4 Supplements That Will Help You Poop, According To A G.I. Doc

Constipation isn’t exactly a conversation starter or discussion piece in everyday life. But when it’s something you’re dealing with, it becomes top of mind.

“Constipation happens when bowel movements pass too slowly through the digestive track, allowing more water to be absorbed and hardening the stool,” says Joshua Russell, M.D., of Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care.

And while there are a handful of remedies for this frustratingly uncomfortable potty problem, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

“Most patients with mild constipation will benefit from ‘bulk-forming agents’ such as dietary fiber, in addition to increasing water intake,” says gastroenterology specialist Andy Barnett, M.D. However, these might not always be sufficient, Barnett says, meaning it might be time to take something. As always, talk to your doctor about what’s best for your bowels, because sometimes supplements can be dangerous, too, depending on your health history.

For example, Russell says that laxatives with magnesium are harmful for people who have experienced kidney failure, and stimulant laxatives, which cause one’s bowel to contract and move along stool, are the roughest on the digestive system so they shouldn’t be used more than once every three days. 

Our experts recommend the following options but do note that long-term use of any laxative could cause dependency and should never be used in excess. 

If you’re in need of some constipation relief, the experts explain what you need to know about the best options below.