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Constipation is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry stools, usually less than three times a week. People who are constipated often have difficult, painful or incomplete bowel movements. Almost everyone gets constipated from time to time. A low-fiber diet, not enough fluids and lack of exercise are the most common causes.
Other possible causes include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Changes in life or routine
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Older age
- Travel
- Ignoring the urge for a bowel movement
- Diseases (such as multiple sclerosis or lupus)
- Problems with the colon and rectum
- Intestinal dysfunction
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Painful bowel movements
- Lower abdominal pain
- Being on a diet or having a diet without enough water or high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads.
A word of caution: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. You have no way of knowing if your herb or supplement interferes with a health condition or medication. You do not know the purity and quality, and much of the research on these substances is scant and questionable. Also, supplements in high concentrations can be dangerous. Your doctor is the best person to talk with about your concerns.
| Supplement |
Claims |
Potential Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the Experts Say |
| Psyllium |
Increases the number of bowel movements and increases the amount of stool that is passed. |
Generally well-tolerated. May cause stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Some people have allergic reactions to psyllium. May cause problems breathing. |
Evidence to date suggests psyllium, which is found in many over-the-counter laxatives, may help soften stool and is generally safe. Long-term studies of psyllium usage beyond six months have not been done. Generally, if you eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you don't need psyllium. Your best bet is to exercise more, eat better and drink more fluid. If that's not enough, you can try psyllium. |
| Flaxseed |
Works as a laxative. |
Generally well-tolerated. May cause stomachache and diarrhea. May cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. May increase blood sugar levels. Can also raise the risk of bleeding. |
There is some credible scientific evidence that suggests flaxseed works as a laxative. However, more research is needed. It is not yet clear how much is safe or effective. |
| Barley |
Works as a laxative because it is high in fiber. |
Well tolerated as a grain or in beer. But can cause skin rash, chest tightness, and eye and nose irritation. Do not take if you have celiac disease because of increased risk of cancer. May worsen asthma and cause problems breathing. |
There is very little evidence that indicates barley can help with constipation. |
Dietary modifications
Most often, constipation is caused by a shortage of fluids and fiber in the diet. Eat high-fiber foods such as apricots, corn, figs, okra, prunes, pumpkin, rice, squash, sweet potatoes and yogurt. Make sure you drink water, which adds soft bulk.
Conventional treatments
Laxatives may act by:
- Providing bulk or increasing the water content of the stools (an example includes psyllium)
- Acting as a stool softener, thereby allowing the feces to pass through the intestines more easily
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External Sources
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This article was reviewed and updated
June 2007.
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