While numerous supplements may relieve constipation, a few may also cause or worsen it. The following supplements have been associated with an increased risk of constipation:. Keep in mind that other supplements may cause constipation in some people.

If you suddenly develop constipation after starting a new supplement, discontinue the supplement and get advice from your doctor. Certain supplements, including iron and certain types of fiber and calcium, may cause constipation. Even though most people experience occasional constipation, this condition is sometimes serious and may require medical attention.

It may be a symptom of an underlying health condition such as hypothyroidism, colorectal cancer, or bowel disease If you also have symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stool, or lower back pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Constipation is a common condition, but making basic dietary changes — including eating certain foods and taking certain medications or supplements — may improve your symptoms. However, many supplements interact with certain medications and may lead to adverse effects if you use them incorrectly.

As such, talk with your doctor about supplements for constipation relief to find the best option for you. Try this today: Did you know that the foods you eat may cause constipation?

Check out this article for a complete list. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Here are 5 herbal remedies to ease your symptoms. This article explains whether you can use probiotics to treat constipation.

Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated, uncomfortable, or even achy. Some foods can help relieve or reduce the risk of constipation, while others can make it worse. Here are 7 foods that can cause constipation. Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant's seeds.

It sometimes goes by ispaghula and is commonly used as a laxative. Constipation can be a symptom and cause of pelvic organ prolapse. Learn about the link between these two conditions. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Nutrition Evidence Based 10 Supplements That May Help Relieve Constipation. Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph. Aloe vera. Other supplements that may help. Can supplements cause constipation?

When to see a doctor. The bottom line. Just one thing Try this today: Did you know that the foods you eat may cause constipation? Was this helpful? How we reviewed this article: History. Jan 27, Written By Jillian Kubala MS, RD.

It can help food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestine, relieving constipation. Insoluble fiber can be found in foods such as:. You can check the fiber content of common foods and drinks on the USDA food sources of dietary fiber page.

Because dietary fiber provides a host of health benefits, you should aim for getting as much of your daily fiber as you can through foods. population achieves the recommended level of dietary fiber consumption. For individuals who are not obtaining their daily fiber needs through diet, fiber supplements are a convenient way to enhance a low-fiber diet.

Popular fiber supplements include the brand names Metamucil, All-Bran, and Citrucel. Fiber supplements vary in their active ingredients. Metamucil's active ingredient is the soluble fiber, psyllium. Citrucel's active ingredient, methylcellulose, is also a soluble fiber.

However, the active ingredient in All-Bran is the insoluble fiber, wheat bran. Fiber supplements are among the safest ways to promote regular bowel movements, though they do act slowly and can cause gas and bloating.

You should drink plenty of fluids when taking supplements. Because there are many different types of fiber supplement to choose from, with some offering other health benefits, you should speak with your doctor about the right fiber supplement for you. Keeping hydrated is an important action to take for constipation relief.

Water, other liquids, and foods with a high water content can help fiber work better, making stool softer and easier to pass. Staying hydrated is good for your overall health and can help you avoid getting constipated in the first place.

How much water should you drink? Most people need about four to six cups of plain water each day. But it may be surprising to learn that optimal water intake is an individualized number. The name may sound technical, but osmotic laxatives are a class of medicines that include products you may be very familiar with, such as milk of magnesia.

Water helps nudge waste out of your colon, so drinking plenty of water daily is vital for healthy bowel movements. This is because it softens stool 1 , making it easier to pass. You should aim for a daily water intake of approximately two to three liters i.

For specific estimates, talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian. Believe it or not, your routine can dramatically impact the health and regularity of your bowel movements.

To promote a healthy evacuation, your morning may include drinking an entire glass of water upon waking and a smoothie rich in healthy fats and fiber. You might follow this up with some stretching or aerobic movement , more hydration, and start sipping on some coffee while getting ready.

And while that morning scenario is broad please, personalize for your life! and everyone's poop timing and cadence is unique, the point is that our bodies crave routine, and that can definitely look like nutrient-dense eating, plenty of water, physical activity, and more because these healthy lifestyle strategies help move stool through your colon and on out.

