Understanding Chronic Constipation

 

A Natural and Functional Medicine Approach

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Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable - it’s your body’s way of telling you something’s out of balance. If you’re having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, or struggling with hard stools, straining, or the feeling that you haven’t fully emptied, you're not alone - and there is something you can do about it.

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As a naturopath and functional medicine practitioner, I look at the whole picture - not just the symptom. Chronic constipation is often linked to digestion, stress, hormones, and lifestyle.

 

Let’s explore some possible causes and natural solutions.

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Common Causes of Chronic Constipation

• Gut Bacteria Imbalance (Dysbiosis)
  An imbalance in your gut microbiome, or too much methane-producing bacteria (like in SIBO), can slow things down.

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• Low Fibre or Water Intake
  Fibre helps bulk up the stool and water keeps it soft. Without both, things can get sluggish.

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• Thyroid Imbalances
  Even subtle changes in your thyroid function can affect your bowel movements.

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• Low Stomach Acid or Bile Flow
  If digestion is weak, food moves more slowly, and stools may become hard or dry.

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• Magnesium Deficiency

 

• This important mineral helps muscles - including those in the bowel - relax and move.

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• Stress
  Stress shifts the body into “fight or flight” mode, where digestion is no longer a priority.

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• Food Sensitivities
  Gluten, dairy and other foods may trigger slow motility or inflammation in sensitive individuals.

 

 

Natural Ways to Support Regularity

 

Here are some simple yet powerful changes that can help restore healthy bowel function:

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1. Fibre + Fluids

Aim for a variety of vegetables, seeds (like flax and chia), and whole foods. Drink at least 1.5–2L of water per day.

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2. Magnesium Support

Magnesium citrate or glycinate can gently encourage movement and reduce tension.

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3. Stomach Acid & Digestive Support

Bitter herbs, lemon water, or apple cider vinegar before meals may help digestion. Digestive enzymes or herbal bitters might also be useful.

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4. Healthy Gut Bacteria

Targeted probiotics and prebiotics can nourish the gut and improve regularity. I can recommend the right strains for you.

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5. Stress & Nervous System Care

Try breathwork, yoga, gentle exercise, or vagus nerve stimulation techniques. These help shift the body into “rest and digest” mode.

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6. Personalised Functional Testing

Tests such as comprehensive stool analysis, SIBO breath testing and full thyroid panels can uncover the deeper cause of constipation.

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Let’s Personalise Your Plan

 

Everyone is unique. That’s why I offer personalised treatment plans to address your specific needs - whether that’s working on gut health, hormone balance, nervous system support, or all of the above.

If constipation is affecting your daily life, let’s work together to get things moving naturally—without relying on harsh laxatives.

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Appointments available online or in person, let's get your gut and health on track. Healthy gut, healthy you!