CONSTIPATION - POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Updated: 2 days ago
Proper elimination is vital to detox. I have had this drilled into my head by two doctors. Toxins are not meant to sit in our body and reabsorb. Since constipation comes up often and we cannot afford to add to our already toxic load, we must work on regularity.
I want to point out that I never thought I was constipated because I go daily, but several scans over the years showed I am despite that. So you CAN be constipated even if you go daily.
Lots of digestive symptoms such as constipation, gas/bloating and abdominal discomfort occur in chronic Lyme disease. Lyme bacteria can infect the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation that contributes to these digestive symptoms. Food sensitivities can increase this inflammation.
The palsy of the nerves can cause a decrease in the muscular contractions that move the contents of the intestines. I have had scans verify this was happening in me.
Here are some of our favorite products if you have this issue. Many are ones my Lyme doctor has suggested or our members use. Always ask your doctor if one of these is right for you. Below I will include lifestyle tips as well as supplements.
Short on time or energy? Quick-view graphics with the key points are at the bottom of this post.
Want to learn more about why elimination matters and how slow digestion happens? Start here:
LIFESTYLE
DIET TIPS
There are many diet tips, but these are just a few that are mentioned often.
- Eating more vegetables (their fiber content increases the weight and size of stool so that it moves more easily through your GI tract)
- Incorporate flax seed or chia seed (if you tolerate them), as those are packed with fiber and can aid constipation. Some people do not tolerate them.
- Prunes have been shown to increase the frequency of bowel movements, as they work as a natural stool softener. Some other easy-to-digest foods that may help are berries, bananas or avocado.
- A low FODMAP diet may help relieve constipation as well.
MOVE AROUND
Move around more (short walks, gentle yoga, etc.). We need to focus on moving more to speed up motility. I know many of us are stuck in bed and cannot be active because of symptoms, and I understand that. Staying inactive for long periods of time does contribute to being constipated, so we must try.
STAY HYDRATED
Fluids will soften stool. Warm liquids are best known to stimulate digestion. First thing in the morning is a great time to do this.
STIMULATING THE VAGUS NERVE
Stimulating the vagus nerve with a few exercises can help constipation. Gargling, gagging or humming are mentioned the most. Singing loudly or splashing cold water on your face are other options.
SQUATTY POTTY
Putting your body into the most natural position to eliminate waste. Makes a big difference.
SUPPLEMENTS
Supplements alongside lifestyle changes can really help to get things moving and stay there. I have had to heavily rely on their help. Many of these have their own post, and product suggestions are included in each post, if interested. Product links are under WHERE TO BUY.
MY PICK: KIWI KLEANSE BY PRIORITY ONE
Of all the kiwi chewables I've tried, this is the one I reach for. It's just 1 tablet per dose, it's gentle and soothing with a touch of marshmallow root, and it tastes better too, in my opinion. Unlike psyllium husk, kiwi doesn't carry the same "backfire" risk. If you have a kiwi allergy, skip it and ask your provider about other options. And always check with your provider before changing supplements.
In a 2023 study, eating 2 green kiwis a day helped bowel movements more than psyllium, with less stomach discomfort.
MY FAVORITE FIBER: SUNFIBER
This is a prebiotic fiber that I totally believe in.
Sunfiber is a PHGG supplement (partially hydrolyzed guar gum) that can be added to smoothies, yogurt or any drink. It dissolves quickly and doesn't get all thick and nasty.
It is certified FODMAP-safe by Monash University, the creators of the low-FODMAP diet, making it a gentle option for those with sensitive digestion. Studies found PHGG helped people go more often, and many people also use it for IBS, SIBO and diarrhea. It's non-GMO and 100 percent gluten free.
COD LIVER OIL
A traditional remedy used upon waking is taking one tablespoon of cod liver oil mixed with carrot juice. I have never tried that particular remedy but plan to. I have included it here as it is mentioned so often in natural ways to combat constipation. Learn how it also naturally increases vitamin D in my post. Rosita's is the top recommended brand.
THIAMINE
When thiamine (B1) is low, digestion can slow down, which can cause constipation. My Lyme doctor told me to take the Ecological Formulas brand called Allithiamine. He said it is a better form.
TRIPHALA
Triphala is an ancient remedy that has been studied for constipation. My doctor has recommended it to me several times. I definitely noticed a difference. He suggested the Organic India brand of Triphala.
