Top Tips to Prevent and Relieve Constipation (2025)
Estimates suggest up to 20% of the general population experience chronic constipation, 1 characterized by hard, dry and difficult to pass stools, and/or having less than three bowel movements per week. Chronic constipation also accounts for at least 8 million annual doctor's visits in the U.S. 2 While temporary constipation can be the result of simply eating poorly for a day or two, chronic constipation has been linked to a number of other, more serious health problems, including diverticulitis, kidney disease, 3 colorectal and gastric cancer, 4 ulcerative colitis 5 and Parkinson's disease. 6 So, having regular bowel movements is not just a matter of comfort, it also has important health implications. Following are several of my top tips for getting and staying regular. Update: High fiber diet did not improve constipation ( British Dietetic Association 2025 ) 1. Stay Properly Hydrated Perhaps the most basic of all recommendations is to make sure you're...