Understanding Constipation: Causes, Types, Homeopathic Help & Lifestyle Tips

Constipation is one of the most common yet least talked about health complaints. Whether it’s occasional or chronic, constipation can significantly affect daily comfort, energy, and even emotional well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore what constipation really is, the different types, common causes, and how both homeopathic remedies and lifestyle changes can bring lasting relief.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. Typically, it means having fewer than three bowel movements a week, but it also includes hard, dry stools, straining, or the sensation of incomplete evacuation. Though occasional bout of constipation are quiet common, long-term constipation can signal an underlying issue.  

Types of Constipation

Understanding the type of constipation can help guide appropriate treatment—especially when looking at holistic and homeopathic support.

1. Acute Constipation

• Sudden onset

• Often due to a temporary cause like travel, medication, dehydration, or diet changes

• Usually resolves within a few days

2. Chronic Constipation

• Lasts for weeks or longer

• May be associated with underlying medical or functional issues

• Common in adults and older children

3. Functional Constipation

• No identifiable physical cause

• Often linked to habits (withholding), stress, diet, or gut-brain axis dysfunction

• Common in children and adults under stress

4. Slow-Transit Constipation

• A motility issue—stool moves too slowly through the colon

• May be related to nervous system dysregulation or poor muscle coordination in the bowel

• Tends to respond better to long-term lifestyle and nervous system support

5. Outlet Obstruction (Dyssynergic Defecation)

• The rectum and pelvic floor muscles don’t work in sync

• Includes straining, incomplete evacuation, or needing to manually assist

• Can be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve injury, or trauma

Common Causes of Constipation

• Low fiber intake

• Dehydration

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Stress and emotional holding

• Travel or schedule disruption

• Suppression of the urge to go

• Medications (opioids, antacids, iron supplements)

• Hormonal imbalances (thyroid issues, perimenopause)

• Neurological conditions

• Food intolerances or sensitivities

• Gut microbiome imbalance

Preventative Measures

Proactive habits go a long way in preventing constipation, especially for those prone to it. Try incorporating the following:

• Start the Day With Warm Fluids

Drinking a glass of warm lemon water or herbal tea in the morning can gently stimulate digestion.

• 2. Prioritize Fiber

Include both soluble and insoluble fiber—vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, flax and chia seeds.

• 3. Stay Hydrated

Water helps soften stools and supports intestinal motility. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to dehydration-related constipation.

• 4. Encourage Daily Movement

Walking, dancing, yoga, or stretching encourages peristalsis (gut movement) and supports regularity.

•  5. Create Calm Around Bathroom Time

Allow children (and adults!) unhurried, non-pressured time in the bathroom. Anxiety can inhibit natural elimination reflexes.

• 6. Routine, Not Suppression

Try to establish a regular time for bowel movements—ideally after breakfast—when the body’s natural reflex is strongest.

• 7. Eat Mindfully

Chew thoroughly, avoid overeating, and minimize highly processed or low-fiber foods.

• 8. Support the Gut Microbiome

Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut), prebiotic-rich veggies (leeks, garlic), and probiotics can help maintain microbial balance.

Homeopathic Remedies for Constipation

Homeopathy treats constipation by addressing the underlying pattern and individuality of the person. Below are commonly used remedies:

•  Nux vomica

• Great for sedentary, overworked, irritable people

• Urge to pass stool is strong but ineffective or incomplete

• Constipation from overindulgence, stimulants, or stress

• Bryonia

• Dry, hard, large stools passed with difficulty

• Person is very thirsty and irritable

• Constipation from dehydration or lack of movement

•  Opium

• Severe constipation with no urge at all

• Often from shock, anesthesia, or long-term inactivity

• Abdomen may be bloated and hard

•  Silicea

• Weak rectal muscles – stool slips back in after partially coming out

• Great for timid, chilly, delicate individuals

• Long-term sluggish bowels

•  Alumina

• No urge to go for days

• Even soft stool is hard to pass

• Common in infants, the elderly, or neurologically sensitive people

•  Lycopodium

• Constipation with bloating and gas

• Right-sided symptoms or discomfort after eating even small meals

• Craves sweets, irritable in late afternoon

•  Graphites

• Large, knotty stools that stick to the anus

• Skin problems or hormonal imbalance often present

• Patient tends to be chilly, sluggish, and overweight

•  Calcarea carbonica

• Chronic constipation in children or sluggish individuals

• Stool is hard, difficult to expel

• Associated with slow development, fears, or hormonal shifts

•  Sepia

• Sensation of a ball in the rectum, even after stool is passed

• Constipation during pregnancy or hormonal imbalance

• Irritable, indifferent, or overwhelmed emotional state

• May have a bearing-down sensation in the pelvic area

• Plumbum metallicum

• Extreme dryness and sluggishness of the intestines

• Abdominal retraction, hard painful abdomen

• Stools are hard, dark, round pellets

• May be associated with neurological or muscular weakness

Lifestyle Tips for Constipation Relief

In addition to remedies, daily habits play a major role:

• Hydration Is Key

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially warm fluids in the morning.

• Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

Focus on fruits (especially prunes, pears), vegetables, whole grains, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

• Daily Movement

Light exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga stimulates peristalsis (gut movement).

• Regular Bowel Routine

Encourage a consistent bathroom routine without rushing. Sit for a few minutes even if the urge isn’t strong.

• Support the Nervous System

Chronic stress can shut down digestion. Use calming routines, breathwork, or mindfulness.

•  Don’t Ignore the Urge

Delaying bowel movements leads to stool becoming dry and harder to pass.

• Consider Warm Lemon Water or Soaked Raisins

Traditional remedies that can naturally stimulate the bowel.

Final Thoughts

Constipation is a multifaceted issue—sometimes as simple as not drinking enough water, and other times a reflection of deeper functional imbalances. Whether it’s short-term or chronic, addressing the whole person is key to long-lasting relief. Homeopathy, combined with supportive lifestyle choices, offers a gentle yet powerful way to restore digestive harmony.

Curious About Natural Support for Your Digestive Health?

If you or your child struggles with constipation, a homeopathic consultation can help uncover the deeper causes and match the right remedy for lasting support.

Book a free 15-minute discovery call to learn how homeopathy could help bring ease and regularity back into your life. Please contact me at livingwellhomeopathy@gmail.com