Severe constipation may refer to fewer or no bowel movements. Constipation may also accompany potentially serious symptoms such as rectal bleeding, an inability to pass gas, vomiting, fever, and back pain. A person should seek medical advice if they experience any of these symptoms alongside constipation.

A person who is constipated may pass fewer than three bowel movements a week, have difficulty passing stool, and pass stool that is hard, lumpy, or dry. Constipation is uncomfortable and has a number of potential underlying causes.

However, many home remedies and natural methods can help. If constipation persists, a person can talk to their doctor to identify the cause and find an effective treatment.

Read the article in Spanish. 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…. Constipation is a common complaint, but yoga poses can help by stimulating the digestive system and relieving gas.

Learn more about yoga poses for…. Constipation can cause bloating and discomfort, but some home remedies may help. Learn more about teas for constipation here. Stress can cause constipation, both directly and indirectly.

This article looks at the link between stress and constipation and discusses ways to…. Mild constipation is common. However, constipation can indicate a medical emergency, especially when it accompanies other symptoms. Learn more here.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph. Water Fiber Exercise Coffee Senna Probiotics Laxatives Low FODMAP diet Glucomannan Prebiotics Magnesium citrate Prunes Avoid dairy FAQ Summary. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Drink more water. Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber.

Exercise more. Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. Share on Pinterest Drinking coffee may help relieve constipation. Take Senna, an herbal laxative. Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.

Try a low FODMAP diet. Eat shirataki noodles or take a glucomannan supplement. Eat prebiotic foods. Try magnesium citrate. Eat prunes. Share on Pinterest Prunes are a natural laxative.

Try avoiding dairy. Frequently asked questions. 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.

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How exactly does a healthy lifestyle help prevent dementia? Related Coverage. Natural remedies for constipation Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C. Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN. How is stress linked with constipation? Medically reviewed by Dr.

Ana M. García Redondo. 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. These laxatives use natural salts, magnesium salts, or undigested sugars to draw water into the large intestine, softening and loosening the stool.

MiraLax is another example of an osmotic laxative. Stool softeners add moisture to stools to make them softer and easier to pass. Docusate is one example of a stool softener. Stool softeners are often recommended for people who should avoid straining, such as people who have hemorrhoids or have recently had abdominal surgery.

Lubricants, such as mineral oil, help stools slide out with more ease. They may be a good choice if your stools feel stuck low in your bowels, if you have an internal tear or "fissure," or if you have pain from hemorrhoids during bowel movements.

Mineral oil is taken by mouth and can cause pneumonia if aspirated into the lungs. Stimulant laxatives provide constipation relief by causing the intestines to contract more frequently or more forcefully, encouraging stool to move through the colon.

Stimulant laxatives that contain senna, cascara, or bisacodyl, are more aggressive. These medicines may relieve constipation that is severe or has not responded to other treatments. If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally.

Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines. If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles.

By using biofeedback therapy, you can change how you make your muscles work. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks.

Learn more about how you can help prevent constipation with eating, diet, and nutrition. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK , part of the National Institutes of Health.

NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. Home Health Information Digestive Diseases Constipation Treatment.

English English Español. You can most often treat your constipation at home by doing the following Change what you eat and drink Changing what you eat and drink may make your stools softer and easier to pass. To help relieve your symptoms eat more high- fiber foods drink plenty of water and other liquids if you eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement Read about what you should eat and drink to help relieve constipation.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Various home treatments can help manage constipation, such as drinking more water and eating fiber. If home remedies do not help, over-the-counter and prescription medications are available.

People may experience constipation due to the foods they eat or avoid, their lifestyle choices, the medications they take, or the medical conditions they have.

For many, the cause of their chronic constipation is unknown. This is known as chronic idiopathic constipation. Constipation is characterized by the following symptoms 3 :.

Constipation can have a serious negative effect on quality of life, as well as on physical and mental health 1 , 4 , 5. There are many natural ways to help relieve constipation. People can do these in the comfort of their own homes, and most of them are supported by science. Being dehydrated regularly can make a person constipated.

To prevent this, it is important to drink enough water and stay hydrated 6 , 7 , 8. When a person is constipated, they might find relief from drinking some carbonated sparkling water. This can help them rehydrate and get things moving again.

Some studies have found sparkling water to be more effective than tap water at relieving constipation. This includes in people with indigestion, or dyspepsia , and people with chronic idiopathic constipation 9 , However, drinking carbonated drinks such as sugary soda is not a good idea, as these beverages can have harmful health effects and may make constipation worse 12 , Some people with irritable bowel syndrome IBS find that carbonated drinks worsen their symptoms, so these individuals may wish to avoid sparkling water and other carbonated drinks.

