Constipation involves infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. Most cases respond to diet, hydration, and activity. Persistent constipation needs evaluation.
Constipation involves infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. Most cases respond to diet, hydration, and activity. Persistent constipation needs evaluation.
Fewer than 3 bowel movements weekly, hard dry stools, straining, feeling of incomplete emptying, bloating, abdominal discomfort.
Sudden severe constipation, blood in stool, severe pain, unexplained weight loss, pencil-thin stools, or alternating with diarrhea (rule out IBS, other conditions).
Adequate fiber (soluble and insoluble), 8+ glasses water daily, regular exercise, squatting or elevated feet on toilet, don't ignore urges, magnesium.
Psyllium husk is first-line for bulk. Flaxseeds ground. Magnesium citrate for stimulation. Triphala (Ayurvedic) for regularity. Senna and Cascara short-term only (avoid dependency). Aloe latex short-term. Dandelion Root for gentle support. Probiotics.
Try our Herbal Support Finder for safety-checked recommendations.
