Ahmedabad, December 24, 2025: As World Constipation Awareness Month is observed in December, gastroenterologists are urging people to look beyond commonly followed habits believed to aid digestion or help trigger bowel movement, warning that many such practices have no scientific basis and may worsen constipation over time.
According to gastroenterologists, constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in India, affecting people across age groups. Inadequate water intake, low fibre consumption, sedentary lifestyles, irregular meal timings, and rising stress levels are among the leading contributors. Despite its prevalence, constipation is often self-managed using home remedies or misconceptions rather than evidence-based medical care.
Dr Shravan Bohra, Chief Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said that reliance on stimulants can delay proper treatment. “Caffeine or nicotine may create a short-lived urge to pass stools, but they do not improve bowel health. Over time, excessive use can lead to dehydration, irritate the gut, and actually worsen constipation. Sustainable bowel health comes from structured lifestyle practices rather than dependence on stimulants,” he said.
He added that if left unaddressed, chronic constipation can significantly impact quality of life. “Persistent straining may lead to complications such as piles, anal fissures, abdominal pain, and rectal discomfort. The situation can be more concerning in the elderly, where a change in bowel habits may sometimes indicate early signs of serious conditions such as bowel cancer, highlighting why bowel health should never be taken lightly. Constipation is also common in children, and addressing it early is essential to prevent further complications. Early awareness and timely intervention across all age groups can help prevent these issues and restore healthy bowel habits,” Dr Bohra said.
Medical experts point out that consuming tea or coffee first thing in the morning, or smoking, to “clear the bowels”, as well as drinking carbonated beverages after meals, are widespread practices. However, these habits do not improve bowel regularity or stool softness, which are essential for healthy digestion and long-term relief from constipation. While they may create a temporary urge to pass stools, they do not address the underlying causes of constipation.
Dr Apurva Shah, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said that carbonated drinks and stimulants are often misunderstood as digestive aids. “Carbonation does not improve gut motility or bowel function. In fact, soda can increase bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Similarly, caffeine or nicotine may stimulate the gut briefly, but they do not correct constipation. Effective management depends on adequate hydration, a fibre-rich diet, regular physical activity, and stress control, not quick fixes,” he said.
He added that constipation accompanied by warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, anaemia, or a sudden change in bowel habits should never be ignored and may require further evaluation, including colonoscopy. He further noted that recent advances have expanded the availability of oral medications that address different underlying causes of constipation. Linaclotide, plecanatide, and elobixibat are used to treat chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, working through distinct mechanisms to improve bowel movements. Therefore, people with persistent symptoms should consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Experts emphasise that healthy digestion and regular bowel movements are best supported by simple, evidence-based measures. Drinking adequate water through the day, consuming fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, engaging in regular physical activity, responding promptly to the natural urge to pass stools, and managing stress form the foundation of long-term gut health.
As World Constipation Awareness Month draws attention to this often-overlooked condition, gastroenterologists urge people to move beyond myths and prioritise bowel health through informed lifestyle choices and timely medical guidance.
