Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in the UK. Estimates suggest that around 1 in 7 adults experience constipation at some point, with higher prevalence among older adults, people with sedentary lifestyles, and those taking certain medications. Despite how widespread it is, the advice people receive is often surprisingly simplistic. Many health articles still reduce the issue to a few familiar suggestions: drink more water, eat more bran, and exercise more.
While these recommendations can help in some cases, modern research shows that constipation is far more complex than a simple lack of fibre. The digestive system is influenced by multiple interacting factors, including gut motility, microbiome composition, hydration status, pelvic floor coordination, and the type of fibre consumed. In some individuals, increasing fibre without considering these variables can even worsen symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or irregular bowel patterns.
Over the past decade, scientific understanding of digestive health has advanced significantly. Research published in the early 2020s has highlighted several more targeted approaches to managing constipation, including the role of specific foods such as kiwifruit, the effects of certain probiotic strains, and the importance of mechanical and behavioural factors that influence bowel function. These developments provide a more nuanced view of how bowel regularity can be supported.
For nearly four decades, Dulwich Health, established in 1986, has focused on providing reliable information about natural approaches to health and wellbeing. Having supported more than 30,000 customers, the company has long emphasised the importance of understanding how the body’s systems function, rather than relying solely on quick fixes. This perspective aligns with modern digestive research, which increasingly focuses on supporting the body’s natural physiological processes.
This article reviews constipation remedies that are supported by scientific evidence, with a particular focus on research published in the past five years. Rather than repeating generic advice, it explores the mechanisms behind constipation and examines interventions that have been investigated in clinical studies, including dietary strategies, microbiome-based approaches, physical interventions, and emerging areas of research.
Before exploring these remedies, it is important to understand how constipation is defined medically and how clinicians assess bowel function. This provides the context needed to evaluate which strategies are most likely to help in different situations.
What Doctors Mean by Constipation
Constipation is often described informally as “difficulty going to the toilet”, but in clinical medicine it has a more precise definition. Gastroenterologists use specific diagnostic criteria to distinguish occasional digestive irregularity from chronic constipation that may require investigation or treatment.
Understanding these definitions is important because bowel habits vary widely between individuals. For some people, a bowel movement once a day is typical. For others, three times per week may still be considered normal if it occurs without discomfort or straining.
The Rome IV Criteria for Functional Constipation
One of the most widely used medical frameworks is the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, developed by an international group of gastroenterology experts. These criteria help clinicians diagnose functional constipation, meaning constipation that is not caused by a structural disease or identifiable medical condition.
According to the Rome IV guidelines, functional constipation is typically defined by the presence of two or more of the following symptoms for at least three months:
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Straining during more than 25% of bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- A sensation of incomplete evacuation
- A feeling of blockage or obstruction in the rectum
- The need for manual manoeuvres to help stool pass
In addition, loose stools should rarely occur without the use of laxatives, and the symptoms should not meet the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
These criteria highlight an important point: constipation is not defined solely by frequency. Difficulty, discomfort, and stool consistency are equally important indicators of digestive function.
The Bristol Stool Chart
To help assess stool consistency, clinicians often use the Bristol Stool Chart, a visual classification system developed by researchers at the University of Bristol. It categorises stool into seven types based on shape and texture.
In general terms:
Most clinicians consider Types 3 and 4 to represent optimal stool consistency, while Types 1 and 2 are typically associated with constipation.
The chart provides a simple but useful way for both patients and healthcare professionals to discuss bowel patterns more objectively.
Occasional vs Chronic Constipation
Not all constipation has the same underlying cause. Broadly speaking, it can be divided into several categories:
Occasional constipation
This is the most common type and may occur due to:
- Travel or changes in routine
- Temporary dehydration
- Low fibre intake
- Reduced physical activity
Symptoms often resolve once normal habits return.
Functional constipation
This refers to chronic constipation without a clear structural or medical cause. It is thought to involve slower gut motility, changes in the gut microbiome, or altered communication between the gut and nervous system.
Medication-related constipation
Certain medications can slow bowel movements, including:
- Opioid painkillers
- Some antidepressants
- Anticholinergic medications
- Iron supplements
Outlet obstruction constipation
In some individuals, constipation occurs because the pelvic floor muscles do not coordinate properly during bowel movements. This condition, known as dyssynergic defecation, often requires specialised treatment such as biofeedback therapy.
