Naturopathic and nutritional care for constipation
Online nutrition and naturopathy consultations, Australia-wide
What might be driving it
• Diet composition: fibre type and amount, fluid, and whether specific foods are slowing or speeding things
• Slow transit for other reasons: thyroid function, medications, iron supplements, low intake
• Pelvic floor and defecation dynamics: a mechanical problem that no dietary change will fix, and which needs referral to the right practitioner
• Gut–brain factors: stress and nervous system state directly affect motility
• IBS-C: constipation as part of an irritable bowel picture, which changes the approach
You were told to eat more fibre.
You did, and it made you more bloated. You've tried the laxatives, psyllium, two litres of water a day, "just move more." Some of it might have helped a bit, but none of it fixed the underlying problem.
"But I go every day"
Let’s address this, because it sends a lot of people away untreated: frequency is only one measure. You can open your bowels daily and still be constipated if you're straining, if stools are hard or pellet-like, if you never feel fully emptied, or if you're relying on something, like coffee, to make it happen.
This matters for more than just feeling comfortable. Slow transit gives gut bacteria longer with each meal's residue, which is why constipation and bloating so often present together, and why treating the constipation frequently resolves bloating that no amount of food-cutting touched. Read more on why constipation and bloating often occur together
How I work with constipation
A full history first, including a proper look at what "constipated" actually means in your case, frequency, consistency, straining, sensation of emptying, and how long it's been happening. Then a week of tracking so we're working from data, not recall.
From there, treatment is tailored to you: to address the mechanical and dietary basics properly, use the evidence-supported dietary strategies matched to your presentation, and add herbal or nutritional support where it's indicated.
Where the picture suggests something outside my scope, a pelvic floor issue, medication side effects etc, I'll refer you appropriately.
Why "more fibre" often isn't the answer
Fibre supplementation does work, but the detail matters. The evidence points to specific types, specific doses, and at least four weeks of consistency. Generic advice to "eat more fibre" misses all three, and adding bulk to a bowel that's moving slowly can genuinely make bloating and flatulence worse.
There's also more in the evidence base than fibre. Certain types of magnesium have good trial support for improving both stool frequency and consistency in chronic constipation. Kiwifruit, prunes, rye bread and high-mineral water all appear in the dietary guidelines to support bowel movement. Which of these belongs in your plan depends on what's actually driving your constipation, and on your other symptoms.
What working together looks like
Your initial consultation is a thorough investigation; history, symptoms, diet, lifestyle, review of any existing test results, followed by a written treatment plan personalised to you. Follow-ups track what’s shifting and adjust accordingly.
Most people notice meaningful change within the first few weeks, though the timeline depends on what’s driving your symptoms and how long it’s been going on. I’ll be transparent with you about expectations at your first appointment.
Consultations are online via video call, Australia-wide. Current fees and what’s included are here.
If you’re not ready to book, start with the free 7-Day Digestive Pattern Tracker. It includes a Bristol Stool Chart guide so you can accurately track your bowel motions in only five minutes a day.
When to see your GP first
Constipation deserves medical assessment before naturopathic and nutritional care if you have: unintended weight loss, blood in your stool, sudden changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, new/sudden onset after age 50, severe abdominal pain, or a family history of bowel or ovarian cancer. These need to be ruled out properly, and I’ll refer you if anything in your history suggests they should be assessed further.
Common questions
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Usually yes, and stopping abruptly is rarely the right first move. We'll discuss your current regime and, where appropriate, work towards not needing it , but not by leaving you uncomfortable in the meantime.
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Dietary strategies for constipation generally need at least four weeks at an adequate dose to show their full effect, so I'll ask you to give things a proper trial rather than judging at day five.
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No. Long-standing constipation often has more layers to work through, but it's still very treatable.