How to treat chronic constipation with bloating at 22?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 22 years old and have experienced constipation for over a year, accompanied by occasional bloating. I have not been able to defecate daily for a while. Maybe I go every other day. This has seemed to lead to an increase in my weight even though my diet itself has not changed much. I was curious as to what supplements could be recommended to improve my gut health. The issue has lasted for over a year, and a year ago, it used to be accompanied by really hard stools that caused bleeding. Now, the stools are not as hard but are still not frequent.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It sounds like you have been dealing with chronic constipation, which could be related to gut health, hydration, fiber intake, or even underlying medical conditions. Since you have had this issue for over a year, it may be helpful to get some lab tests done (such as thyroid function, iron levels, and stool analysis) to rule out underlying causes like hypothyroidism, gut dysbiosis, or slow-transit constipation.

Supplements that may help:

Probiotics – These help balance gut bacteria, which can improve digestion and regularity. Look for one with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains.
Magnesium citrate – Helps draw water into the intestines, softening stool and promoting bowel movements.
Psyllium husk (fiber supplement) – A natural fiber source that can add bulk to stools and improve movement through the digestive tract. Start with a small amount to avoid bloating.
Digestive enzymes – If bloating is an issue, enzymes can help break down food more efficiently.
Aloe vera juice – Has mild laxative effects and supports gut healing.
Slippery elm or marshmallow root – These herbs can soothe the digestive tract and promote better bowel movements.
Vitamin C – High doses like 1000 mg can have a mild laxative effect.
Prebiotics – Help feed good bacteria in the gut, such as inulin or resistant starch.

Lifestyle and dietary tips:

Increase water intake (at least two to three liters per day).
Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Incorporate healthy fats (olive oil, avocados) to help stool movement.
Exercise daily – Even walking can help improve gut motility.
Consider gut-friendly fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, kefir).

Since this issue has persisted for a year, consulting a doctor or gastroenterologist may be a good idea to rule out any conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), slow transit constipation, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Would you like any help with dietary recommendations?

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.