4 Causes of Constipation & The Most Effective Solutions

Whether you need a quick fix for constipation or you’ve been dealing with it consistently, we’ve got the most effective solutions for you! In this episode, I’ll break down the 4 causes of constipation, how to fix it when it happens, and how to prevent ongoing constipation moving forward. Watch now!
Grab your FREE low FODMAP diet guide!: drruscio.com/getlowfodmapguide/
MSM supplement from Dr. Kathleen Jane: gijanel.com/the-formulas/gi-j...
Get the Monash FODMAP Diet App: www.monashfodmap.com/ibs-cent...
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And if you have any questions or topics you would like covered in the future, let me know in the comments!
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Featured Studies
📉Foods, drinks and diets and their effect on chronic constipation in adults: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37905...
📉The Effect of Fiber Supplementation on Chronic Constipation in Adults: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816...
📉Exercise therapy in patients with constipation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843...
📉Probiotics for Preventing and Treating Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28267...
📉Efficacy in bowel movement and change of gut microbiota on adult functional constipation patients treated with probiotics-containing products: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38238...
📉Spore-forming Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 improved intestinal motility and constipation perception mediated by microbial alterations in healthy adults with mild intermittent constipation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34119...
📉Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 in Constipation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30911...
📉Saccharomyces cerevisiae I-3856 in IBS with predominant constipation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35979...
📉Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of SIBO: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24891...
📉Use of Prucalopride for Chronic Constipation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27127...
📉Analysis of the efficacy of abdominal massage on functional constipation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37496...
📉Biofeedback therapy for constipation in adults: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21382...
📉Early adverse life events and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with constipation and suspected disordered defecation: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34121...
📉Emotional stress responsivity of patients with IBS - a systematic review: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34942...
📉Stress-induced changes in the gastrointestinal motor system: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10202...
📉Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314...
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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.
Music featured in this video: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g
*Full transcript available on KZbin by clicking the “Show transcript” button on the bottom right of the video.

[@DrRuscioDC]

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[@Sourpusscandy]

For the MSM protocol, is that on an empty stomach? With food? Is at bed time OK? I have a jug of it in the cabinet that I bought for skin/hair health, but but didn’t find any benefit. (Didn’t take it long enough I would guess)

[@wurmhat1501]

If most doctors were like Michael Ruscio the health of our country would be substantially better.

[@DrRuscioDC]

You’re so kind to say that. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart.

[@christinarich8758]

Agreed!!!

[@jennieosborne3530]

I have suffered from constipation since I was a child. But I have been trying to cope with it. Which hasn't been easy.

[@LouAnnBeuke]

Well Done! Various Yoga Positions also extremely helpfull practiced daily! I do the abdominal massage every morning before getting out of bed. Works like a charm. Anytime I get an ache in my bowel, massage and like magic I have movement! Structural is a big part of it too. Thank you for this video. Great one to share.

[@DrRuscioDC]

Thank you! And I’m so glad you found what works for you!

[@tratchels3810]

Such great info. Thank you, Dr. Ruscio!

[@DrRuscioDC]

My pleasure!

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Always excellent and so helpful. Thank you.

[@DrRuscioDC]

Thank you!

[@sherlyr.]

I kept using Mg citrate for soooo long and it just accumulated and in my colon/ kidney areas without help. Finally, I started taking potassium citrate and I now have functioning bowels. I don't understand why everyone goes to Mg or laxative when many may lack potassium instead.

[@BringItOn31124]

Because, in general, there are many more people who are magnesium deficient than potassium deficient.

[@peggykey5570]

Excellent explanation. Thank you

[@DrRuscioDC]

Thank you!

[@restinHim38668]

Comprehensive - thanks so much!

[@angelicaewell862]

Thank you Dr. Ruscio, for your wise information! Can you please talk about gastropharesis for not apparent reason. Thank you so much.

[@discountcodes]

Great video Michael❤

[@DrRuscioDC]

Thank you so much!

[@discountcodes]

welcome so much! ❤💚💙

[@jlandry123jl]

Loved this information especially on torteous colon. Endocrinologist do not explain and use words in their reports but unless the patient understands it is not helpful...for the patient. I love that you covered alot!!! I will try the massages and get out in nature more. I have been focused on diet and water and I feel better but I wouldliketo add foods to my restricted diet. My family physician just says it's something that I may have to live with 😢 I am vegan and off gluten corn soy and oats... I miss eating eggs 😢 So much to consider and learn. Thank you ❤

[@DrRuscioDC]

Happy to hear it was helpful. I hope you feel better soon!