Herbs and spices are an integral part of healthful nutrition, as well as integrative medicine practices that have been used to encourage digestion and bowel movements in many cultures around the world.

According to a recent review from The American Journal of Chinese Medicine , botanicals like rhubarb, senna leaf, and aloe also have polyphenols that help promote regularity. You already know that exercise is good for your health, but it may improve your digestion as well.

Getting regular exercise is one important, science-backed way to promote healthy bowel movements 2 and regularity, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis from the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. That doesn't mean you need to hit the gym every day to poop better, but consider adding some yoga , walking, or light core work into your daily routine.

When the flow of breath is labored or short, the mind becomes agitated and feelings of stress and anxiousness increase. As a result, your digestion can be negatively affected. Thankfully, deep breathing exercises can help relieve stress and, in turn, support digestion. Diaphramatic breathing in particular also known as deep belly breathing may especially help with digestive health.

Getting plenty of healthy, polyunsaturated fats from foods such as olive oil , avocados, oily fish, nuts, and seeds is important for a nutritious diet and can help lubricate the bowels and move waste through the colon. Alternatively, saturated fat like the kind in fried foods may stop you up.

In fact, in a recent Nutrients review, researchers found an association between saturated fat intake 3 and suboptimal poop frequency. To help your body poop easier, consider elevating your feet slightly while you're on the toilet. A stool like the Squatty Potty can promote ideal alignment and optimal stool evacuation.

Acupuncture may help you poop better by stimulating specific pressure points and relieving tension. In a systematic review and meta-analysis from Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , researchers deemed acupuncture an effective practice for increasing stool frequency 4 and improving stool formation.

If you're hitting your daily fiber needs, staying well hydrated, engaging in regular movement, and the like i. This essential macromineral is a common nutrient gap in our nation, and it also happens to also promote bowel movements. Dietary magnesium inputs whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish can be complemented with a magnesium supplement as needed.

Psyllium is the main ingredient in the fiber supplement Metamucil Many studies have shown that psyllium helps adults with constipation by increasing both the water content of stool and bowel movement frequency Other fiber supplements, including inulin and glucomannan , may also help treat constipation.

One large review found that fiber supplements, including these types, significantly increased stool frequency and consistency, compared with a placebo Fiber supplements such as psyllium, inulin, and glucomannan may help improve constipation.

However, some types of fiber may worsen constipation, so ask a healthcare professional to recommend a specific type and dosage. A deficiency in carnitine may harm cellular function and result in digestive issues like constipation People with intellectual and motor disabilities are more likely than the general population to have a carnitine deficiency.

In some cases, this food may be low in carnitine In addition, people with these disabilities often take medications that increase carnitine excretion from the body Research links carnitine deficiency to constipation in people with severe motor and intellectual disabilities.

Studies show that taking carnitine supplements may help relieve constipation symptoms in these populations. For example, a study in 27 people with severe motor and intellectual disabilities found that carnitine levels were significantly lower in those who experienced constipation, and that low levels were significantly related to constipation severity The study also showed that constipation severity decreased significantly after people received carnitine supplements of 4.

A deficiency in carnitine is linked to constipation in those with severe intellectual and motor disabilities. Carnitine supplements may help relieve constipation and correct carnitine deficiency in these populations.

People use aloe vera as a natural remedy for many conditions, including constipation. Studies show that it increases colon mucus excretion and has strong laxative qualities.

Furthermore, studies suggest that aloe vera supplements may help treat constipation, particularly if the constipation is related to IBS. One review of 3 studies in people with IBS, some of whom experienced constipation, found that aloe vera drinks and tablets of aloe extract significantly improved their IBS symptoms, compared with a placebo The review authors also noted that aloe vera was safe for the short-term treatment of IBS.

