Dietary supplements for constipation

Three dietary supplements may be useful and effective in cases of constipation, according to Professor Stéphane Mouly, an internal medicine physician at the Lariboisière Hospital in Paris. These supplements include psyllium, prebiotics, and probiotics, which are increasingly being studied for their potential benefits in digestive health.

Psyllium as a gel-forming fiber

Psyllium, a plant often recommended for constipation, forms a gel when mixed with water. While it may be unappealing at first, it is considered very effective. Psyllium is available in tablet form at pharmacies and can be purchased without a prescription.

Precautions with psyllium

However, it is advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking psyllium, as it should not be taken within half an hour before or after important medications, such as anticoagulants, the pill, or heart medications, according to Professor Laurent Beaugerie, a gastroenterologist at the Saint-Antoine Hospital in Paris. This is to avoid interactions that could affect the absorption or effectiveness of these medications.

Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health

Prebiotics or probiotics, which are living organisms, can also help rebalance the intestinal flora. They may be effective in cases of certain conditions such as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and functional colopathy, also known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These supplements can help regulate bowel movements but must be taken over a long period, often several weeks or several months for their effect to be felt.