What is the normal frequency for a bowel movement? That can range from three a day to three each week. In fact, what is deemed normal for one person may not be considered regular for someone else.

If you are trying to pass dry hard stools three times a week or less, most likely, you are constipated. In some cases, constipation may also cause you to feel uncomfortable, sluggish, bloated, or for some, tenderness and pain.

Constipation can be caused by a number of things such as a deficient dietary intake of fiber, dehydration, age, pregnancy, inattention to bowel habits, illness, stress, depression, or lack of physical activity.

Constipation can also be caused by certain medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease.

Although uncommon, constipation, in rare cases, may indicate a serious medical condition, such as electrolyte or hormonal imbalances, or colorectal cancer.

Nutritional supplements that may help with constipation

Fiber supplements are safe enough to use every day and can help make stools softer and easier to pass.

Drinking sufficient amounts of water or other fluids on a daily basis.

Taken from knjac root, glucomannan provides a water-soluble source of dietary fiber.

Herbal supplements that may help with constipation

Most of the commonly used laxatives are derived from a variety of plants. Herbal laxatives can be either stimulating or bulk-forming. For people who need long-term constipation relief, mild, bulk-forming, plant-derived laxatives are most highly recommended. These laxatives, including fenugreek, flaxseed, and psyllium, contain high levels of mucilage and fiber that expand in the presence of water; and work to stimulate the bowels by increasing in volume, which triggers a muscular reflex.