
Constipation
A holistic approach to constipation.
Seeking a natural treatment for constipation? This page covers:
Understanding your condition
What is constipation?
Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of often hard, dry stools. In contrast, the ideal stool is easily passed 1-2 times daily, has a soft, formed sausage-like shape around 20-30 cm long, is a mid-brown color, takes about 12 seconds to pass, and has a relatively mild odor.
Unfortunately, chronic constipation affects around 19% of the global population. This uncomfortable issue can contribute to other health problems if left untreated.
Bloating
A natural treatment for constipation.
Many people think that simply drinking more water or taking a fiber supplement can relieve constipation, but the underlying cause may actually be unrelated to hydration or diet.
A more natural, functional medicine approach to treating constipation first involves identifying the root cause. This could be as straightforward as removing foods that contribute to the problem, building resilience to stress through activities like meditation, or going for a morning walk to promote bowel movements. Alongside these interventions targeting the source of the issue, gentle herbal medicines that stimulate the bowel to function more efficiently may be used as an alternative to harsh laxatives.

Common constipation symptoms.
Constipation can be a condition on its own or a symptom of other issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and more. It can occur at any age, but is especially common in children and older people.
Slow digestion, where food moves slowly through the digestive system, allows more water to be absorbed from the stool. This makes the stool firmer and harder to pass. It also allows toxins and waste products to be reabsorbed back into the body instead of being eliminated. This extra burden on the liver can contribute to problems like hormonal imbalances, skin issues, and brain fog.
Improving digestive motility supports healthy detoxification by the liver, which in turn benefits your overall digestive health.
Main symptoms of constipation.
The main symptoms of constipation include:
- Irregularity – a lack of a consistent bowel movement pattern. Constipation can be acute, chronic or recurring.
- Infrequency – regularly going more than a day without a bowel movement, or having incomplete bowel movements.
- Difficulty/discomfort – straining, pain, rectal bleeding, or hemorrhoids when passing stool.
- Hard stools – small, round, very large or hard to pass.
Incomplete evacuation – the feeling that not all waste was passed, requiring multiple trips to the toilet.
Constipation can also be accompanied by bloating, reflux, flatulence, abdominal pain and discomfort.
Many people don’t realize they’re constipated because they’ve had the same “normal” bowel habits their whole lives. Ideally, we should have 1-2 easy bowel movements daily. But even if your stools are regular, hard, firm, or difficult to pass are signs of constipation. The Bristol Stool Chart can help identify different stool types – types 1-2 indicate constipation, and type 3 is tending towards constipation.
Constipation can also cause headaches, hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, brain fog, and mood issues. And for those with IBS or SIBO, fluctuating diarrhea may mask an underlying tendency towards constipation.
What causes constipation?
Numerous factors can affect how quickly food moves through your digestive system and exits as stool. Healthy digestion relies on all parts of the digestive tract working together seamlessly – from properly chewing and breaking down food, to producing adequate saliva, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes, to the wave-like muscle contractions of peristalsis that propel food through the intestines.
Another important process is the migrating motor complex (MMC), a stronger wave-like muscular contraction that occurs about every 90 minutes when we’re not eating. This “cleaning cycle” helps maintain the intestinal lining and pushes any remaining food particles from the small intestine into the large intestine for elimination.
The microbial species living in the large intestine also seem to play a role in the movement of stool through the bowel. A disruption in any of these factors can lead to constipation.
Stress and constipation.
The gut-brain axis, or the interaction between the nervous system and digestive system, plays a critical role. During periods of stress, whether acute or chronic, our sympathetic nervous system slows down digestion. This inhibits the production of digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid, and disrupts processes like peristalsis and the migrating motor complex (MMC). The body diverts its resources to respond to the perceived emergency, whether real or imagined, entering a “fight or flight” state.
Common causes of constipation.
Common causes of constipation can include:
- Low fiber intake
- High intake of refined carbs, sugar, and unhealthy fats
- Dehydration or not drinking enough water
- Overusing laxatives or using them long-term
- Lack of physical activity, often due to illness, injury, or travel
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Imbalanced gut bacteria (dysbiosis), lack of diversity, or overgrowth of certain species
- Sluggish liver function
- Structural issues like tumors, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures
- Hypothyroidism, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications like antihistamines, opioids, NSAIDs, and antidepressants
- Smooth muscle or connective tissue disorders like scleroderma
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia, or spinal injuries
- Congenital issues like Hirschsprung’s disease
- Concerns about lack of privacy when having a bowel movement
Underlying medical conditions.
Before looking at other potential causes, it’s important to first rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as:
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Diverticular disease
- Intestinal obstruction
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Thyroid disease or dysfunction
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Constipation treatment – the conventional approach.
Conventional medical treatments for constipation typically involve pharmaceutical laxatives or recommendations for over-the-counter laxatives from pharmacies. These laxatives come in various forms:
- Bulking agents, like psyllium husk (Metamucil) or methylcellulose, which draw water into the stool. These may contain added colors and flavors.
- Emollient laxatives/stool softeners, which draw fats and water into the stool.
- Osmotic/hyperosmolar laxatives, which draw water from surrounding tissue into the stool.
- Stimulant laxatives, which stimulate the lining of the gut to promote stool movement.
- Prokinetics (also called GCC receptor agonists), which stimulate more frequent and stronger intestinal contractions, and are usually only prescribed when other laxative methods have been ineffective.
Other treatments.
Other treatments for constipation may include colonic irrigation and enemas. Suppositories can also be used to deliver medications, particularly for children and older people. While these treatments may provide short-term relief, they don’t address the underlying causes and can become ineffective or even harmful with long-term use.