Because constipation can arise from several different mechanisms, a single solution rarely works for everyone. The next step is to explore how the digestive system moves food through the intestines, and why this process sometimes slows down.
The Science of Gut Transit Time
To understand why constipation develops, it helps to look at gut transit time, which is the time it takes for food residue to move through the digestive tract and leave the body as stool. In simple terms, constipation often occurs when this movement becomes too slow. As stool sits in the colon for longer, the bowel continues to absorb water from it. The result is a stool that becomes drier, harder and more difficult to pass. NHS patient guidance explains this clearly: when waste moves too slowly through the large bowel, too much water is reabsorbed, which contributes to constipation.
This process is driven by peristalsis, the coordinated wave-like muscle contractions that move digestive contents through the intestines. When these contractions are too slow, weak or poorly coordinated, stool can remain in the colon for hours or days longer than intended. In some people this is described clinically as slow-transit constipation, a recognised subtype of chronic constipation associated with delayed colonic movement. A recent 2025 review notes that slow-transit constipation is characterised by delayed colonic transit, often defined as longer than 72 hours.
Transit time also matters because it affects the gut microbiome. Research over the past few years has shown that transit time is not just a consequence of bowel health but one of the major factors shaping the composition and activity of gut bacteria. A 2022 review in Gut Microbes described gut transit time as a key factor influencing the faecal microbiota, while later studies and reviews in 2024 and 2025 continued to link constipation with measurable microbiome changes. In other words, when transit slows down, the microbial environment in the bowel can change as well.
That relationship appears to work in both directions. Slower transit may alter which bacteria thrive in the colon, but the microbiome itself may also influence motility through fermentation products, bile acid metabolism and signalling within the gut. A 2024 Mendelian randomisation study specifically investigated potential causal links between gut microbiota and constipation, while more recent reviews have discussed how microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, may affect intestinal movement and stool passage. This is one reason modern constipation research increasingly focuses on the gut ecosystem rather than viewing constipation as a purely mechanical problem.
From a practical point of view, this helps explain why not all constipation responds to the same remedy. If the main issue is low fluid intake, increasing fluids may help. If the problem is poor motility, simply adding large amounts of insoluble fibre may not solve it and may even increase bloating in some people. If pelvic floor coordination is involved, dietary changes alone are unlikely to be enough. Understanding transit time therefore provides the bridge between symptoms and treatment: it shows why effective constipation management often depends on identifying what is slowing the bowel in the first place.
The next step is to look at which dietary interventions have the strongest clinical evidence, and why some foods appear to support bowel regularity more effectively than the standard “eat more fibre” advice suggests.
Dietary Interventions with Strong Clinical Evidence
Dietary changes are often the first strategy recommended for constipation, and with good reason. The digestive system responds directly to what we eat and drink, particularly when it comes to fibre, natural sugars, plant compounds and hydration. However, modern research shows that not all fibre sources behave the same way, and some specific foods have been studied far more rigorously than others.
Rather than relying on generic advice, several foods and fibre types now have clinical evidence supporting their use in improving stool frequency and consistency. The following examples have been investigated in controlled studies and systematic reviews in recent years.
Green Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)
One of the most interesting developments in constipation research has been the growing body of evidence around green kiwifruit. Clinical trials have shown that eating two green kiwifruits per day can improve bowel frequency and stool consistency in individuals with functional constipation.
A randomised controlled trial conducted by researchers including those at King’s College London compared green kiwifruit with psyllium fibre. Participants consuming kiwifruit experienced improvements in bowel movements and reported less bloating and abdominal discomfort compared with those taking psyllium.
Several mechanisms may explain these benefits:
- Dietary fibre, which adds bulk to stool
- Actinidin, a natural digestive enzyme that may support gastric emptying
- Polyphenols, which may influence gut bacteria and fermentation
Unlike some fibre supplements, kiwifruit appears to be well tolerated, which may explain why adherence in studies has been relatively high.
Prunes (Prunus domestica)
Prunes have long been associated with digestive health, and research continues to support their role in managing constipation. Prunes contain a combination of compounds that influence bowel function, including:
- Dietary fibre, which increases stool bulk
- Sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that draws water into the colon
- Polyphenols, which may affect microbial activity in the gut
Clinical studies have shown that prunes can improve stool frequency and consistency compared with placebo and, in some cases, may perform similarly to fibre supplements.
