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| Hello, and welcome back to “You Asked, We Answered!” If you’re new here, this is a monthly newsletter where we answer one reader’s health question. This month, we’re talking about potential treatment options and remedies for chronic constipation. |
| đź’Ś Submit your general health and wellness questions to wellnesswire@healthline.com, and we might answer them in an upcoming edition! |
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Let's go,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
November 3, 2026 • 2 min read |
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| Ways to treat chronic constipation |
| Constipation is when you experience hard, lumpy stools, strain to go, or have three or fewer bowel movements per week. This can happen for a few days or several weeks for different reasons, including certain medications and health conditions. But if these symptoms last long term, then you might be living with chronic constipation. |
| It’s best to speak with a doctor to receive a diagnosis and develop the right treatment plan for you. However, you can do a lot at home to try to find relief, including regularly exercising and optimizing your diet. |
| Eating foods that are rich in fiber and probiotics may help soften stool and increase how frequently you poop:
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- fruits like prunes, apples, pears, and kiwis
- veggies like artichokes, rhubarb, and sweet potatoes
- legumes like beans, peas, and lentils
- grains like rye bread and oat bran
- dairy and probiotics like kefir
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| You might also want to avoid or limit foods that may exacerbate symptoms, such as alcohol, red meat, and foods high in saturated and trans fats. |
Other treatments that can help you manage this condition include:
- taking fiber supplements
- taking prescription medication
- trying laxatives (note: this option may not be right for everyone)
- surgery (for more severe symptoms or blockages)
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| Subscribe to Healthline’s Gut Health YouTube Channel |
| Whether you’re dealing with bloating, trying to boost your gut health, or you’re just curious about what’s going on in your body, Healthline’s new YouTube channel has your back (and your belly)! We upload new videos every other day, featuring expert tips, myth-busting facts, and practical solutions to keep your gut feeling great. Check it out and subscribe below. |
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| How did you feel about this newsletter? |
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Email wellnesswire@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you’d like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. |
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon!
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