Constipation

Sources

Every numbered claim on the overview and article pages is listed here with the exact passage it rests on. 109 passages were checked word-for-word against the saved copies listed below.

Pharmacist review pending109 verified passagesUpdated 2026-10-26

Current evidence

1

Constipation can mean fewer than three bowel movements a week; hard, dry or lumpy stools; stools that are difficult or painful to pass; or a feeling that not all stool has passed.

“Constipation is a condition in which you may have”
“fewer than three bowel movements a week”
“stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy”
“stools that are difficult or painful to pass”
“a feeling that not all stool has passed”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Definition & Facts for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
2

People have different bowel patterns, and only you know what is normal for you.

“However, people can have different bowel movement patterns, and only you know what’s normal for you.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Definition & Facts for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
3

You don’t need a bowel movement every day. But if your bowel habits change, check with your provider.

“It's not important that you have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your provider.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
4

Almost everyone gets constipated at some point. Most of the time it is short and not serious.

“At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
5

Constipation is not a disease, but it may be a symptom of another medical problem. It can last a short or long time.

“Constipation is not a disease, but may be a symptom of another medical problem. Constipation may last for a short or long time.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Definition & Facts for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
6

About 16 out of 100 adults have symptoms of constipation, rising to about 33 out of 100 adults aged 60 and older.

“About 16 out of 100 adults have symptoms of constipation. About 33 out of 100 adults ages 60 and older have symptoms of constipation.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Definition & Facts for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
7

Constipation is more likely for women, especially in pregnancy or after giving birth, people who eat little fiber, and people who take certain medicines or supplements.

“women, especially during pregnancy or after giving birth”
“people who eat little to no fiber”
“people who take certain medicines or dietary supplements”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Definition & Facts for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
8

Causes include slow movement of stool through the colon, pelvic floor problems that delay emptying, and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

“slow movement of stool through your colon”
“delayed emptying of the colon from pelvic floor disorders”
“functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
9

Medicines and supplements that can make constipation worse include aluminum and calcium antacids, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, iron supplements, narcotic (opioid) pain medicines and some antidepressants.

“Medicines and dietary supplements that can make constipation worse include”
“antacids that contain aluminum and calcium”
“calcium channel blockers”
“diuretics”
“iron supplements”
“narcotic pain medicines”
“some medicines used to treat depression”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
10

Bowel habits can change with pregnancy, getting older, travel, or ignoring the urge to go.

“if you become pregnant”
“as you get older”
“when you travel”
“when you ignore the urge to have a bowel movement”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
11

Not drinking enough, not getting enough physical activity, and hormone conditions such as an underactive thyroid can also cause constipation.

“not drinking enough liquids, or dehydration”
“not getting enough physical activity”
“conditions that affect your hormones, such as hypothyroidism”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
12

See a doctor if symptoms don’t go away with self-care, or if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.

“You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not go away with self-care or you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
13

See a doctor right away for constipation with bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, constant belly pain, inability to pass gas, vomiting, fever, lower back pain, or weight loss without trying.

“You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms”
“bleeding from your rectum”
“blood in your stool”
“constant pain in your abdomen”
“inability to pass gas”
“vomiting”
“fever”
“lower back pain”
“losing weight without trying”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
14

Most constipation can be treated at home, starting with more fiber — and plenty of water and other liquids alongside it.

“You can most often treat your constipation at home by doing the following”
“drink plenty of water and other liquids if you eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
15

Depending on age and sex, adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.

“Depending on your age and sex, adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
16

Regular physical activity may help relieve symptoms.

“Getting regular physical activity may help relieve your symptoms.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
17

Trying for a bowel movement 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast may help, because eating helps the colon move stool.

“trying to have a bowel movement 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast may help, because eating helps your colon move stool”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
18

Give yourself enough time, go as soon as you feel the need, and try relaxing your muscles or resting your feet on a footstool.

“Make sure you give yourself enough time to have a bowel movement, and use the bathroom as soon as you feel the need to go. Try to relax your muscles or put your feet on a footstool to make yourself more comfortable.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
19

If you think a medicine or supplement is causing constipation, talk with your doctor — and don’t change or stop it on your own.

“If you think certain medicines or dietary supplements are causing your constipation, talk with your doctor.”
“Don’t change or stop any medicine or supplement without talking with a health care professional.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
20

A health care professional may recommend a laxative for a short time and tell you which type is best. Over-the-counter types include fiber supplements, osmotic agents, stool softeners, lubricants and stimulants.

“Your health care professional may recommend using a laxative for a short time. He or she will tell you what type of laxative is best for you”
“fiber supplements (Citrucel, FiberCon, Metamucil)”
“osmotic agents (Milk of Magnesia, Miralax)”
“stool softeners (Colace, Docusate)”
“lubricants, such as mineral oil (Fleet)”
“stimulants (Correctol, Dulcolax)”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
21

Stimulant laxatives should only be used if constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked.