One advantage of prunes is that they provide both fibre and osmotic activity, meaning they not only bulk the stool but also help retain water in the bowel.
Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata)
Among fibre supplements, psyllium husk has some of the strongest evidence for improving constipation. Psyllium is a soluble, gel-forming fibre, which means it absorbs water and forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract.
This gel can help by:
- Increasing stool bulk
- Softening stool consistency
- Supporting more regular bowel movements
Unlike wheat bran, which is largely insoluble fibre, psyllium is generally better tolerated, particularly for people who experience bloating with high-bran diets. Several clinical guidelines, including those used in primary care, recommend psyllium as a first-line dietary intervention for functional constipation.
Rye Bread and Whole Grain Fibre
Research from several European studies has highlighted the potential benefits of rye-based whole grain products. Compared with refined wheat products, rye bread contains higher levels of certain fibre fractions that may stimulate intestinal motility.
Controlled trials have found that diets rich in rye fibre can:
- Shorten intestinal transit time
- Increase stool frequency
- Improve stool weight
These effects appear to be related to the fermentation of cereal fibres by gut bacteria, producing compounds such as short-chain fatty acids that may stimulate bowel movement.
Why Fibre Type Matters
In some individuals with sensitive digestion, a sudden increase in insoluble fibre can lead to gas, bloating or abdominal discomfort. This is why many clinicians now recommend gradually increasing fibre intake and focusing on soluble fibre sources first.
Taken together, current evidence suggests that specific foods and fibre types may be more effective than generic “high fibre” advice alone. The next step in understanding constipation management involves the role of the gut microbiome, which has become one of the most active areas of digestive health research in recent years.
The Microbiome and Constipation
In recent years, research into the gut microbiome has significantly changed how scientists understand digestive health. The microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, fungi and other microbes. These organisms play a central role in digestion, immune regulation and metabolic processes.
Emerging evidence suggests that the microbiome may also influence bowel motility, the coordinated muscle contractions that move stool through the intestines. When the composition of gut bacteria becomes imbalanced, sometimes referred to as dysbiosis, this may affect how quickly or efficiently the bowel moves.
How Gut Bacteria Influence Bowel Function
One of the key ways gut microbes influence digestion is through the fermentation of dietary fibre. During this process, certain bacteria produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate and butyrate.
These compounds appear to have several effects within the colon:
- Stimulating intestinal motility, helping move stool through the bowel
- Supporting the health of the intestinal lining
- Influencing water absorption in the colon
- Helping regulate communication between the gut and nervous system
When microbial diversity is reduced, the production of these beneficial metabolites may also decline. Several studies have reported differences in the microbiome composition of individuals with chronic constipation compared with healthy controls, although the relationship is complex and still being actively investigated.
Evidence-Based Probiotic Strains
Although probiotics are widely marketed for digestive health, scientific research shows that not all probiotic strains have the same effects. In fact, many commercially available probiotics have little evidence supporting their use for constipation.
However, several specific strains have shown promising results in clinical trials and systematic reviews.
Bifidobacterium lactis
This species has been investigated in several randomised trials and meta-analyses. Certain strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12, have been associated with improvements in:
- Stool frequency
- Intestinal transit time
- Stool consistency
These strains may support bowel function by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids and stimulating colonic motility.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Another strain with emerging evidence is Lactobacillus plantarum, particularly the strain known as 299v. Research suggests this bacterium may support digestive comfort and may help regulate intestinal function through interactions with the gut lining and immune system.
Why Strain-Specific Research Matters
A key point often overlooked in probiotic discussions is that probiotic effects are strain-specific. This means that benefits observed in studies cannot automatically be applied to other strains of the same species.
For example, two supplements containing different strains of Bifidobacterium lactis may produce very different results. This is why clinical studies typically refer to the exact strain designation, such as HN019 or BB-12.
Current evidence suggests that targeted probiotic strains may play a supportive role in constipation management, particularly when combined with dietary fibre and other lifestyle approaches. However, researchers continue to explore how the microbiome interacts with bowel function, and many questions remain about which microbial patterns are most beneficial for digestive health.
