Constipation: Causes, Relief, and What Works Best

When your constipation, a common digestive issue where bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. Also known as slow transit, it affects millions of people and isn’t just about not going daily—it’s about discomfort, bloating, and feeling backed up. It’s not a disease, but a symptom. Something in your routine, diet, or health is out of sync.

Most cases link back to simple things: not enough fiber, a type of plant material that adds bulk to stool and helps it move through the intestines, not drinking water, or sitting too much. But it can also come from meds like opioids or antidepressants, thyroid issues, or even ignoring the urge to go. If you’re regularly skipping days or straining hard, it’s not normal. Your body is trying to tell you something.

Fixing it doesn’t always mean reaching for a laxative, a medication that helps stimulate or ease bowel movements. Many people jump to pills too fast. Real relief often starts with food: prunes, beans, oats, chia seeds. Movement helps too—a 20-minute walk after meals can trigger your gut’s natural rhythm. And hydration? Crucial. Dehydration makes stool hard and dry, like concrete. If you’re taking iron pills, calcium supplements, or certain blood pressure drugs, those might be part of the problem. Talk to a pro before switching anything.

Chronic constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, fissures, or even fecal impaction. That’s why tracking patterns matters. Keep a simple log: what you ate, when you went, how you felt. Patterns reveal triggers. Some people find relief with magnesium, probiotics, or even pelvic floor therapy. Others need a different approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on what helps—and what doesn’t. From natural remedies that actually work, to when to worry and what meds to avoid, these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. Just clear, tested advice from people who’ve been there.