I work with clients suffering constipation and digestive issues in Surbiton, Esher, Wimbledon and across Surrey & London, as well as online consultations across the UK.
Constipation: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Relief Through Nutrition
Constipation is a common digestive issue, but that doesn’t mean it is something you have to live with. If you str struggling with bloating, discomfort, or irregular bowel movements, your body may be telling you that something is out of balance. Constipation can often be improved naturally through targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, or experiencing difficulty passing stools. However, even if you are going daily, symptoms like straining, incomplete emptying, or hard stools can still indicate an issue.
Common Symptoms of Constipation
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard or dry stools
- Straining when going to the toilet
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
- Sluggish digestion
What Causes Constipation?
There isn’t one single cause – constipation is usually a result of multiple factors, including low fibre intake. Fibre helps add bulk and supports regular bowel movements.
Common Causes of Constipation
Include:
- low fibre intake – fibre helps add bulk and supports regular bowel movements
- dehydration – without enough fluids tools can become dry and difficult to pass.
- gut microbiome imbalance.
- poor gut motility – the digestive system may be moving too slowly. Often linked to stress or imbalances in gut function.
- Hormonal imbalances – hormones can affect digestion, particularly in women during times such as perimenopause.
Over the years, I have had patients come to me with issues ranging from chronic constipation to having bowel movements just once every three days, or even once every two to four weeks. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to debilitating symptoms or, in more serious cases, disease. However, correcting this can lead to extraordinary results. Once bowel function improves, many people experience a noticeable increase in energy, better digestion, and, in some cases, even natural weight loss.
Real Life Case
One particular case stands out. A lady came to see me after being advised by her doctors to have her anal sphincter enlarged because she was only having bowel movements once a month. Within just two weeks of addressing her diet and supplement regimen, we increased her bowel movements to twice a day. This was achieved without the need for surgery.
How Nutrition Can Relieve Constipation:
- Avoid Constipating and Processed Foods: Many processed foods can contribute to constipation. Focus on a whole food diet rich in fibre and nutrients.
- Eliminate Parasites (if detected): Parasitic infections can contribute to digestive issues and should be addressed if present.
- Introduce Probiotics: Proper gut flora is vital for healthy digestion. Ensure you’re using the right dosage and a high-quality probiotic supplement.
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays a key role in relaxing the muscles in your intestines and promoting regular bowel movements.
- Incorporate the right fibre: Not all fibres are the same. It is crucial to consume the right types, especially those found in vegetables, which support healthy digestion and regularity.
- Hydration: Dehydration is a common issue among those with constipation. Drinking enough water is essential to support your intestines and soften stools, making them easier to pass.
Medications And Gut Health
Some medications can disrupt gut health and disturb the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, which can contribute to constipation. It is important to address these factors with your healthcare practitioner.
The Role of Stomach Acid
Chronic constipation is often linked to low stomach acid levels. Adequate stomach acid is essential for triggering the digestive system, breaking down proteins, and facilitating nutrient absorption. If you have low stomach acid, your entire digestive process may suffer, leading to constipation and other health issues.
Foods That May Worsen Constipation
- Highly processed foods
- Low-fibre diets
- Excess dairy (for some people)
- Not eating enough overall
When to Seek Support
If constipation is ongoing, uncomfortable, or affecting your quality of life, it’s important to look deeper. Addressing the root cause – rather than just the symptoms can lead to long-term relief.
How I Can Help You
As a Nutritional Therapist in Surrey, London & online, I take a personalised approach to digestive health.
Together, we can:
- Identify underlying causes of your constipation
- Support your gut health
- Create a tailored nutrition plan
- Help restore comfortable, regular digestion
Many clients with Constipation can also experience IBS symptoms
How I Support Constipation Clients
This includes:
- detailed health analysis
- identifying food triggers
- supporting gut repair
- targeted nutritional plans
- ongoing support
Are you ready to improve your gut health?
If you are tired of guessing and want to understand what is really causing your symptoms, I offer a free discovery call where we can explore what may be driving your Constipation and how to move forward.
Book your free call or get in touch here to find out how personalised nutritional therapy can help you overcome Diarrhoea and feel in control again.
Ann Shaw Clinic of Nutritional Medicine has a programme-based approach which integrates nutrition, functional laboratory testing if necessary, and lifestyle guidance, to address IBS, constipation and gut-related issues.
I work with clients with Constipation and digestive issues in Surbiton, Esher, Wimbledon and across Surrey & London as well as online consultations across the UK.
Book your free call or find out more here
© Ann Shaw Clinic Of Nutritional Medicine 2026