Beyond diet and the microbiome, constipation can also be influenced by physical and mechanical factors that affect how the bowel empties. The next section explores several interventions that focus on improving the mechanics of bowel movements.
Physical and Mechanical Strategies That Support Bowel Function
While diet and gut microbiome health are important, constipation is not always purely a nutritional issue. In many cases, the mechanics of bowel movement play a significant role. This includes posture during defecation, coordination of pelvic floor muscles, and physical stimulation of the abdomen. Modern gastroenterology increasingly recognises that improving these mechanical factors can be an effective part of managing chronic constipation.
Squatting Posture and the Puborectalis Muscle
Human anatomy evolved for defecation in a squatting position, rather than sitting on a modern toilet. When a person squats, the angle between the rectum and anus straightens, allowing stool to pass more easily.
This occurs because of a muscle called the puborectalis, which forms part of the pelvic floor. In a sitting position, this muscle creates a bend in the rectum that helps maintain continence. When the body moves into a squat, the muscle relaxes and the rectal angle becomes more open.
Several imaging and physiological studies have demonstrated that squatting:
- Reduces straining during bowel movements
- Allows more complete evacuation
- Shortens the time needed to pass stool
This is why products such as toilet footstools, which elevate the feet while seated, are often recommended by clinicians to simulate a squatting posture.
Biofeedback Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
In some individuals, constipation occurs because the pelvic floor muscles do not relax properly during bowel movements. This condition is known as dyssynergic defecation or outlet obstruction constipation.
Instead of relaxing, the muscles may paradoxically tighten, making it difficult for stool to pass. Dietary changes alone often do not resolve this issue.
One of the most effective treatments for this condition is biofeedback therapy, a specialised form of physiotherapy that retrains the pelvic floor muscles. During treatment, sensors measure muscle activity while a therapist guides the patient through exercises designed to restore normal coordination.
Clinical studies have reported success rates of around 60–70 percent in patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia, making biofeedback one of the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatments for this specific type of constipation.
Abdominal Massage
Another mechanical strategy that has gained attention in clinical research is abdominal massage. This technique involves applying gentle pressure to the abdomen in patterns that follow the natural direction of the colon.
One commonly used approach is sometimes referred to as the “I Love U” technique, which traces the path of the large intestine across the abdomen.
Studies involving older adults and individuals with chronic constipation have found that regular abdominal massage may:
- Increase bowel movement frequency
- Reduce abdominal discomfort
- Improve stool consistency
The mechanism is thought to involve mechanical stimulation of the colon, which may encourage peristaltic movement.
The Role of Daily Movement
Physical activity also influences bowel motility. Even moderate exercise, such as walking, can stimulate intestinal movement by increasing blood flow to the digestive system and activating abdominal muscles.
Several observational studies have linked sedentary lifestyles with slower intestinal transit times. Regular physical activity therefore remains one of the most consistently recommended lifestyle measures for maintaining bowel regularity.
Taken together, these physical strategies highlight that constipation is not always solely a dietary issue. In many cases, how the body moves and coordinates bowel activity can be just as important as what a person eats. The next section explores another factor that plays a major role in stool consistency and bowel function: hydration and electrolytes.
Hydration, Electrolytes and the Role of Magnesium
Hydration is often mentioned as a simple remedy for constipation, but the relationship between fluid intake and bowel function is more nuanced than it first appears. Water plays an essential role in digestion, particularly in maintaining stool softness and volume, yet hydration alone does not always resolve constipation.
The large intestine, or colon, is responsible for absorbing water from digestive waste before it is eliminated. When intestinal transit slows, the colon has more time to remove water from stool, which can result in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Adequate hydration helps maintain the water content of stool, making bowel movements easier and more comfortable.
However, hydration works most effectively when combined with sufficient dietary fibre. Fibre absorbs water and increases stool bulk, while fluid helps prevent the stool from becoming excessively firm.
Why Electrolytes Matter
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium help regulate fluid balance in the body and support normal muscle function. Since the digestive tract relies on coordinated muscle contractions to move stool through the intestines, electrolyte balance can influence bowel motility.
Among these minerals, magnesium has received particular attention in constipation research.
Magnesium and Osmotic Effects
Certain forms of magnesium can act as osmotic agents within the digestive tract. This means they draw water into the colon, increasing the moisture content of stool and helping stimulate bowel movement.
Magnesium-based compounds are commonly used in both over-the-counter remedies and clinical settings for occasional constipation. The effectiveness of magnesium depends partly on the form of magnesium consumed, as different compounds behave differently in the digestive system.
Magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate are the forms most commonly associated with constipation relief because they remain in the intestinal tract long enough to attract water into the bowel.
Mineral Content of Drinking Water
An interesting area of recent research involves the mineral content of drinking water. Some studies have suggested that mineral-rich water, particularly water containing magnesium and sulphates, may support bowel regularity.
This may help explain why certain natural mineral waters have traditionally been used in digestive health programmes. However, the strength of evidence varies, and the effects may depend on the concentration of minerals present in the water.
Overall, hydration remains an important foundation for digestive health, but it is most effective when combined with other strategies such as appropriate fibre intake, regular movement and healthy gut microbiome activity. The next section looks at several behavioural habits and daily routines that can help support natural bowel function.
Behavioural Strategies That Support Natural Bowel Function
In addition to diet, hydration and microbiome health, everyday habits can have a measurable influence on bowel regularity. The digestive system is closely linked to the body’s daily rhythms and behavioural patterns, and certain routines can either support or disrupt normal intestinal motility.
Modern gastroenterology research highlights that timing, routine and physical movement can significantly affect how efficiently the colon moves stool through the digestive tract.
The Gastrocolic Reflex
One of the most important physiological mechanisms involved in bowel movements is the gastrocolic reflex. This reflex occurs when the stomach stretches after eating, triggering signals that stimulate movement in the colon.
In practical terms, this means that bowel activity often increases shortly after meals, particularly after breakfast. For this reason, many clinicians recommend allowing time for a bowel movement around 20 to 30 minutes after eating, when the gastrocolic reflex is naturally strongest.
Ignoring this signal repeatedly, often due to busy schedules or lack of privacy, may contribute to constipation in some individuals. Over time, the body can become less responsive to these signals if they are consistently suppressed.
Establishing a Consistent Routine
The digestive system tends to function more efficiently when daily routines are consistent. Establishing regular habits can help train the body to expect bowel movements at similar times each day.
Helpful strategies include:
- Eating meals at regular times
- Allowing sufficient time in the morning for bathroom use
- Responding promptly to the urge to pass stool
- Avoiding prolonged straining or rushing
These simple behavioural adjustments can sometimes improve bowel regularity without the need for more intensive interventions.
Physical Activity and Intestinal Motility
Physical activity also plays an important role in supporting bowel movement. Exercise stimulates the abdominal muscles and increases blood flow to the digestive organs, which can help promote intestinal motility.
Research has linked sedentary lifestyles with slower gut transit times, while regular physical activity is associated with improved bowel regularity.
Activities that may support digestive movement include:
- Walking
- Light aerobic exercise
- Yoga or stretching
- Core-strengthening exercises
Even moderate daily movement can help stimulate intestinal activity, particularly in individuals who spend long periods sitting.
The Importance of Responding to Natural Urges
Another behavioural factor that can influence constipation is the habit of delaying bowel movements. When the body signals the need to pass stool, delaying the process allows the colon more time to absorb water from the stool, which can make it harder and more difficult to pass later.
Repeatedly ignoring the urge to defecate can gradually weaken the body’s natural signalling mechanisms. For this reason, responding promptly to the urge when possible is generally recommended as part of healthy bowel habits.
Taken together, these behavioural strategies highlight that maintaining regular bowel function often depends on supporting the body’s natural rhythms rather than overriding them. While dietary and microbiome-based interventions are important, simple daily habits can also play a meaningful role in digestive health.
The final section of this review explores when constipation may require medical evaluation, and the warning signs that should prompt consultation with a GP.
When to See a GP: Recognising Important Warning Signs
Although occasional constipation is common and often resolves with dietary or lifestyle changes, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. In some situations, constipation can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires professional assessment.
Healthcare guidelines in the UK recommend that individuals seek medical advice if constipation is ongoing, worsening, or accompanied by certain warning signs. These symptoms may indicate that further investigation is needed.
Red Flag Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
The following symptoms should prompt consultation with a GP or healthcare professional:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- A sudden change in bowel habits, particularly after the age of 50
- Constipation lasting several weeks despite lifestyle changes
- Severe or progressively worsening symptoms
These symptoms do not necessarily mean a serious condition is present, but they should always be evaluated to rule out possible causes.
What to Expect from a GP Consultation
When someone consults a GP about constipation, the first step is usually a detailed medical history and symptom review. The doctor may ask questions about:
- Frequency and consistency of bowel movements
- Dietary habits and fluid intake
- Current medications
- Physical activity levels
- Duration and severity of symptoms
The Bristol Stool Chart is often used during consultations to help describe stool consistency more accurately.
If further investigation is required, a GP may recommend additional tests. These can include:
- Blood tests to check for anaemia or metabolic conditions
- Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) to detect hidden blood in the stool
- Imaging or colonoscopy, particularly if symptoms suggest a structural issue
In some cases, patients may be referred to a gastroenterologist for specialist evaluation.
Why Medical Assessment Matters
While most cases of constipation are related to lifestyle factors such as diet, hydration or physical inactivity, it is important not to assume that all symptoms fall into this category. Medical assessment helps ensure that more serious conditions are identified early if they are present, and it also allows healthcare professionals to recommend appropriate treatment when needed.
Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms should seek professional medical advice rather than relying solely on self-care strategies.
In the next section, we will summarise the key evidence discussed throughout this article and outline a practical, sustainable approach to maintaining healthy bowel function over the long term.
Key Takeaways
Building a Sustainable Approach to Gut Health
Constipation is rarely caused by a single factor. As the research discussed in this article shows, bowel regularity depends on a combination of dietary habits, microbiome activity, hydration, physical movement and behavioural routines. For this reason, sustainable improvement usually comes from addressing several aspects of digestive health at the same time rather than relying on a single quick fix.
Scientific evidence increasingly supports a multi-layered approach that focuses on supporting the body’s natural digestive processes.
Key Principles for Supporting Bowel Regularity
Based on current clinical research and digestive health guidelines, several practical strategies consistently appear in evidence-based approaches to constipation.
1. Choose fibre sources carefully
Rather than dramatically increasing all fibre intake at once, it is often more effective to focus on well-tolerated soluble fibre sources, such as:
- Psyllium husk
- Oats and oat-based foods
- Fruits such as kiwifruit
- Certain whole grains including rye
Gradual increases in fibre, combined with adequate hydration, may help avoid bloating and discomfort.
2. Support the gut microbiome
Dietary fibre, fermented foods and targeted probiotic strains may help support microbial diversity in the digestive tract. Research suggests that certain strains, including Bifidobacterium lactis, may contribute to improved bowel function in some individuals.
Maintaining a varied diet rich in plant foods is generally considered one of the most effective ways to support microbiome diversity.
3. Maintain adequate hydration
Water plays an important role in stool softness and intestinal transit. Fibre works most effectively when sufficient fluids are present in the digestive system, helping maintain stool moisture and volume.
4. Encourage natural bowel rhythms
Daily habits can strongly influence bowel function. Strategies that may support natural digestive rhythms include:
- Allowing time for a bowel movement after breakfast, when the gastrocolic reflex is active
- Responding promptly to the urge to pass stool
- Maintaining consistent meal timing
5. Stay physically active
Regular physical activity, even moderate activities such as walking, can help stimulate intestinal motility and support healthy digestion.
A Long-Term Perspective on Digestive Health
The growing body of research into gut health highlights that the digestive system functions as a dynamic ecosystem, influenced by diet, lifestyle and microbial activity. Supporting this system often involves gradual adjustments rather than immediate solutions.
For nearly four decades, Dulwich Health, established in 1986, has focused on providing information about natural approaches to wellbeing and digestive health. Having supported more than 30,000 customers, the company has consistently emphasised the importance of understanding how the body’s systems work together.
Alongside dietary and lifestyle approaches, some individuals choose to incorporate digestive health supplements as part of their wider routine. For example, OxyTech, developed by Dulwich Health, is described as an oxygen-based colon cleanse supplement formulated to support a healthy gut environment. Products of this type are intended to complement broader digestive health strategies rather than replace medical care or established treatments.
Persistent constipation or concerning symptoms should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms are ongoing or accompanied by warning signs. A balanced approach that combines lifestyle adjustments with appropriate medical guidance offers the most reliable path to maintaining long-term digestive health.