Bottom line: Dehydration can cause constipation, so be sure to drink enough water. Sparkling water may be even more effective at relieving constipation. To treat constipation, doctors often tell people to increase their dietary fiber intake.

This is because increasing fiber intake increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, making them easier to pass. It also helps them pass through the digestive system more quickly However, some studies have found that increasing fiber intake can actually make the problem worse.

Others report that dietary fiber improves stool frequency but may not help with other symptoms of constipation, such as stool consistency, pain, bloating, and gas 16 , This is because different types of dietary fiber have different effects on digestion.

There are many different dietary fibers, but in general, they fall into two categories: insoluble fibers and soluble fibers. Insoluble fibers — present in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains — add bulk to stools and may help them pass more quickly and easily through the digestive system.

Soluble fibers — present in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables — absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens the stools and improves its consistency.

Non-fermentable soluble fibers, such as psyllium , are the best choice for treating constipation 18 , 19 , One review found psyllium to be 3. Various brands of psyllium fiber are available online.

Studies examining the effects of insoluble fiber as a treatment for constipation have yielded mixed results. This is partly because insoluble fiber can make the problem worse in some people with a functional bowel problem, such as IBS or chronic idiopathic constipation 19 , 20 , Some fermentable soluble fibers may also be ineffective at treating constipation, as they are fermented by bacteria in the gut and lose their water-holding capacity To prevent constipation, people should aim to consume a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers.

The total recommended fiber intake per day is 25 grams g for females and 38 g for males Bottom line: Try eating more high fiber foods. Supplementing the diet with soluble non-fermentable fiber, such as psyllium, can also help.

Various research studies have reported that exercise could help improve the symptoms of constipation 23 , 24 , 25 , Studies have linked sedentary lifestyles with an increased risk of constipation. Because of this, some healthcare experts recommend increasing exercise to get the stool moving That said, not all studies agree that exercise treats constipation.

Therefore, more research is needed In people with IBS, moderate exercise brisk walking can improve digestive symptoms and quality of life scores. However, vigorous exercise jogging could make symptoms worse for some Try doing some gentle exercise — such as going for regular walks, swimming, cycling, or jogging — to see if it helps.

For some people, consuming coffee can increase the urge to go to the bathroom. This is because coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system 29 , In fact, one study found that caffeinated coffee can stimulate the gut in the same way that a meal can.

Coffee may also contain small amounts of soluble fibers that help prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria 32 , That said, the bowel-stimulating qualities of caffeine may be stronger in people with IBS. It could also make digestive symptoms worse Learn more about foods and beverages that can relieve constipation here.

Bottom line: Coffee can help relieve constipation by stimulating the muscles in the gut. It may also contain small amounts of soluble fiber. Senna is a popular safe and effective herbal laxative that helps treat constipation 34 , It is available over the counter and online , in both oral and rectal forms.

Senna contains plant compounds called glycosides, which stimulate the nerves in the gut and help speed up bowel movements Doctors consider Senna safe for adults for short periods of time, but people should consult a doctor if their symptoms do not go away after a few days.

Doctors usually do not recommend Senna for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, or people with certain health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Bottom line: The herbal laxative Senna is a popular remedy for constipation.

It stimulates the nerves in the gut to speed up bowel movements. Probiotics may help prevent chronic constipation. Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in the gut. They include Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. Some people who have chronic constipation have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut.

Consuming more probiotic foods could help improve this balance and prevent constipation. One study mentioned in a review found that taking probiotics for 2 weeks can help treat constipation, increasing stool frequency and stool consistency They could also help treat constipation by producing short-chain fatty acids.

These may improve gut movements, making it easier to pass stools Alternatively, try a probiotic supplement. Some studies have found that people started to feel the benefits of these supplements after 4 weeks Try taking probiotic supplements, which are available online , or eating more probiotic-rich foods to see if this helps with constipation.

Probiotic foods include:. Bottom line: Probiotics may help treat chronic constipation. Try eating probiotic foods or taking a supplement. A person can speak to a doctor or pharmacist about choosing an appropriate laxative. Different types have varying methods of action, but all are effective for constipation 40 , However, people should not take most of these laxatives on a regular basis without speaking to a doctor.

