#Constipation

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.

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.