A Natural Way to Help Relieve Constipation
Constipation can leave you feeling uncomfortable, bloated, and sluggish. Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can often help.
💧 Start with enough fluids
Not drinking enough can make stools harder and more difficult to pass.
Drink fluids regularly throughout the day, unless a healthcare professional has told you to restrict fluids because of a medical condition.
🥝 Increase fiber gradually
Foods such as kiwi, pears, prunes, berries, vegetables, beans, oats, and whole grains can help increase fiber intake.
Don’t suddenly add a huge amount of fiber—build up gradually and drink enough fluids, or you may become even more bloated.
🚶 Move your body
Regular physical activity can help stimulate normal bowel movements.
Even a daily walk can be a useful part of a constipation-prevention routine.
🍑 Try prunes or prune juice
Prunes contain fiber and sorbitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that can help draw water into the bowel and promote bowel movements.
For some people, this is a simple food-based option worth trying.
🚽 Don’t ignore the urge
When you feel the need to go, try not to repeatedly postpone it.
A regular bathroom routine—especially after a meal—can also help establish more consistent bowel habits.
⚠️ When shouldn’t you treat constipation at home?
Seek medical advice if constipation is persistent, recurrent, or significantly different from your usual pattern.
Get urgent medical attention if constipation occurs with:
🚨 Severe or worsening abdominal pain
🚨 Repeated vomiting
🚨 A swollen abdomen
🚨 Inability to pass gas or stool
🚨 Blood in the stool
🚨 Unexplained weight loss
🚨 Fever or significant weakness
