"We all believe that caffeine can stimulate the muscles in our digestive system and cause easy bowel movement. But caffeine (especially excessive caffeine) also causes dehydration, which can give the opposite effect and lead to constipation. So, if you're constipated, avoid it or choose decaf," says Dr Dixa Bhavsar.
Coffee can speed up your poop conveyor belt. It's a natural laxative. “The gastro release is stimulated by the coffee itself,” says Dr. Lee. “It gets things moving.”
If you're constipated, drinking coffee to help move things along isn't unreasonable, Staller said. “But don't rely on it to move your bowels,” Jones said. “Speak to your medical doctor if you are having problems going to the bathroom regularly.”
You should drink water and other liquids, such as naturally sweetened fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, to help the fiber work better. This change should make your stools softer and easier to pass. Drinking enough water and other liquids is also a good way to avoid dehydration.
Dairy Products
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, fermented dairy products such as yogurt or kefir can improve gut health and may decrease the likelihood of constipation,” she notes.
Additionally, coffee can be a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration and constipation, both of which can contribute to bloating. It's also important to consider what you're putting in your coffee.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
And did you know, if consumed daily, milk can also help manage constipation? Dr. Vasant Lad mentions in his book, "Taking 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of ghee in a cup of hot milk at bedtime is an effective but gentle means of relieving constipation.
Yakult contains the Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. This strain specifically helps avoid diarrhea and constipation, improves your digestion, boosts your immunity, and can even fight cancerous cells.
You may become constipated if you don't eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation.
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long.
Foods to Avoid When Constipated
Slattery cites cheese as a particular constipation culprit. “Really high-fat foods slow down digestion,” she says. “Fats are tricky to digest, and take a long time for the body to break down. Also, most high-fat foods are low in fiber and delay motility.”
Chocolate—The newest hype is that dark chocolate is good for you, but this is only true in moderation. Chocolate actually slows down the digestive process and is among the worst culprits for causing constipation.
Movement and exercise can help you empty your bowels. Increasing activity will help you to improve your bowel function. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day, for example, swimming, walking or gardening.
Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).
Recent clinical studies have found that probiotics can be a useful tool for the treatment of constipation and can yield significant results [24,25,26], such as improvements in gastrointestinal regulatory peptides, neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and the gut microbiota.