12 Reasons You're Miserably Constipated - Constipation Relief

Fiber

Yep, the same thing that helps move things along can also cause a traffic jam in your colon. The biggest faux pas many people make is increasing their fiber intake without also upping their water intake. "It's a balance of the two that keeps you regular," says gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal, M.D. Because fiber soaks up water, the lack of H20 can result in poop that spends way too long in the digestive tract—and feels like you're passing a giant boulder. "Gradually increase your water intake as you increase your fiber," says Sonpal. "It's the only way to experience the benefits of proper fiber intake."