[@user-zu8vu1gl6f]

You are awesome! So knowledgeable! Do you have a website?

[@DrRuscioDC]

Yes, I do 🙂 drruscio.com/

[@reginacarlisle4273]

Can you please elaborate on the dosing of the modified citrus pectin that you mentioned in this episode?

[@Sourpusscandy]

I always learn so much from your channel. we could all eat more fruits & vegetables, I do that with green smoothies.

[@sayeedahsan9913]

Thanks. That's so much good information. Really appreciate your suggestions. Just one thing I wanted to share as I found in one of the youtube videos that intermittent fasting can help to improve gut health where it says something like it helps in repairing of internal colone walls/lining. While Sena worked as a magic for me and I used to take pre and probiotics along that for my constipation and bloating issues, but honestly while i thought how to carry on for long term without Sena, this fasting thing i found helped me more than anything. So I hope you can check this out if it has any scientific evidence/research about fasting. Thanks again.

[@Nicole-xo7sj]

Thanks for the info about tortuous colon. This was found in my latest colonoscopy after a lifetime of issues.

[@DrRuscioDC]

I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope, now that it’s identified, you can start moving in the direction of healing.

[@user-zu8vu1gl6f]

What about gastroparesis?

[@brandonwilliams6791]

Awesome! Was hoping you’d dive into Miralax a little. Been using that with good success with Dr Scott. And, of course probiotics. Where would that fall in your model shown in this video? Appreciate you!

[@DrRuscioDC]

So glad to hear it’s been helping you! Probiotics are more a way to address underlying causes - not as immediate as something like Miralax, but something that promotes better gut and intestinal health over time, which can improve regularity. They’re super useful for a whole host of health problems. :)

[@brandonwilliams6791]

@@DrRuscioDC thank you! Appreciate the response!

[@amarvoice6471]

Dr Coffee enema good????

[@sgtaneja]

Increase your healthy fat intake , along with some fibre (not too much), Hydration, 10km walks, belly & kegel excersises + increase your lean protein intake .....while reducing your refined carbs & sugars intake .

[@denniscerletti2244]

My understanding of the microbiome, you have prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. Fiber is the prebiotics, hopefully you have or supplement probiotics, the good bugs to digest the fiber to make postbiotics. One if not the main component of postbiotics is the making of the short chain fatty acid butyrate. You can supplement this end product butyrate. I would recommend a time released product so as not to overwhelm say just the small intestine area and not reaching the large colon. I have been Keto to Carnivore since 2017. I'm sure i have been in ketosis for most of that time generating butyrate. I supplemented sodium butyrate timed release cap, a half dose to start and had the most complete BM i have ever had. It has been the same everyday since. Highly recommend it. As Dr Gundry has said, you can't get to much butyrate.

[@jackiemansfield8325]

What is the best time to take psyllium and modified citrus pectin? Could one take them regularly?

[@CharlotteElizabeth-dm6zy]

How would you work out which type/problems discussed of constipation you have in order to implement treatment?

[@knowledgehunter_]

Thank you so much. We have learnt so many valuable information from you. Many people do see this type of videos or podcasts but hardly people appreciate. They just silently gain knowledge and then act like they knew it already. Anyway, on behalf of many nerds like me I truly want to thank you.❤❤ May almighty bless you doc! 🙏🏻 ❤ From India Edit: I have one question. I recently got to know from your video that bacterial overgrowth can be problematic. So in case if I 1. eat too much of fermented foods rich in probiotics Or 2. Take probiotic supplements twice a day Or 3. Combination of above mentioned points, will I get bacterial overgrowth in my gut and will it be problematic? I mean is it like too much of anything is not good?

[@DrRuscioDC]

I’m so happy my videos are valuable to you! Thank you so much. And as far as probiotic foods and supplements - you should be okay if you’re consuming them within reason. It’s generally safe to mix probiotic foods and supplements. But yes, theoretically there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, which could contribute to overgrowth. The likelihood of that is pretty low, unless you’re really overdoing it - probiotics are actually used to correct overgrowth in many cases.

[@TheAshrafDali]

Doctor is it true that more than 50% or ibs cases are sibo ?

[@milarozhko9384]

I’ve been suffering from constipation since I was a teenager. I’m in my 40s now. I was told I have IBS. I’ve tried everything- FODMAP diet, a lot of fibre, water,probiotics. I do exercise, I don’t eat any processed food. I’m on herbal laxatives for years now. Don’t know what to do and what else to try. 😢

[@carl8568]

Have you tried extended fasting? It's been used for thousands of years to treat all sorts of ailments. I believe this is what helped heal me of my constipation, I managed 6 days. 6-7+ days is where you get in to the deeper healing.