“You should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
22

If you have taken laxatives for a long time and can’t go without them, talk with your doctor about slowly stopping. Over time, the colon should start moving stool normally again.

“If you’ve been taking laxatives for a long time and can’t have a bowel movement without taking a laxative, talk with your doctor about how you can slowly stop using them. If you stop taking laxatives, over time, your colon should start moving stool normally.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
23

If self-care doesn’t work, a doctor may prescribe medicine, or recommend biofeedback therapy for problems with the muscles that control bowel movements.

“If self-care treatments don’t work, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to treat your constipation.”
“If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
24

Before a visit, it helps to track your bowel movements and what your stools look like for several days or weeks.

“You may want to track your bowel movements and what your stools look like for several days or weeks before your doctor’s visit.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diagnosis of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
25

A doctor may try treatment first, before tests. Blood tests can look for signs of anemia, an underactive thyroid or celiac disease.

“Depending on your symptoms and health, your doctor may first try a treatment to improve your symptoms before using tests.”
“Blood tests can show signs of anemia, hypothyroidism, and celiac disease.”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diagnosis of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
26

Add fiber slowly — eating more fiber can cause bloating and gas.

“Add foods with fiber to your diet slowly, because eating more fiber can cause bloating and gas.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
27

Drink plenty of water when adding fiber or taking fiber supplements.

“It is important to drink plenty of water when adding fiber to the diet or taking fiber supplements.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
28

Try to walk, swim or do something active at least 3 or 4 times a week.

“Try to walk, swim, or do something active at least 3 or 4 times a week.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
29

If you feel the urge, go. Don’t wait or hold it in.

“If you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, go. Do not wait or hold it in.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
30

Most fruits help — eat the skin when it is edible, because much of the fiber is there. Beans, chickpeas, lentils and nuts add fiber too.

“Most fruits will help ease constipation.”
“Do not peel fruits that have edible skins, because a lot of the fiber is in the skin.”
“Legumes (navy beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and lentils), peanuts, walnuts, and almonds will also add fiber to your diet.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
31

Don’t take a laxative with severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, or for more than 1 week without your provider. In pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children under 6, ask a provider first.

“Do not take it if you have severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Do not take it for more than 1 week without consulting your provider.”
“Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children under age 6 years should not take laxatives without the advice of a provider.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
32

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative: it absorbs liquid, swells and forms a bulky stool. Take it with at least 8 ounces of liquid, and not for longer than 1 week unless your doctor says so.

“Psyllium, a bulk-forming laxative, is used to treat constipation. It absorbs liquid in the intestines, swells, and forms a bulky stool, which is easy to pass.”
“For psyllium to work properly and to prevent side effects, you must drink at least 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of liquid when you take it.”
“Do not take psyllium for longer than 1 week unless your doctor tells you to.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Psyllium: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
33

Psyllium should be kept at least 3 hours apart from digoxin, aspirin and nitrofurantoin.

“do not take digoxin (Lanoxin), salicylates (aspirin), or nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, Macrobid) within 3 hours of taking psyllium.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Psyllium: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
34

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an osmotic laxative for occasional constipation: it keeps water in the stool. It is usually used for up to 2 weeks and may take 2 to 4 days to work.

“Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used to treat occasional constipation. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing water to be retained with the stool.”
“It is usually taken once a day as needed for up to 2 weeks.”
“It may take 2 to 4 days for polyethylene glycol 3350 to produce a bowel movement.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Polyethylene Glycol 3350: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
35

Tell your doctor if you have ever had a bowel blockage, or have symptoms of one: upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain or bloating.

“tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a bowel obstruction (blockage in the intestine) and if you have symptoms of bowel obstruction (upset stomach, vomiting, and stomach pain or bloating).”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Polyethylene Glycol 3350: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
36

Senna is a stimulant laxative for short-term use. It increases activity of the intestines and usually works within 6 to 12 hours.

“Senna is used on a short-term basis to treat constipation.”
“Senna is in a class of medications called stimulant laxatives.”
“It works by increasing activity of the intestines to cause a bowel movement.”
“Senna normally causes a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Senna: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
37

Don’t take senna for more than 1 week without your doctor. Frequent use may make you dependent on laxatives, and older adults should not usually take it long-term.

“Do not take senna for more than 1 week without talking to your doctor.”
“Frequent or continued use of senna may make you dependent on laxatives and cause your bowels to lose their normal activity.”
“Older adults should not usually take senna products over a long period of time because they are not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Senna: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
38

Colon “cleanses” use enemas, laxatives or colon hydrotherapy. Evidence for colonic irrigation is limited, and colon cleansing can have side effects, some serious.

“Cleansing the colon (lower intestinal tract) with enemas, laxatives, or colon hydrotherapy (also called “colonic irrigation” or “colonics”)”
“There is limited clinical evidence validating colonic irrigation and insufficient evidence for its prescribed uses. Colon cleansing procedures may have side effects, some of which can be serious.”

NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
39

“Detox” programs may include laxatives, which can cause diarrhea — and sudden diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

““Detoxification” programs may include laxatives, which can cause diarrhea. Acute diarrhea can lead to dehydration and malabsorption.”

NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To KnowPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
40

Stool softeners are sold at any pharmacy and help you pass stool more easily.

“You can buy stool softeners at any pharmacy. They will help you pass stool more easily.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
41

Severe belly pain with vomiting, a swollen belly, and no stool or gas — get medical help right away or call 911.

“Get medical help right away or call 911 or the local emergency number if you:”
“Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Abdominal painPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
42

Severe belly pain with vomiting, a swollen belly, and no stool or gas — get medical help right away or call 911.

“Cannot pass stool or gas”
“Have a swollen abdomen (distention) that does not go away”
“Keep vomiting”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Intestinal obstruction and IleusPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
43

Blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, or black, tarry stools — see a doctor right away.

“You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms”
“bleeding from your rectum”
“blood in your stool”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
44

Blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, or black, tarry stools — see a doctor right away.

“If you have symptoms of acute or severe GI bleeding, seek medical help right away.”
“black or tarry stool”
“vomit that looks like coffee grounds”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of GI BleedingPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
45

Constipation with new lower back pain — see a doctor right away. Leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control — call 911.

“You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms”
“lower back pain”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
46

Constipation with new lower back pain — see a doctor right away. Leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control — call 911.

“Go to a hospital or call 911 or the local emergency number if:”
“You have weakness or are unable to move, along with numbness or tingling”
“You cannot control the movement of an arm or a leg, or you have lost bladder or bowel control”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Numbness and tinglingPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
47

Constipation with weight loss you cannot explain — see a doctor right away. A lasting change in your usual bowel habits — check with your provider.

“You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms”
“losing weight without trying”

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
48

Constipation with weight loss you cannot explain — see a doctor right away. A lasting change in your usual bowel habits — check with your provider.

“If your bowel habits change, however, check with your provider.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — ConstipationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
49

Needing a laxative for more than a week — talk to your doctor or pharmacist before continuing.

“Do not take it for more than 1 week without consulting your provider.”

MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-carePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

Source documents

NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Definition & Facts for Constipation
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 20cfed2ce6ec755f…
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of Constipation
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 966e2def4508638f…
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Treatment for Constipation
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 fce452c805f6a484…
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diagnosis of Constipation
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 4feafef85d9d03e0…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 0f68cf9a9280eed8…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Constipation - self-care
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 38ae6d0c34829f67…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Psyllium: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 d128fa22a5b8db7d…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Polyethylene Glycol 3350: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 5496aaeee9ac91e9…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Senna: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 75adaa9d4baad867…
NCCIH (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know
Saved 2026-10-19 · download · SHA-256 9af17cc04deffde4…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Abdominal pain
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 e1147d23d2af2bad…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Intestinal obstruction and Ileus
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 0c17cfbabca09340…
NIDDK (U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of GI Bleeding
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 f638d7347fec6fb3…
MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Numbness and tingling
Saved 2026-10-22 · download · SHA-256 e457caaeac5d4324…

Historical perspective: Dr. Majid Ali archive

Historical perspective drawn from the authorized writings of Dr. Majid Ali, preserved in the Clarkson archive. Shown for context; it is not current medical guidance.

Severe Persisting Constipation That Makes Life Miserable 2016-07-28
Source of the quoted line and of his insistence that long-lasting constipation be taken seriously. Its colonics, enemas, antifungal medicine, oil rubs and psyllium dosing are not carried.
Health Is Rooted In Healthy Bowel Ecology – An Introduction 2015-03-28
The bowel-ecology framework his constipation writing sits inside. Its wider claims about chronic disease are not carried.

Claims we deliberately did not carry

That bowel-detox or colon-cleanse approaches (colonics, enemas) address constipation.
Rejected, not held. Evidence is limited and colon cleansing can have serious side effects.³⁸
That a spiced smoothie is a treatment for constipation and bowel health.
Fiber-rich food is carried as ordinary diet advice; presenting one preparation as a treatment is not. Held for pharmacist review.
That an "effortless, odorless bowel movement" is a health target.
Not a clinical endpoint. Bowel patterns differ, and only you know what is normal for you.²
His protocol of antifungal medicine, castor-oil rubs, enemas and psyllium dose escalation.
Treatment and dosing instructions beyond the sources used. Not carried.
From the library brief: that bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives are "designed for ongoing use".
The product information describes short-term or occasional use.³²³⁴ Dropped.

Safety wording awaiting sign-off

The 'When to get help now' list is ProperHealth safety wording. Each line cites the official guidance it follows, and those passages are listed above with the other claims. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off before public use.