The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Quit Caffeine
Posted by Jennifer (Napa, Ca) on 06/23/2018
★★★★★
Re a post about caffeine curing constipation -
Just the opposite! Quitting caffeine CURES constipation. If you stop drinking all forms of caffeine, you will cure your dreaded constipation. Being an avid coffee drinker for 20 years, I always believed coffee was the only thing that would make me “go”, albeit only 2 times per week(so unhealthy). I read about curing constipation by eliminating all forms of caffeine, which I swore I would never do, but then I read about so many other healthy side effects like deeper sleep, clearer skin, in addition to bowel movement regularity, and decided it was more than worth a try after dealing with constipation for as long as I can remember. I weened myself off caffeine and by Day 4 I started having regular bowel movements every day. I also slept better than I have my entire life by Day 6.
Looking back to my teenage years and in my twenties, I drank a lot of Diet Coke and had no idea how that caffeine was effecting my health. When I stop to think about all the things constipation kept me from doing all these years, it sickens me. Getting off caffeine takes a couple weeks but it's so worth the effort. I used to have dark circles under my eyes and they are now gone, and I've only been off caffeine for a month! Another awesome side effect? No more nasty hangovers!
That's right, I work in the wine industry and always thought the wine was giving me hangovers, until I quit caffeine and discovered I could drink wine and feel fine the next day! It was the caffeine withdrawal that compounded the dehydration that always caused my hangover, not to mention the pesticides in coffee, etc.
Kiwi
Posted by Adrienne (Gold Coast) on 06/15/2015
★★★★★
I have suffered from constipation for years and have used many products including the best digestive enzymes and acidophillus available - I am also a nutritionist so I eat well and take heaps of the best supplements. I've also had colonics and massage to help.
The thing that has worked wonders for me without question is kiwi fruit. first thing on an empty stomach I eat 3 kiwi or blend them with another fruit and some chia seeds, and I have absolute success every time.
I think kiwi have the right ph for your gut health, are full of enzymes and also are slippery.
Try this and share!
B1 (Thiamine)
Posted by Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma) on 10/06/2014
Did a little experiment last week by not taking the vitamin B-1. Yup, the cement factory was back. Took 250 mg of B-1 and was softer by that afternoon! I also take Vitamin D, have for over ten years. Didn't help. The B-1 is what works for me.
Chia Seeds
Posted by Yellowbird (Portlandia) on 09/11/2013 10 posts
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
SIDE EFFECTS: Caution with Chia Seeds (and Flax & Primrose Seeds) for those with
HYPOtension (very LOW blood pressure)...
These seeds are known for their ability to reduce blood pressure via vasodilation- a good thing for folk with HYPERtension (=High BP), but the quick reduction can be dramatic- even dangerous- for those who live with very low blood pressure already.
Much as I loved them, I had to stop using chia becoz of this effect. Everytime I tried them, within minutes my allready low blood pressure would fall thru the floor: veins overly dilated, throbbing sensation in neck vein, dizzy, faint, anxious, knot in chest, breathless, fluttery heart, skipped beats, light & dark spots before eyes. Classic signs of blood pressure plunging too low, too fast.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Polly (London, England) on 04/05/2013
★★★★★
Not a remedy as such for constipation but in my experience giving up EVERY type of wheat (especially whole wheat) cured my constipation.
It gives my husband IBS and bad tempers. So we buy pure rye, Kamut and spelt bread and have felt great relief!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Janine (Cerritos, California, USA) on 01/12/2013
★★★★★
I rarely see anything mentioned about diet when it comes to constipation. Believe me, if you're having problems and you don't factor in what you're eating, you are making a mistake. If you are really backed up, natural methods take time to act and even then - if you're a difficult case you may have to bring out the big guns (senna, etc.) to resolve the problem in the meantime. Your body wants to be on a schedule. In brief, no matter how you resolve the problem stick with a program. Avoid dairy (until resolved), eat at least three meals a day, use sprouted grain bread, some raw and cooked (lightly) vegetables, healthy fats, probiotics (natural or supplement), enzymes (natural and/or supplements), water, exercise regularly, sleep 8 hours, meditate. To avoid laxatives look for natural solutions like flax seed and chia seed. I use Kombucha and ACV in my diet but usually not both in the same day. Natural methods will work but only if you pay attention to the big picture. You could be taking enzymes, probiotics, ACV and still be constipated if you're diet is low in fiber and fat. Don't be afraid of protein but don't overload. Grass fed beef, milk and cheese is much lower in saturated fat than what we've typically been using and raw milk and cheese are friendlier for the gut. Too much of the non raw variety of milk will cause constipation. Do your homework.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Tori13 (Kelowna, Bc Canada) on 12/14/2012
My understanding is that coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and so there are toxins released as it kills off bacteria, viruses, etc. I would guess that candida would be included in this mix, but I'm no expert. When I started taking it I experienced headaches and flu-like symptoms. I felt pretty crappy so I cut back to where it was comfortable and worked up from there.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Elaine (Edmond, Oklahoma, Usa) on 06/21/2012
★★★★★
I have been constipated for years. I either take Metamucil or take magnesium. I cut back on the mag because it is hard on the kidneys. I haven't really eaten watermelon in years. I bought a melon two weeks ago and oh my gosh. As long as I eat some watermelon every morning a goose has nothing on me. It worked for me.
Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Posted by Tandy (Orange County, CA) on 05/17/2008
★★★★★
Constipation remedy (lemon juice and olive oil) -- thank you for posting this remedy. i have had bowl movement problems since i was in highschool and i've gone to the doctors taken medication and many laxatives and even gone to the emergancy because it got so bad with stomach pains. But this actually worked for me. i just tried it worked. thankyou so much. i'm going to keep this in mind.
Water
Posted by Aimy (Lhr, Pk) on 03/10/2008
★★★★★
Drinking four to five glasses of water every morning before brushing your teeth will cure constipation in ten days. Avoid eating till about 45 minutes after consuming water in the morning. I tried many therapies but this one has been most successful and is a long term solution. Whenever I feel blocked, I consume more than four glasses in the morning. Sometimes even two glasses or one are enough to flush out the system.
Molasses
Posted by Tish (Chicago, Il) on 07/21/2007
★★★★★
My period has been always heavy that my hemoglobin level is always low that I have to take iron and shot every 2 weeks. ITs hard also to work and go to the bathroom every now and then. When I bleed it like for 10 days and more. I was diagnosed with fibroid just 2 months ago and I found your website just weeks before my surgery and its my second day of my period. I started taking the molasses and the next day my period slow down and no blood clotting and it stopped after 5 days. My daughter is always suffering from constipation and I recommended her this and she said she never pooh like this before..THANK YOU!
Prune Juice
Posted by SUNNY (CA) on 01/24/2026
★★★★★
This should be up there as a remedie for constipation like #2 I drank 1 personal bottle when I had something stuck in my intestines and it go it right out. If your scared just drink 1/2. the bottle. I'm definitely doing a cleansing every year just to clean things up. Its why its been passed down by the ancients. Recommend!
Baking Soda
Posted by Sasha (Jamaica) on 08/12/2025
★★★★★
Baking soda works for constipation relief but I.find that there is an art using it. I mix one teaspoon in a glass of water and drink it on an empty stomach right before bedtime.
Make sure you thoroughly mix it out in the water and ensure that you only use one leveled teaspoon in a glass of water. If you use more than that, it may not work and you may end up with a headache the next day.
Also, ensure that your stomach is empty. Drink it at least 2 hours after your last meal. 3 to 4 hours after is even better.
This method works for me. If I overdo it, I get a terrible headache and it does not work. I'm guessing that it raises my sodium levels and blood pressure if I use more than the teaspoonful.
Flaxseed
Posted by Katrina (Massachusetts) on 08/09/2023
★★★★★
I have been suffering from chronic, severe constipation and hemorrhoids lately as a result from eating too many sugary foods all at once, a switch in thyroid med/dose, and stress, as well as (possibly) a lack of fiber (I've been afraid it will make me more constipated)...After a miserable morning where I finally did go, but it was so hard and dry and I thought I had a blockage and was going to need to go to the hospital! After I finally cleared out, I was terrified of that happening again, as I've been struggling with constipation for the past almost 2 weeks! I tried ground flaxseed (which I ground myself and keep refrigerated in a glass jar) mixed into water yesterday. (I used 4 tsps in about 16-20 ounces of water.) I let it sit for a while to let that gel-like substance come into the water and I drank that throughout the day. I like the taste of flaxseeds (nutty) and had a soft, painless bowel movement for the first time in many days yesterday afternoon! Then had to go again in the evening (mostly diarrhea, but welcome that right now over constipation and further hemorrhoid irritation)! I also had a smooth poo this morning.
Popcorn
Posted by Katzie (Canada) on 01/02/2022
★★★★★
I have found that one big bowl of buttery popcorn (w/salt & vinegar shaker seasoning, ! ), and a big bottle of water at night works every single time the next day. Happy munching!
Baking Soda
Posted by Nat (Brooklyn, NY) on 12/30/2021
★★★★★
It was mentioned somewhere that taking a little (maybe a teaspoon or a bit more) of baking soda (Bicarbonate of Soda) in about an ounce of water (others recommend in a little lemon juice) on an empty stomach, and not eating for a short while after, helps for emptying the bowels.
The baking soda/water remedy should probably not be used regularly, but rather only on an occasional basis.
It is important, generally, to wait for some urge to go before using a laxative or suppository, in order to prevent the natural urge, a vital body function, from disappearing.
Acupressure
Posted by Natural in NY (NY) on 03/30/2021
★★★★★
I did not really Susan's post about acupressure on the arm from 2008 would work for me, but decided to give it a try. When I first pressed on the spot on my left arm, I could feel something in my stomach area. That was encouraging and so I kept switching back and forth for a bit. I still did not think it would actually work. However, within about 10 to 15 minutes from starting, I had the result I was looking for! I highly doubt this was by chance. To be fair, I did lightly massage my abdomen just below my belly button once. However, I really think it was the points on the arms described by Susan. I also was not sure I had the spots right and just kept rubbing in the general area, trying to cover enough ground to get it to work. I guess you don't have to be perfect. Thank you Susan and earthclinic!
Celery
Posted by Don (Michigan, USA) on 12/23/2019
★★★★★
This Holiday Season you may become “irregular“ from festive meals. Don't waste money on harsh chemicals like Miralax which is pretty much antifreeze. First thing in the morning on a empty stomach juice, blend or eat 2-3 ribs of celery with a large glass of water and in no time you will be your regular self.
