The Best Natural Remedy for Constipation? It Might Already Be In Your Kitchen

Dear Anonymous,

Anything with a lot of fiber is an excellent natural remedy for constipation. Prunes and kiwis are two great examples of high-fiber foods. Studies show that people who eat kiwis and prunes have more bowel movements a week than those who don't. 

But any high-fiber food will help, and finding what works best for you is important. What's the most accessible or financially sound option for you? For example, if eating yellow dragon fruit (which has recently been trending on TikTok for its alleged laxative powers) is helping, I don't see a downside.

Constipation occurs when your stool gets stuck in the colon and isn't moving forward. There are two main reasons for this: The stool is just too hard, or there's an underlying motility issue, meaning the muscles or nerves in the GI tract aren't working correctly to push the stool forward. Women also tend to suffer from constipation more often than men because they have longer, more angled colons, meaning it takes more time and effort for the stool to pass through. 

Most people who suffer from constipation may be dehydrated or not have enough fiber in their diet, which helps get things moving. You need fiber and water to add that bulk. 

Fiber is also generally healthy for the GI tract. When we talk about creating a healthier diet, we often focus too much on things like protein and not enough on fiber: Only 5% of Americans get the recommended amount of dietary fiber.

Featured Expert

Dr. Rashmi Advani - Gastroenterologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles