Chronic Constipation
Ongoing difficulty passing stools often tied to low-diversity flora, reduced short-chain fatty acids and methane-producing microbes that slow transit.
Overview
Chronic constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often fewer than three per week, hard stools, or feelings of incomplete emptying. It affects up to 20 % of people in some populations (dailytelegraph.com.au, springerplus.springeropen.com). Though commonly dismissed, it can lead to discomfort, haemorrhoids, reduced appetite, headaches and reduced quality of life.
Common Misunderstandings
A frequent misconception is that constipation is always due to low fibre or dehydration; however, many experience symptoms despite adequate diets and fluid intake. Patients often feel embarrassed or frustrated — especially when told it’s“all in your head”. Shame about bathroom habits or fear of complications can leave people reluctant to seek help.
How is Chronic Constipation Linked to Your Microbiome?
Scientific reviews show that changes in gut bacteria — particularly fewer stool-softening species and more gas-producing ones — are common in chronic constipation (gastrojournal.org). Researchers are finding these dysbiotic gut bacterial changes are a significant cause of chronic constipation (bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com). Current evidence suggests certain probiotics and prebiotics may improve stool frequency and softness, through improved motility, digestion and intestinal nerve function.(bmjopen.bmj.com).
Symptoms
Infrequent or hard stools
Sensation of incomplete emptying
Bloating or abdominal discomfort
Laxative overuse or dependency
Excess wind
Headaches
Fatigue
Poor appetite
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for chronic constipation includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
Profile the gut to identify dysbiosis that may be affecting symptoms or treatment using the Gut Microbiome Test.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based or pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Nutrition strategies to support recovery and enhance your overall health such as a tailored low-FODMAP diet or fibre consumptions strategies.
Dealing with Chronic Constipation?
