#Constipation

For many Thais, digestive discomfort is a familiar but unwelcome part of life, often going undiscussed despite its frequent impact on daily well-being. Recent research and expert perspectives are shining new light on five key supplements that may help to relieve constipation, a condition that is common across Asia as it is in the West. A new interview with a leading US gastroenterologist and research findings published in 2024 provide timely, science-backed guidance for Thais considering supplement options, and reveal which strategies are best supported by evidence in both international and Asian contexts.

Digestive discomfort affects millions of people across Thailand, impacting daily life and productivity. New international research highlights five scientifically supported supplements that can help relieve constipation. These options align with Thai preferences for natural, gentle remedies while delivering solid therapeutic benefits.

Constipation affects about 12% of Asian populations, with Thailand reflecting regional patterns influenced by diet modernization, urban lifestyles, and reduced fiber intake compared with traditional rural diets rich in vegetables and whole grains. Thai readers will relate to the emphasis on practical, plant-based solutions.

A daily walk could be the key to smoother digestion and less discomfort, according to recent advice from leading gut-health dietitians and a growing body of international research. While many in Thailand struggle with constipation, particularly those in urban areas with sedentary lifestyles, experts highlight that a simple routine of regular walking offers a powerful, natural boost to digestive health—no medicine required.

Constipation, characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, is a widespread issue globally and in Thailand. Urbanization, reduced physical activity, and changing dietary habits have all contributed to a rise in digestive complaints among both children and adults, according to the Thai Gastroenterological Association (ThaiGA). While increasing fiber and water intake remain tried-and-true remedies, new insights published by EatingWell, and echoed in international studies, point to walking as the number one exercise for keeping the bowels moving (EatingWell).

A daily walk offers noticeable relief for digestion and discomfort, and emerging research supports its value. In Thailand, where urban living and sedentary habits are common, walking is presented as a practical, medicine-free way to improve bowel health.

Constipation affects many people worldwide, including Thais. Urbanization, reduced activity, and shifting diets contribute to digestive issues across ages. While increasing fiber and fluids remains important, recent guidance highlights walking as an excellent first step to keep the bowels regularly moving.

A growing consensus among gut health experts points to psyllium husk as one of the most effective supplements to promote regular bowel movements. Derived from Plantago ovata seeds, this natural fiber not only eases constipation but also supports overall gut health. For Thai readers, rising constipation rates and fiber-poor diets make psyllium husk a timely option to consider alongside traditional dietary changes.

Constipation remains a common challenge worldwide, including in Thailand, where lifestyle shifts have led to more digestive complaints. Thai hospitals report that low dietary fiber, insufficient hydration, and reduced physical activity contribute to the problem. Medical professionals commonly recommend increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and staying active. When these measures fall short, psyllium husk is frequently explored as a gentle, evidence-based aid.

Experts are giving renewed attention to psyllium husk as the best supplement to promote regular bowel movements, according to new research and consensus among gut health professionals. This natural fiber, derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, has been proven not only to ease constipation but to support comprehensive gut health, offering a solution that is increasingly relevant for Thai readers as constipation rates rise and fiber-deficient diets become more common.

Constipation is a discomfort that many individuals globally encounter, manifesting as an occasional inconvenience or a persistent challenge. It’s no surprise, then, that finding effective relief is a shared priority. Recent insights from gastroenterologist Sandhya Shukla, M.D., highlight five potential remedies accessible through dietary supplements and everyday foods, offering new hope and strategies for those dealing with constipation.

Constipation affects around 16% of adults in the United States, illustrating its commonality and impact on daily life. This gastrointestinal issue can often lead to bloating, discomfort, and frustration. For many Thai readers, this might resonate closely given the noticeable dietary and lifestyle shifts toward more Western habits in urban areas like Bangkok. Specifically, these five supplements are now highlighted for their potential to alleviate constipation effectively: psyllium husk, specific strains of probiotics, magnesium oxide, polyethylene glycol, and, interestingly, prunes or prune juice.

Constipation affects many people and can disrupt daily life. Recent guidance from a gastroenterology expert highlights five accessible remedies, spanning dietary supplements and everyday foods, that may help relieve symptoms for adults in Thai communities navigating changing diets and busy urban living.

About 16% of adults in the United States experience constipation, a statistic that underscores its pervasiveness. In Thailand, where urban lifestyles and Western-influenced diets are common in cities like Bangkok, similar concerns are increasingly relevant. The five remedies highlighted include psyllium husk, select probiotic strains, magnesium oxide, polyethylene glycol, and prunes or prune juice.

Senna Alexandrina, known in Thailand as มะขามแขก, is one of the most storied herbal remedies in both Eastern and Western pharmacopoeias—a symbol of the rich fusion between ancient Thai wisdom and global medical science. Heralded for centuries as a gentle but effective laxative, มะขามแขก (Cassia acutifolia Del., Cassia angustifolia Vahl., also called Alexandrian or Indian senna) holds a unique place in household medicine cabinets, herbal shops, and increasingly, the laboratories of clinical researchers. What began as ritual healing imported along ancient trade routes is now at the heart of conversations about safe, effective, and natural approaches to digestive health, especially as Thailand and the world reconsider the role of traditional medicines in modern lifestyles.

Senna Alexandrina, known in Thailand as มะขามแขก, sits at the crossroads of tradition and science. For centuries it has been used as a gentle laxative, weaving together Thai wisdom with global medical practice. Today, it remains a focal point in discussions about natural digestive health, safety, and the integration of traditional remedies into contemporary care in Thailand and beyond.

Thai traditional medicine has long welcomed senna through a fusion of Indian Ayurvedic, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian knowledge. In Thai practice, มะขามแขก has been used as a purgative to address sluggish digestion and constipation, and it features prominently in temple detox rituals and village health traditions. Dried senna leaves and pods are commonly prepared as decoctions or teas, with dosage guidance passed down through generations of herbalists and practitioners.