Natural ways to help constipation

Constipation can mean stools are hard, bowel movements are infrequent for you, or passing stool requires straining. Travel, changes in routine, low fibre intake, limited movement, dehydration and some medicines can contribute. Persistent constipation may also occur with irritable bowel syndrome or an underactive thyroid. A change in bowel habit should be considered in context rather than treated with the same remedy indefinitely.

Add fibre gradually through vegetables, fruit, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and drink fluid regularly unless a clinician has limited your intake. A sudden large fibre increase can cause gas or discomfort. Walk or otherwise move most days. Give yourself unhurried toilet time, use a small footstool to raise your knees, and do not ignore the urge. A nutrition counsellor can help if food changes are difficult. Check with a pharmacist before using laxatives, especially if symptoms are new or you take regular medicines.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas, repeated vomiting, or blood in the stool. Arrange a review for persistent constipation, a new bowel-habit change, unexplained weight loss, fever, or marked tiredness. Constipation with symptoms of dehydration also needs attention.

Ask whether a medicine, thyroid problem or bowel condition could be contributing, which fibre target is suitable for you, and when a laxative is reasonable. If you have hypothyroidism, ask whether your treatment needs checking; thyroid hormone replacement should only be adjusted with medical guidance.