Drinking water to treat constipation
A common mistake is to increase fiber without increasing fluids. Fiber, especially soluble fiber such as psyllium, needs water to soften stool. If fiber is increased while water intake remains low, a person may feel bloated or heavy, and stool may become more difficult to pass for some people.
Therefore, practical advice is regularly throughout the day, especially when eating fiber-rich foods or using psyllium supplements.
If food alone is not enough, a fiber supplement such as psyllium may help. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance that helps soften and bulk up stools. Recent scientific reviews support it as one of the best-studied types of fiber for chronic constipation, especially at daily doses greater than 10 grams for 4 weeks or more.
However, psyllium is not suitable for everyone in the same way, so it should be taken with enough water, starting with a small dose, and kept separate from other medications as it may affect their absorption. It should also be avoided or a doctor consulted before use if there is severe difficulty swallowing, a previous bowel obstruction, or unexplained abdominal pain.