Bottom line: Laxatives are effective for relieving constipation. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about the best ones to use. Constipation can be a symptom of IBS. The low FODMAP diet is an elimination diet that helps treat IBS and may relieve IBS-related constipation 42 , 43 , The diet involves limiting high FODMAP foods for a period of time before reintroducing them to determine which ones the body can tolerate Such people will probably need to pay attention to other aspects of their diet, such as getting enough water and fiber, to experience relief from their symptoms 46 , Bottom line: A low FODMAP diet may help relieve IBS-related constipation.

However, that alone may not provide sufficient relief. Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber from the roots of the konjac plant.

Some research suggests that it is effective against constipation As well as improving bowel movements, glucomannan may act as a prebiotic to improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

One review on the effect of glucomannan in children concluded that glucomannan moderately increases defecation but does not increase stool consistency or benefit treatment overall However, another controlled study found no significant effects Glucomannan supplements are also available.

They vary in their benefits by brand, so it is best to compare brands before making a purchase. Glucomannan supplements are available online. Bottom line: Glucomannan may help treat constipation in some people. Sources include supplements and shirataki noodles. Prebiotics are an indigestible carbohydrate fiber.

Prebiotics include oligosaccharide and inulin. Most healthy adults have bowel movements three times a day to three times a week. Constipation refers to bowel movements that occur less often than expected or when the stool is hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Though constipation may be a common problem, it is still uncomfortable and stressful when it strikes.

The good news is that most people with simple constipation can get relief with at-home treatments such as diet changes, hydration or judicious use of laxatives.

Here are top ways to get constipation relief:. One of the first steps you can take to relieve constipation is to increase your intake of fiber through your diet. Fiber needs vary by age and sex, but generally adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.

There are two different types of fiber : soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are important for health, digestion, and preventing diseases.

But they act differently in the body. Soluble fiber absorbs the water in your food. In doing so, it turns to gel, which slows digestion. Some types of soluble fiber may help lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

Soluble fiber is found in the following foods:. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, doesn't absorb water and adds bulk to your stool. 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.

He or she will tell you what type of laxative is best for you. You should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked.

If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally. Talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any medicines. If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles.

By using biofeedback therapy, you can change how you make your muscles work. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks. Learn more about how you can help prevent constipation with eating, diet, and nutrition. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK , part of the National Institutes of Health.

NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. Home Health Information Digestive Diseases Constipation Treatment. English English Español. Children may have constipation if they have fewer than two weekly bowel movements.

It can lead to hard stools that are difficult to pass. If your child is experiencing constipation, you can help by increasing fluid intake and encouraging regular exercise. Small children who are toilet trained may also benefit from regular sessions on the toilet at the same time every day, for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time, preferably after a meal.

Additional symptoms that require immediate treatment in children with constipation can include the following:. Constipation is also common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can also occur shortly after you give birth. In such cases, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends increasing your fiber intake through food to achieve a minimum of 25 grams per day and drinking more water.

Stool softeners may be safe during pregnancy when used in the short term. You can treat occasional constipation with OTC laxatives or stool softeners.

However, chronic or ongoing constipation may require prescription medication. You can have constipation due to another condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS.

Constipation can have an unknown cause or begin spontaneously. Treatment may include :. The long-term safety of prescription medications for constipation is under debate.

Talking with a doctor may help you make the best choice for your situation. Some lifestyle changes can also keep your constipation at bay more permanently. For regularity, try to make these tips part of your daily habit:. You may also need medical care if your constipation is accompanied by:.

Try drinking warm liquids like herbal tea or water, which can stimulate bowel movements. Gentle abdominal massage or light exercise like walking may also help. Eating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

Hydration is also crucial. Drink plenty of water to soften the stool and aid in its passage. Consider over-the-counter options like fiber supplements or stool softeners for fast relief from constipation.

These can help ease bowel movements by adding bulk or moisture to stool, making it easier to pass. Deep breaths can stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating digestion and bowel movements. Additionally, adopting a squatting position on the toilet can align the rectum for easier elimination.

Constipation happens when you pass fewer than three bowel movements per week or have bowel movements that are hard to pass without straining. Home remedies include increasing your fiber intake or taking a laxative, using a suppository, or taking a stool softener.

Trying out a squat position, doing light exercise, or performing a colonic massage may also help. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated, uncomfortable, or even achy.

Plagued by constipation? Massage may help. Many herbal teas can relieve constipation. Find out more about these types of teas, their dosages, and their side effects.

Acupressure is a natural remedy for constipation. Find out the pressure points that can stimulate relief, how it works, and the possible side effects.

Constipation can be a symptom and cause of pelvic organ prolapse. Sparkling water may be even more effective at relieving constipation. To treat constipation, doctors often tell people to increase their dietary fiber intake.

This is because increasing fiber intake increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, making them easier to pass. It also helps them pass through the digestive system more quickly However, some studies have found that increasing fiber intake can actually make the problem worse.

Others report that dietary fiber improves stool frequency but may not help with other symptoms of constipation, such as stool consistency, pain, bloating, and gas 16 , This is because different types of dietary fiber have different effects on digestion.

There are many different dietary fibers, but in general, they fall into two categories: insoluble fibers and soluble fibers. Insoluble fibers — present in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains — add bulk to stools and may help them pass more quickly and easily through the digestive system.

Soluble fibers — present in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables — absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens the stools and improves its consistency.

Non-fermentable soluble fibers, such as psyllium , are the best choice for treating constipation 18 , 19 , One review found psyllium to be 3. Various brands of psyllium fiber are available online. Studies examining the effects of insoluble fiber as a treatment for constipation have yielded mixed results.

This is partly because insoluble fiber can make the problem worse in some people with a functional bowel problem, such as IBS or chronic idiopathic constipation 19 , 20 , Some fermentable soluble fibers may also be ineffective at treating constipation, as they are fermented by bacteria in the gut and lose their water-holding capacity To prevent constipation, people should aim to consume a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers.

The total recommended fiber intake per day is 25 grams g for females and 38 g for males Bottom line: Try eating more high fiber foods.

Supplementing the diet with soluble non-fermentable fiber, such as psyllium, can also help. Various research studies have reported that exercise could help improve the symptoms of constipation 23 , 24 , 25 , Studies have linked sedentary lifestyles with an increased risk of constipation. Because of this, some healthcare experts recommend increasing exercise to get the stool moving That said, not all studies agree that exercise treats constipation.

Therefore, more research is needed In people with IBS, moderate exercise brisk walking can improve digestive symptoms and quality of life scores. However, vigorous exercise jogging could make symptoms worse for some Try doing some gentle exercise — such as going for regular walks, swimming, cycling, or jogging — to see if it helps.

For some people, consuming coffee can increase the urge to go to the bathroom. This is because coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system 29 , In fact, one study found that caffeinated coffee can stimulate the gut in the same way that a meal can.

Coffee may also contain small amounts of soluble fibers that help prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria 32 , That said, the bowel-stimulating qualities of caffeine may be stronger in people with IBS. It could also make digestive symptoms worse Learn more about foods and beverages that can relieve constipation here.

Bottom line: Coffee can help relieve constipation by stimulating the muscles in the gut. It may also contain small amounts of soluble fiber. Senna is a popular safe and effective herbal laxative that helps treat constipation 34 , It is available over the counter and online , in both oral and rectal forms.

Senna contains plant compounds called glycosides, which stimulate the nerves in the gut and help speed up bowel movements Doctors consider Senna safe for adults for short periods of time, but people should consult a doctor if their symptoms do not go away after a few days.

Doctors usually do not recommend Senna for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, or people with certain health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Bottom line: The herbal laxative Senna is a popular remedy for constipation.

It stimulates the nerves in the gut to speed up bowel movements. Probiotics may help prevent chronic constipation. Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that naturally occur in the gut. They include Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.

Some people who have chronic constipation have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut. Consuming more probiotic foods could help improve this balance and prevent constipation. One study mentioned in a review found that taking probiotics for 2 weeks can help treat constipation, increasing stool frequency and stool consistency They could also help treat constipation by producing short-chain fatty acids.

These may improve gut movements, making it easier to pass stools Alternatively, try a probiotic supplement. Some studies have found that people started to feel the benefits of these supplements after 4 weeks Try taking probiotic supplements, which are available online , or eating more probiotic-rich foods to see if this helps with constipation.

Probiotic foods include:. Bottom line: Probiotics may help treat chronic constipation. Try eating probiotic foods or taking a supplement. A person can speak to a doctor or pharmacist about choosing an appropriate laxative.

Different types have varying methods of action, but all are effective for constipation 40 , However, people should not take most of these laxatives on a regular basis without speaking to a doctor. Bottom line: Laxatives are effective for relieving constipation.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about the best ones to use. Constipation can be a symptom of IBS. The low FODMAP diet is an elimination diet that helps treat IBS and may relieve IBS-related constipation 42 , 43 , The diet involves limiting high FODMAP foods for a period of time before reintroducing them to determine which ones the body can tolerate Such people will probably need to pay attention to other aspects of their diet, such as getting enough water and fiber, to experience relief from their symptoms 46 ,