Constipation — Quick Fixes, What Causes It, and When to See a Doctor

Constipation shows up as hard stools, fewer than three bowel movements a week, or the feeling you can’t fully empty. It’s common: roughly one in six adults deals with it at some point. The good news is most cases respond to simple changes you can do today.

Why it happens: low fiber and not enough water slow stool, as do low activity, some pain medicines, iron supplements, certain antidepressants, and ignoring the urge to go. Stress and travel also disrupt your routine. For older adults, slower gut movement and other medications make constipation more likely.

Quick things to try at home

Start with fiber. Aim for 20–30 grams a day from vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. Add fiber slowly over a week so you don’t get gas. Drink extra water—plain water helps fiber work. Move more: even a 20-minute walk after meals speeds transit. Try a morning routine: warm drink plus a short walk often triggers a bowel movement.

Use over‑the‑counter options sensibly. Bulk-forming agents (psyllium) are gentle for everyday use. Osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol/Miralax) work well for short-term relief and are safe for most adults. Stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, senna) are effective for stubborn days but don’t use them every day for long periods. Stool softeners can help if straining is the main issue.

Probiotics help some people, especially those with irregular bowel bacteria after antibiotics. Natural options—prunes or prune juice—often work because they combine fiber and sorbitol, a natural laxative. Try chewing sugar-free gum or practicing squatting posture using a small footstool to align your rectum better when you sit on the toilet.

When to see a doctor

See a clinician if you have severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or sudden change in bowel habits after age 50. If constipation lasts more than two weeks despite home care, or if you rely on stimulant laxatives daily, get checked. Your doctor may check for medication side effects, low thyroid, or bowel obstruction and suggest tests or prescription treatments like secretagogues or prokinetic drugs.

Special cases: children and pregnant people require tailored advice—ask a pediatrician or OB/GYN before using laxatives. Older adults should review all medications with their provider to spot likely culprits.

Practical checklist: keep a food-and-bowel diary for a week, note meds and changes, aim for three servings of high-fiber foods daily, sip water throughout the day, add a serving of prunes or kiwi, walk after meals, try polyethylene glycol for a few days if needed, avoid long-term stimulant use. If you have IBS with constipation or chronic issues lasting months, ask about prescription options like linaclotide or lubiprostone, or testing for slow-transit colon. Quick record of triggers helps your clinician target treatment.

Small changes often make the biggest difference: fiber, fluids, movement, and smart short-term use of safe laxatives. If simple steps don’t work, medical options exist—don’t wait until things get worse. Start small and track what works for you.