Approximately five to 30% of individuals in Western countries suffer from constipation. (8)(19) Symptoms of constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. (14) Treatment for constipation and IBS-C may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as certain dietary supplements, such as inulin, probiotics, and psyllium husk.

woman holding her stomach in pain

Causes and risk factors associated with constipation include being female, infection in the digestive tract, and low dietary fiber intake.

What is constipation?

Constipation is an intestinal dysfunction characterized by hard stools, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling or distension, and a feeling of incomplete elimination. (19)

Constipation may also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a group of functional disorders that affect the digestive system. The pathophysiology of IBS is complex but may involve an imbalance of gut microbiota (5) and dysfunction in gut-brain communication. (9) Several mechanisms of the condition have been identified, including altered motility and transit, psychosocial factors, and heightened sensitivity of the intestine or colon. (14) The different types of IBS include:

  • IBS-D: diarrhea-predominant
  • IBS-C: constipation-predominant
  • IBS-M or IBS-A: a combination of both diarrhea and constipation (9)

Constipation causes and risk factors

Several causes and risk factors have been associated with constipation and IBS-C, including:

  • Age: increased risk in the elderly
  • Certain health conditions (e.g., celiac disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease)
  • Certain medications (e.g., antacids, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
  • Ethnicity: increased risk in non-Caucasians
  • Gender: increased risk in females
  • Insufficient hydration
  • Iron-containing dietary supplements
  • Low dietary fiber intake
  • Physical inactivity (4)(11)(15)(10)

Constipation signs, symptoms, and complications

Symptoms of IBS may appear, disappear, and change over time. (14) The signs and symptoms of IBS-C and general constipation include:

  • Hard or compact stools
  • Increased effort to eliminate
  • Stool frequency less than three times per week
  • The sensation that elimination is incomplete
  • The sensation that elimination is obstructed (19)

Constipation may result in fecal impaction (4) and increase the risk of colorectal cancer. (19) Comorbidities of IBS include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, anxiety, and depression. (9)

Supplement ingredients for constipation relief

The supplements outlined below have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing constipation.

Chicory flowers and dried roots laid over a wooden backdrop

Inulin is commonly derived from the roots of chicory, a medicinal herb.

Inulin

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber present in the roots and rhizomes of various plants, such as chicory, garlic, and artichoke. (19) Inulin resists digestion by human digestive enzymes, meaning it passes through the small intestine to reach the colon, where it is fermented by bacteria. (8) Prebiotics, including inulin, have been shown to alter the composition of intestinal microbiota by increasing beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. (15)(19) Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of prebiotics in cases of constipation, including modulation of gut microbiota, reduction of intestinal pH, and increases in bowel movements, stool weight, and water content in the colon. Further, supplementation of inulin may also decrease pathological Clostridium bacteria. (15)

Inulin has demonstrated effectiveness in improving transit time, stool frequency, stool consistency, and hardness of stool. (15)

Jars of sauerkraut and pickled vegetables with herbs.

Food sources of probiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi, unpasteurized pickled vegetables, and yogurt.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms found in fermented foods and dietary supplements that confer beneficial effects to the host once consumed. Research has demonstrated that certain strains of bacteria may improve symptoms of IBS, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and Clostridium difficile infections. (5) Probiotics may address constipation through their ability to improve intestinal motility, modify gastrointestinal microflora, and alter biochemical factors in the gut. (6) When applied clinically, it’s important to consider the specific strains of probiotics used as studies have shown that the benefits of a specific strain may not apply to other bacterial strains, even from the same species. (5)

Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus faecium have been shown to improve abdominal pain, stool consistency, and stool frequency. (3) One study found that Lactobacillus reuteri significantly improved pain, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. (13) Further research has shown that Bifidobacterium longum may improve constipation symptoms in elderly patients. (7)(13)

Psyllium seeds in a glass bowl on wooden background.

Psyllium husk is produced from the seeds of several plants in the Plantago genus.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk, a commonly used soluble fiber supplement, is produced from the seeds of certain plants in the Plantago genus. The seeds are milled to remove the hulls and the remaining husk and seeds are used to formulate dietary supplements. There is a significant interest in psyllium due to its potential for the prevention and treatment of IBS, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulosis, among other conditions. Psyllium husk is water-soluble and promotes large bowel function by forming bulk in the stool. (16) The primary active constituent in the seed is the mucilaginous hydrocolloid, which is made up of mostly arabinoxylans. Psyllium husk should be mixed with water, and increased water intake is commonly recommended when increasing the consumption of soluble fiber in the diet. (17)

Extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of psyllium husk in improving the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation. Benefits include increased stool frequency, improved stool consistency, and reduced pain when defecating. (1)(2)(12)(18)

The bottom line

Constipation is a common condition that can impact digestive health and overall quality of life. If you experience bleeding, pain, or changes to the shape and colour of your stool, it’s important to have this checked medically to rule out serious conditions.

Research shows that dietary supplements including inulin, probiotics, and psyllium husk may benefit individuals with constipation, but this may not be right for you.  If you need help in determining the best plan, contact me at Support@DrLindaBrownND.com or call (647) 372-0062 for a 15-minute free consult.