Constipation is a serious concern that can lead to multiple health issues. Having trouble going to the bathroom isn’t a rare case, and at least 2.5 million Americans need to visit the doctor for constipation. Infrequent bowel movements can lead to chronic constipation. Constipation is mainly caused by a low-fiber intake, not going to the bathroom when needed, and even certain medications.
It is important to ensure that you don’t have any deficiencies since those also affect your gut and bowel movements. Recovering from vitamin B-12 deficiency can take especially long. We selected the top 5 oral supplements that will help you with constipation without visiting the doctor.
Table of Contents
The Top 5 Oral Supplements For Constipation
Best Overall: Solgar Magnesium Citrate
Best Fiber Supplement: Konsyl Daily Psyllium Fiber
Best Food Supplement: Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed
Best Fiber Capsules: FiberCon Fiber Therapy
Best Stimulant Laxative: Senokot Regular Strength
Best Overall: Solgar Magnesium Citrate
When consumed in large quantities, magnesium draws water into the bowels and aids in relieving constipation. This supplement has been third-party tested, so we know that it works for sure. Each capsule contains 210mg of magnesium and is gluten, wheat, and dairy-free while being non-GMO.
The recommended dosage is 2 capsules per day, but it can be increased if your doctor suggests. However, you should stay below 1000mg of magnesium since it can be dangerous. Plus, this supplement also increases calcium density in bones. Each capsule costs $0.17, which is a low price for this supplement.
Best Fiber Supplement: Konsyl Daily Psyllium Fiber
This supplement only consists of psyllium husk, which has been clinically proven to relieve constipation. Konsyl organic psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that gels when mixed with water. This makes a soft bulk which eases stool formation and passage. This ground psyllium husk is free from additives such as sugar or other preservatives.
You can add this to your smoothies, shakes, food, and juices. Don’t let it sit too long; otherwise, it’ll be difficult to eat/drink. You can use this psyllium husk even when you’re on a keto diet. This supplement costs $2.33/ounce and will ease your constipation!
Best Food Supplement: Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are also a burst of fiber, and that’s why we chose the Spectrum Essentials Flaxseed, which is ground and organic. If you’re suffering from severe constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and low motility this is th ebest choice. As compared to whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed improves water absorption and eases stool movement.
Just add some of this ground flaxseed to your oatmeal, yogurt, or milk. This ground flaxseed also contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar. This supplement will cost you $0.47/ounce and will help your bowel movements as well as your overall health.
Best Fiber Capsules: FiberCon Fiber Therapy
This bulk-forming laxative is highly convenient in capsule form. Just two tablets a day means you’re consuming 1 gram of fiber. While this is insoluble fiber, it acts as a soluble one and absorbs water towards the gut to move stool easily. FiberCon Fiber Therapy is the best option if you have issues such as dry and hard stool.
As the label of the supplement suggests, it absorbs 60 times as much water as its weight making it easier for you to go to the loo. Calcium polycarbophil is the main ingredient used in this supplement that acts as an insoluble fiber. Each capsule is only priced at $0.14, which is one of the cheapest you’ll find.
Best Stimulant Laxative: Senokot Regular Strength
This stimulant laxative is extracted from a natural plant and helps the colon walls contract so the stool can easily pass through. Senna is the stimulant in this supplement known to benefit constipation in various forms. Each capsule contains 8.6mg of sennosides, a lower and FDA-regulated dose.
If your constipation has not improved with osmotic laxatives and other methods, then this stimulant will surely move things along! Senokot Regular Strength only costs $0.16/tablet; hence you can easily buy it whenever you want.
What Supplements Can Help Ease Constipation?
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in the day-to-day functioning of the body. However, magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium sulfate all help in relieving constipation. A study based on women with constipation revealed that taking 1.5 grams of magnesium oxide changed stool consistency and aided in constipation.
Probiotics
An imbalance in gut bacteria is also associated with constipation. A study showed that consuming probiotics improved stool consistency and frequency. Probiotics also quicken the time the stool takes to pass through the colon.
Fiber
Soluble fiber is the best for treating constipation. It absorbs water and retains a gel-like consistency which pushes the stool forward with ease. Fiber increases the water content of stool and smoothens bowel movements.
Conclusion
Infrequent bowel movements and constipation can lead to chronic gut-related issues, which are dangerous. Hence, it is important to regulate stool frequency and consistency to get harmful bacteria out of the system. These supplements are harmless and are nature-based to help stimulate stool frequency.
You can also use thermogenic probiotic supplements for fat loss that will also aid in relieving constipation. Apart from using these top 5 oral supplements for constipation, you should incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet to get your bowel system moving.
FAQs
Which vitamins are good for constipation?
Magnesium, vitamins C & B12, castor oil, and probiotics are some of the natural things that relieve constipation. Using psyllium husk and fiber supplements can also help in getting rid of constipation.
What helps constipation naturally?
Drinking more water and eating more soluble fiber can help with constipation. Drinking coffee and doing exercise can also help with bowel movements.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
Some signs of constipation include stomach aches and cramps, bloating, feeling nauseous, and a loss of appetite. If you’re facing all or some of these symptoms, you could be getting constipated.
What are the dangers of constipation?
Serious complications can occur if constipation is ignored and left untreated. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, rectal prolapse, and many other dangerous issues can arise due to constipation.