[@milarozhko9384]

@@carl8568I’ve done 4 days, I fast every week 1-2 days. My weight is too low to do longer fasts like over 3-4 days , I feel really weak if I do.

[@BT_life2]

@@carl8568yeah nah. You’re off your head. How’s that going to help?

[@carl8568]

@@BT_life2 You sound like you're full of shit. Do your own research or just stick to miralax. It's not my responsibility to educate you.

[@StonedJesusLover]

For some people bowel rest can help, but for others it can slow down bowels and metabolism and old poop kinda gets stuck there. It's all about listening to the body I suppose..

[@parvinmuseyibova8743]

What about mold toxicity or heavy metals? They can also cause constipation. My daughter became constipated after she was exposed to mold. My son started having IBS after the mold exposure.

[@DrRuscioDC]

I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s definitely a possible cause or contributing factor. Did they have other symptoms?

[@parvinmuseyibova8743]

@DrRuscioDC thank you so much. Yes, lots of other issues because of the mold. Eczema, allergy, food intolerances, weight gain, hormonal issues. They didn't have anything before we moved to a moldy house.

[@md1trk]

My morning routine for preventing constipation: (1) Get up early, the earlier the better. (2) Drink a pint of ice cold water, the colder the better. (3) Eat something with carbohydrate in it. Wait 20-30 minutes and repeat. I tend to split my breakfast into two portions. (4) Go for a short walk around the block (optional). Doing this regularly (most days) results in a bowel movement within an hour of waking and higher energy throughout the day. I hope this is helpful to someone!

[@DrRuscioDC]

So glad you found what works for you!

[@jmc8076]

Cold water will prob cause pain to those with gastritis or sensitive stomachs. Warm water relaxes muscles and helps movement. Also if you gave functional or GI nerve issue these steps won’t help. Special f drugs are prob needed. Edit: these steps may help many and worth a try.

[@JL-rt7vb]

What about triphala? It has been working for my parents long time

[@DrRuscioDC]

So glad it’s been helpful for them! Definitely an option - I cover it and more here: drruscio.com/natural-laxatives/

[@TheSparklingSparkle]

When you talk about bacterial overgrow in this video, do you mean SIBO or dysbiosis in the large intestine?

[@DrRuscioDC]

Either one could be at play, though not all dysbiosis is necessarily SIBO.

[@Cassie_gj]

I have IMO with chronic constipation. I've tried the treatments you mentioned but haven't had much luck. I don't seem to tolerate probiotics (especially soil based) or herbals. Elemental didn't make any noticeable difference, i've been on modified Low Fodmap diet for years, take Mag Citrate etc My gastroenterologist is now recommending i try Rifaximin with Neomycin followed by FMT treatment. Do you think this could help?

[@BT_life2]

Might do. Does for some. Didn’t for me. Pro digest seems to be good for motility(ginger/artichoke) is stubborn cases. I’m also dosing triphala between meals. It’s helping but I’m certainly not better.

[@mapleleaves2289]

Yes u should definitely try the rifaximin + Neomycin along with a low fermentation diet . Is this going to be your first time taking antibiotics for your condition? . Is fungal over growth is alsoa factor u might not get better . What's the blood works and tests showing rn ? .

[@BT_life2]

Tried the MSM? I’m up to that 😅😂

[@mapleleaves2289]

@@BT_life2 did u see any improvement? I don't think that sulfur alone will treat sibo . My methane sibo + sifo relapsed after 1 year so I'm going to take the aggressive pharmaceutical + supplements route again to increase my chances of success. I shouldn't worry about side effects because I have tried all of these drugs before. I'm still waiting for lab results but I think my regimen will be. Morning : brush teeth very well + nac 200mg + rifaximin 550mg + nitazoxanide 500 + nystatin drops + Berberin + tea or coffee for caffeine Lunch: rifaximin 550 + nystatin + Berberin + digestive Enzymes + multi vitamin x2 + brush teeth Night rifaximin 550 + nitazoxanide 500 + nystatin + Berberin Before bed : magnesium + Prucalopride 1mg + escitalopram 5gm + brush teeth

[@karenzimmer7607]

What about triphala?

[@BT_life2]

Is good. He’s avoided a few good products. Pro-digest blend has great reviews for motility.

