Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare

991 - 4 Causes of Constipation & Most Effective Solutions (2025 Updates)

19 snips
Nov 3, 2025
Discover effective new remedies for constipation, from quick-relief solutions like magnesium and coffee to a deep dive into the root causes. Learn how deficiencies in water, exercise, and fiber can contribute to the issue. Explore how bile insufficiency post-gallbladder removal can affect motility, and understand the role of low FODMAP diets and probiotics in restoring gut health. Finally, uncover the importance of the gut-brain connection and how vagus nerve stimulation may enhance bowel function.
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ADVICE

Fast-Acting Laxative Options

  • Try magnesium citrate (300–1000 mg/day) or milk of magnesia (2–4 tbsp/day) for quick constipation relief.
  • Use senna (15–30 mg 1–2x/day) or aloe (50–200 mg/day) short-term if needed and monitor response.
ADVICE

Coffee As A Natural Laxative

  • Try 1–2 cups of coffee (or decaf) per day because it can reduce constipation by ~39% in studies.
  • Consider coffee as a bowel stimulant even if you avoid caffeine, since decaf shows similar bowel benefits.
INSIGHT

B Vitamins Influence Motility

  • Low B vitamin levels (B1, B6, B12) correlate with constipation due to impaired nerve and neurotransmitter function.
  • Trial a B-complex for about one month if you have risk factors like long-term acid blockers or autoimmune disease.
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