Relying on laxatives long-term can lead to serious issues like electrolyte imbalances, mineral deficiencies, dehydration, chronic constipation, and damage to the nerves, muscles, and cardiac function of the intestines.
Instead, a more holistic approach that targets the root factors contributing to constipation is a safer, more effective long-term solution. This may involve dietary changes, increased fiber and hydration, exercise, and addressing any underlying medical conditions.
Functional testing – constipation.
Our constipation specialist uses advanced pathology testing and take a detailed look at your personal health history to determine the factors contributing to your constipation, as well as any other health issues you may be experiencing. We take a comprehensive approach to get to the root of your concerns.
Testing might include:
- Gut microbiome analysis
- Food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity testing
- Serum calcium and potassium levels
- Digestive function and nutrient absorption assessment
- Thyroid profile
- Cortisol awakening response to assess stress response
- Other tests tailored to your specific symptoms
At BionwoRx, we believe the gut is the foundation of overall health. That’s why our expert functional medicine practitioner is well-versed in helping patients overcome all types of digestive issues, from constipation to more complex disorders. The practitioner will work closely with you to identify the right testing and treatment plan to get your gut and your health back on track.
The BionwoRx functional medicine approach.
Natural treatment for constipation.
Our natural, functional medicine approach to treating constipation provides lasting relief. It helps restore your digestive health and reduces other problems caused by constipation.
First, our friendly functional medicine constipation specialist will get to the root of your constipation. The provider will do testing and a comprehensive health evaluation to pinpoint the cause. This thorough, investigative approach allows us to create a personalized plan to naturally treat your constipation. Once the provider identifies the underlying cause, they will explain your health concerns from a holistic perspective and guide you through your personalized treatment plan.
Natural remedies.
Natural Remedies for Constipation Treatment:
- Increase dietary fiber from whole plants, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Follow a specific diet to eliminate food intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities.
- Supplement with fibers like psyllium husk, PHGG, and/or slippery elm powder. These absorb water to increase stool bulk and feed the microbiome to promote motility.
- Drink more water throughout the day.
- Implement lifestyle strategies to “retrain” the bowels and improve stress resilience.
- Take micronutrient supplements like magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin A to support healthy digestion.
- Try probiotic supplements with strains like L. plantarum, B. breve, L. rhamnosus, and L. acidophilus to support microbiome health.
- Use digestive enzymes to enhance digestion and easier bowel movements if poor digestion is a factor.
- Treat any underlying conditions contributing to constipation.
- Utilize herbal medicines to increase digestive tone, soften stools, support the microbiome, improve peristalsis, and reduce inflammation. Herbs like chamomile, green oats, yellow dock, rhubarb, peppermint, and fennel can be helpful.
Chronic constipation can lead to more serious health concerns, so it’s best to consult constipation specialists like the trusted functional medicine practitioner at BionwoRx. Our functional medicine approach is designed for long-term success. Our practitioner will provide all the support and guidance you need to easily implement your plan and achieve the results you’re after.
FAQs.
What is the best natural treatment for relieving constipation?
For long-term digestive health, natural remedies are generally the best approach, as extended laxative use can be potentially harmful.
Increasing your water intake while taking natural fiber supplements like psyllium husk or slippery elm powder can provide relief.
Artichokes, asparagus, garlic, onions, potatoes, root veggies, leeks, barley, and whole oats – these foods can all do your body good.
Identifying and removing any problem foods you’re intolerant or sensitive to can make a big difference. And cutting back on highly processed items, refined carbs, sugar, and trans fats is also really beneficial.
Why am I constipated?
There are many potential causes of chronic constipation. A diet high in processed foods, refined carbs, and sugar can contribute to the problem, as can a lack of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Food intolerances, certain medications, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, lack of physical activity, and dehydration can also lead to ongoing constipation. Chronic constipation is defined as having difficulty with bowel movements for more than 3 months.
What to do for constipation?
Eating a daily diet of whole, unprocessed fruits, veggies, and grains will boost your fiber intake. This helps stimulate the movement of digested food through your digestive tract.
Leaving vegetable skins on whenever possible can also increase your fiber intake.
Make sure to drink at least 2 liters of water daily to stay hydrated. This is essential for keeping your stools soft and easy to pass.
Stress and anxiety can disrupt your digestion and contribute to constipation. Try stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or regular nature walks to help.
If these tips don’t resolve your constipation, consult a constipation specialist like our functional medicine practitioner. They can help identify and address the underlying causes.
How to fix constipation naturally?
The best natural approach to relieving constipation is to ensure your diet provides enough fiber to bulk up the stool and feed the gut microbiome, as well as sufficient water to keep the stool soft and easy to pass.
Minerals like magnesium play an important role in forming and passing stools, but many people don’t get enough, especially if they aren’t eating plenty of whole fruits and veggies like leafy greens. Magnesium citrate supplements can help relax the bowels and provide other health benefits, but you’ll want to check with your functional medicine practitioner to make sure it’s right for your needs.
Fiber supplements like psyllium husk, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), and slippery elm powder can also offer relief when taken with plenty of water. Aim for at least 2 liters of water per day to help soften stools.
It’s also a good idea to rule out any underlying medical conditions or other factors that could be contributing to your constipation. Your functional medicine practitioner can help identify the root causes.
Are laxatives good for relieving constipation?
Laxatives may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the underlying cause of constipation. This means the issue can persist and lead to long-term health problems.
Long-term laxative use can actually cause more constipation and other health complications. It’s also possible to become dependent on them.
Instead, I’d recommend speaking to a functional medicine specialist. They can help create a personalized plan to address the root cause, so you don’t have to rely on laxatives.