The studies included in the review reported no adverse effects for up to 5 months. This review did not look at the effects of longer treatment periods. As such, you may want to consult a qualified health professional before trying aloe vera and avoid using it for long periods Some studies suggest that aloe vera may help treat constipation.

Senna is an herbal laxative commonly used to relieve constipation symptoms. Senna contains compounds called sennosides, which promote the movement of matter through your digestive tract, as well as intestinal fluid accumulation, to relieve constipation In a high quality day study, researchers gave 1 gram of senna daily to people with constipation.

The treatment significantly improved stool frequency and overall quality of life compared with a placebo treatment Although senna is generally considered safe, it can lead to adverse effects when used for long periods at high dosages.

Studies demonstrate that it may cause liver damage when used in large amounts for longer than 3 months Senna is a common ingredient in laxative products and may be an effective treatment for constipation. All the same, you should abide by recommended dosages and may want to avoid taking it long term.

Sujiaonori, lactitol, CCH1, and MZRW are treatments that may help relieve symptoms of constipation. To ensure your safety, consult your doctor before trying them — or any other supplement — to treat constipation. While numerous supplements may relieve constipation, a few may also cause or worsen it.

The following supplements have been associated with an increased risk of constipation:. Keep in mind that other supplements may cause constipation in some people. If you suddenly develop constipation after starting a new supplement, discontinue the supplement and get advice from your doctor.

Certain supplements, including iron and certain types of fiber and calcium, may cause constipation. Even though most people experience occasional constipation, this condition is sometimes serious and may require medical attention.

It may be a symptom of an underlying health condition such as hypothyroidism, colorectal cancer, or bowel disease If you also have symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stool, or lower back pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Constipation is a common condition, but making basic dietary changes — including eating certain foods and taking certain medications or supplements — may improve your symptoms. However, many supplements interact with certain medications and may lead to adverse effects if you use them incorrectly.

As such, talk with your doctor about supplements for constipation relief to find the best option for you. Try this today: Did you know that the foods you eat may cause constipation? Check out this article for a complete list. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Here are 5 herbal remedies to ease your symptoms. This article explains whether you can use probiotics to treat constipation. Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated, uncomfortable, or even achy.

Some foods can help relieve or reduce the risk of constipation, while others can make it worse. Here are 7 foods that can cause constipation. Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant's seeds.

It sometimes goes by ispaghula and is commonly used as a laxative. Constipation can be a symptom and cause of pelvic organ prolapse. Back to Digestive health. To avoid problems such as constipation, heartburn and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS , it's important to eat the right foods.

Here's a tummy friendly diet to aim for. It's a good idea to try to eat more fibre or roughage, as most people in the UK do not get enough. A diet rich in fibre can help digestion and prevent constipation.

Some people find cereals and grains bring on bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's the case, get your fibre from fruit and vegetables instead. It's important to keep drinking, especially water. It encourages the passage of waste through your digestive system and helps soften poo.

Fibre acts like a sponge, absorbing water. Without fluid, the fibre cannot do its job and you'll get constipation. A good way to make sure you're getting enough fluids is to drink a glass of water with every meal.

Avoid caffeine drinks as they can cause heartburn. Read about water, drinks and your health. Fatty foods, such as chips, burgers and fried foods, are harder to digest and can cause stomach pain and heartburn.

Try to eat more lean meat and fish, drink skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, and grill rather than fry foods. Many people love spicy food and it does not bother their digestive system.

Others find their tummy is upset when they have spicy food. It's not just scorching hot foods like chillies that trigger heartburn. Milder but flavourful foods like garlic and onion can also bring it on.

If spicy foods give you heartburn, stomach pain or diarrhoea, go easy on them in future. If you already have a problem like heartburn or an irritable bowel, avoid them completely.

Some people find particular foods cause them problems. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings and fizzy drinks, can trigger heartburn , while wheat and onions may cause irritable bowel syndrome.

And if you cannot digest lactose lactose intolerance , the sugar in milk, you'll develop wind and diarrhoea after drinking milk or eating dairy products, including cream, cheese, yoghurt and chocolate.