Best Supplements for Constipation, Say Experts
When you're backed up, it's all you can think about. And then once you start thinking about it too much, the inability to go seemingly worsens. Even if you eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water, certain lifestyle changes, like traveling, can throw you off your schedule. In such as case, it may be time to employ back up to well, make you not backed up.
Below, you'll see expert-recommended supplements that will gently help you prevent and relieve constipation as well as one Eat This, Not That editor-recommended pick for alleviating constipation overnight. Then, be sure to check out our list of Best Supplements To Buy at Costco, Say Experts.
BellaBiotics
Kellyann Petrucci, a naturopathic physician and certified nutrition consultant with over 20 years of clinical experience, and creator of BellaBiotics, says that this supplement is key to unclogging bowels.
"BellaBiotics contain two strains of probiotics, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactococcus lactis, which can aid in the creation of a more favorable environment for good bacteria and improve the integrity of the gut wall. This helps to optimize digestion, which in turn can help clear up constipation," she says.
Be sure to check out One Surprising Effect of Taking Probiotics, Says New Study.
Psyllium Husk
Have you ever heard of psyllium husk? It's the main active ingredient in the popular fiber supplement Metamucil. If you haven't gone to the bathroom for a while, you may want to consider employing this supplement.
"Psyllium husk is a vegan-friendly product that contains a total of four grams of fiber per serving. One serving (one tablespoon) provides three grams of soluble fiber and one gram of insoluble fiber," says Sydney Greene, MS, RD, and member of our medical review board. "It is recommended to add one tablespoon of psyllium husk to a 10-ounce glass of water or your favorite beverage and drink immediately."
Chia seeds
Greene says that chia seeds are by far the best way to improve your gastrointestinal health and overall well-being—without having to use a supplement.
"Packing 16% of the recommended daily intake of fiber in one tablespoon, these small but mighty seeds are also full of nutrition. Containing three grams of protein, four grams of healthy fat, and 10% of the recommended intake of magnesium, chia seeds are a great addition to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or on top of avocado toast," says Greene.
Be sure to check out, Ways Chia Seeds Can Help You Lose Weight, According To Dietitians.
Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move Tea
If you're in desperate need to go to the bathroom, Smooth Move tea from Traditional Medicinals may be the best fast-acting yet gentle supplement to take to help kick your bowels into gear. Each tea bag packs organic ingredients that can help soften stool so that it passes with ease, such as senna leaf, licorice root, fennel fruit, and orange peel—just to name a few.
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