[@DrRuscioDC]

Definitely a good option for some - I cover it and more here: drruscio.com/natural-laxatives/

[@jackiemansfield8325]

Magnesium laxatives are not advised for ones with kidney disease

[@jackiemansfield8325]

Why doesn’t the water go to the bowels and we have to take Mag to fix that?

[@artsiecrafty4164]

What is modified obtrusive pectin. I don’t like when these unknowns are dropped with no further explanation.

[@jmc8076]

I think you’ll find it’s modified pectin. Video time prob doesn’t always allow for detailed explanation of everything. Sometimes we have to fill in the gaps. Search google. Lots of info.

[@djkenny1202]

Fommap is hard. So many healthy items I won’t give up.

[@BringItOn31124]

Remember, it's temporarily giving up foods to see if there's improvement in constipation symptoms.

[@TheatreQueenVH]

Sunfiber?

[@DrRuscioDC]

Can definitely be helpful for some!

[@mari051986]

Can you do a video about PPIs? I'm very scared - people posting about its side effects... is it safe to take them for long term like 3-4 times a week for 30 years? I have small 1.8cm hiatal hernia, GERD, gastritis and lose sphincter...I also take gaviscon double action liquid after every meal and i'm on diet for like 8 months now...lost 15 kilos..

[@gerdah.9975]

There's a Swedish medical gadget called Iqoro which has virtually cured my hiatal hernia. It's available online and you have to use it three times daily but it strengthens the oesophagus and takes very little time. It might not work for everyone but worth looking into to reduce the need for ppi's. There are videos on You Tube showing how it works.

[@mari051986]

@@gerdah.9975 i have seen it but people are saying that it is fake! That it does not work at all.. When you say fixed, i guess you do not mean it actually fixed it right?

[@marinasmith4772]

PSA - Watch out for magnesium. It lowers your blood pressure. I almost fell down the stairs the morning after I took it. I didn't even know what hit me.

[@DrRuscioDC]

I’m so sorry that happened to you! Many people are deficient in magnesium, but not everyone will have the same reaction - you’re absolutely right that everyone should be careful with what they add to their routine.

[@TheTattooedSoul24]

My daughter has had constipation since she was fed exclusively on milk, so I'm sure in her case the cause of her constipation might not be trauma related. I'll definitely try to experiment with MSM next month. I always find myself in front of the MSM packages in shops and chemists. I have read what it is used for, but it's not like she has any spasms currently. I don't want any other supplements interfering with the outcome. Occasionally, I put her on dolomite with D3, boron, and copper, I think, but it's more for when she complains about cramps in her leg bones. 😮 I'm sure with her, it's not wanting to use public toilets that compounds her backed up problem. 😂 I've been supplementing with aloe, but only when I remember to check up on her weekly BMs. So far, all good. Last year, when she was flaring with IBD, our family doctor refered her a hospital making enquiries about the need for scopes. I asked that doctor to do an ultrasound scan on her stomach - looking for external twists or abnormalities in her colon. She complied, but was very young and seemingly had very little experience with IBD. I can't even remember the outcome of the scan. (My brain did not accompany us into the examination room)🫠. The scan calmed me down knowing that nothing burst, but I can't remember any concern from her or the more senior doctor, I insisted on, on viewing for another opinion. My daughter only remembers them talking about some liquid that should not have been in her colon. Maybe you would know more about this liquid? No abscess drainage was done, so it could not have been from a burst abscess. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy were scheduled, but you advised on not doing the colonoscopy because of how fast her GI tract healed. (Beautiful baby pink mouth, throat and oesophagus! Her "pain" level had also gone down to a dull ache that disappeared within 3 days. 🎉) 1000 apologies for my verbiage. 🤭😊

[@BeachBum71261]

She could have a sensitivity to gluten and anything gluten related check out Peter Osborne s videos he’s the doc on gluten. Daily Magnesium will help oxide? There are so many types of mag I think that’s the one .. research to be sure good luck. It is so hard to see our children deal with tummy things when they don’t know what it is. Hope you figure out what helps her.

[@DrRuscioDC]

No need to apologize! That must be so stressful for you as a parent. I’m so happy your daughter has you as an advocate and I really hope she’s on the path to healing.

[@TheTattooedSoul24]

​@BeachBum71261 Thank you. Yes, trying to resolve each new issue in one's children's health can cause many parents lots of anxiety.

[@dinosemr8141]

💖❤️🙏❤️💖

[@DrRuscioDC]

❤