When you’re constipated, the advice often sounds simple: “Eat more fiber.” But that doesn’t answer the question most people actually have: What foods should I eat? Should you eat more fruit? Oatmeal? Vegetables? Prunes? Kiwi? Beans? The answer is that several types of high-fiber foods can support healthier bowel movements, but there is no single … Read more
Fiber is usually one of the first things people hear about when they have constipation. “Eat more fiber.” That advice is often reasonable. But there is a frustrating situation many people experience: You increase your fiber intake, expecting your constipation to improve, and instead you feel more bloated, gassy, or even more difficult to poop. … Read more
If your stool is hard and difficult to pass, you may have heard the simplest advice: “Just drink more water.” But is drinking more water really enough to relieve constipation? The short answer is sometimes—but not always. Not drinking enough fluids can contribute to constipation, and staying adequately hydrated can help keep stools softer. However, … Read more
If you’re trying to eat more fiber, you don’t necessarily need a special food. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get more fiber is to look at the foods you already eat and make a few simple swaps. Add berries to breakfast. Choose oatmeal instead of a refined cereal. Keep the skin on … Read more
Fiber is one of those nutrients you hear about constantly. “Eat more fiber.” “Fiber is good for your gut.” But what does fiber actually do once it reaches your digestive system? The answer is more interesting than simply “it helps you poop.” Some types of fiber add bulk to stool and help it move through … Read more
Sometimes constipation isn’t about how often you poop. You may go to the bathroom regularly but still deal with small, hard stools that take a lot of effort to pass. You may feel like you need to push harder than usual, or like the stool is simply too dry to come out comfortably. So why … Read more
Constipation can be surprisingly confusing. You may be eating relatively well, drinking water, and still find yourself sitting on the toilet longer than usual. Sometimes the problem is simply hard stool. Other times, you may have a bowel movement but still feel like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels. So why does constipation happen? The … Read more
Vegetables are supposed to be healthy. So why does your stomach sometimes hurt after eating them? You eat a salad, broccoli, cabbage, onions, or a large serving of vegetables—and instead of feeling better, you end up with bloating, gas, cramping, or even diarrhea. It can make you wonder: “Can vegetables actually be bad for my … Read more
You start eating more fiber because you want to improve your health. You add oatmeal to breakfast, eat more vegetables, snack on fruit, and maybe start adding beans or a fiber supplement. But instead of feeling better, your stomach starts feeling full, tight, and bloated. So you wonder: “Is eating more fiber actually making me … Read more