses.

Senna pills are effective against constipation and can be purchased at most drug stores. Long-term and high-dose use has been reported to cause liver damage. This herb has a history of use for constipation.

It stimulates nerves in the gastrointestinal GI tract, which leads to mucus production and provides relief from constipation. Limited research has been done to determine long-term effects. Slippery elm contains the sticky substance mucilage , which coats the GI tract.

As a result, it may reduce absorption of some medications if taken at the same time. For example, mint tea helps soothe nausea and bloating. Witch hazel and chamomile applied externally relieve hemorrhoid pain and rectal irritation.

Whole grains and plants will help you meet your daily fiber needs. Make these plants a major part of your diet:. For these reasons, the FDA no longer considers it to be safe. Learn more ways to relieve constipation naturally. Some teas that may help constipation include slippery elm, dandelion root, and rhubarb.

However, the herb with the strongest evidence supporting its use for constipation is senna, which is also available OTC in pill form. The potency and quality of herbal teas may vary between products and may not be safe for everyone.

As a result, they may not always work. If constipation persists or occurs regularly, people should contact a doctor. This article looks at some possible natural alternatives to laxatives for people looking to have a bowel movement.

We also look at when to see a…. Olive oil has long been used as a simple treatment for constipation. Learn more about this home remedy that gets stools moving again, and how to use….

Epsom salt is a widely available home remedy for many ailments, including constipation. A person can use Epsom salt as a laxative by mixing it with…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN , Nutrition — By Jon Johnson — Updated on November 24, Overview 8 herbal teas Risks Other treatments Summary Certain teas may help to relieve constipation by stimulating the digestive system or adding bulk to stools.

Can tea help with constipation? Risks of herbal teas. Other treatments for constipation. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Related Coverage. Natural remedies for constipation Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C.