TEAS
Mint and ginger are both known to help digestion and aid constipation. Licorice, peppermint, marshmallow root and chamomile are often mentioned. I buy my organic tea on Fullscript. I like the Organic India and Buddha brands. Both are carried there. Best price I have found.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are shown to increase the number of bowel movements. Two recent reviews (2022 and 2024) found this, with Bifidobacterium lactis standing out. I rotate two different ones: Seeking Health ProBiota HistaminX and MegaSporeBiotic.
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium citrate and oxide are mentioned the most for constipation. Magnesium oxide is also suggested in the 2023 guideline from gastroenterologists for long-term constipation. Some top Lyme doctors also mention malate helping. Malate is my personal favorite for general deficiency and pain, but I found other forms better when needed for constipation.
I also read that rubbing magnesium oil in a circular motion on the abdomen can help, but I have never tried that.
A magnesium oxide product mentioned often, Oxy-Powder by Global Healing Center.
HIGH DOSE VITAMIN C
At high doses, vitamin C can have a laxative effect. The vitamin C your body doesn't absorb pulls water into the gut, which can loosen stools. The NIH lists 2,000 mg a day as the upper limit for adults, so let your doctor guide you on the right amount for you.
A powder is easy to adjust a little at a time. Two options:
- Ascorbic Acid powder by Pure Encapsulations: plain vitamin C, the classic choice for this. It is more acidic, so it may bother a sensitive stomach.
- Buffered Vitamin C Powder by Allergy Research Group: gentler on the stomach, because it is buffered with potassium, calcium and magnesium. ALWAYS ask your doctor before adding potassium.
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Digestive enzymes can help your constipation because they break down fats, carbs and protein. My doctor has me take digestive enzymes and a DAO enzyme before I eat. See my posts for ideas:
Iron and calcium can make constipation worse. Certain prescription medications can also. So keep that in mind.
OTHER POPULAR IDEAS TO TRY
Below you will find additional product mentions and tips that my doctors have recommended, members have had recommended to them, or I found in top articles related to Lyme.
- Colon Cleanse by Klaire Labs (very popular). Contains black walnut (tree nut).
- Blue Heron by Integrative Therapeutics. Take apart from medications.
- MotilPro by Pure Encapsulations
- Coconut or flaxseed oil to lubricate the colon
- Castor oil
- Lemon water (lemon juice acts as a stimulant to your digestive system and can help flush toxins from your body, providing constipation relief)
- Fennel
SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION MAY INCLUDE
- Feeling sluggish
- Digestive problems
- Bloating
- Gas
- Hard stools
- Pellet-like stools
- Painful bowel movements
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
BEFORE YOU START
- Read the warning on each bottle, and talk with your doctor before trying any of these, especially if you take other medicines.
MY EXPERIENCE
- Kiwi Kleanse by Priority One is my pick, and Sunfiber is my favorite fiber.
- My Lyme doctor has me take digestive enzymes and a DAO enzyme before I eat. He suggested Allithiamine by Ecological Formulas and has recommended Organic India Triphala to me several times.
- I rotate two probiotics: Seeking Health ProBiota HistaminX and MegaSporeBiotic.
WHERE TO BUY
Buy products on Fullscript for a 25% discount
Buy here (Priority One Kiwi Kleanse: kiwifruit extract and marshmallow root, my pick):
Buy here (Tomorrow's Nutrition SunFiber: partially hydrolyzed guar gum, my favorite fiber):
Buy here (Global Healing Center Oxy-Powder: magnesium from ozonated magnesium oxides, with citric acid):
Buy here (Pure Encapsulations Ascorbic Acid powder: plain vitamin C):
Buy here (Allergy Research Group Buffered Vitamin C Powder: vitamin C with calcium, magnesium and potassium; ALWAYS ask your doctor before adding potassium):
Buy here (Klaire Labs Colon Cleanse: herbal blend with senna, cascara, rhubarb root, psyllium and more; contains black walnut, a tree nut):
Buy here (Integrative Therapeutics Blue Heron: flax seed, rice bran, psyllium, plum, triphala, probiotics and more; take apart from medications):
Buy here (Pure Encapsulations MotilPro: ginger, acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamin B6 and 5-HTP; not with antidepressants unless your doctor is guiding you):
RELATED POSTS
GUT ISSUES DIRECTORY
SOURCES
Global Lyme Alliance, GI issues with Lyme (2021, older source, still worth reading)
American College of Gastroenterology, Kiwifruit vs psyllium (2023)
Van Der Schoot, Probiotics for constipation (2022)
Ding, Probiotics for constipation (2024)
AGA and ACG, Constipation guideline (2023)
NIH ODS, Vitamin C (2025)
Journal of Ayurveda, Triphala trial (2022)
Kapoor, PHGG and constipation (2017, older source, still worth reading)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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