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“If You’re Tired of Being Constipated, Try This Instead”

Nurse Jen | Healthcare Navigation

16,824 views

If you've been struggling with constipation and feel like you've tried everything, you're definitely not alone.

As a nurse with over 30 years of experience, I can tell you that constipation is one of the most common complaints I hear from adults over 60—and a lot of the advice people get is either incomplete or focused on quick fixes that don't address the real problem.

🎯 Download my free guide, "What To Say At Your Next Doctor Visit," to help you stay organized and advocate for yourself like a pro: https://nurse-jen.kit.com/fab9b1ae69

In this video, I explain a simple, practical approach to constipation that actually works for many people, including:

why constipation becomes more common as we age
the biggest hydration mistake people make
how fiber can sometimes make constipation worse
why movement matters more than you think
medications that commonly contribute to constipation
and when it's time to talk to your doctor

We'll also discuss:

the connection between fluid intake and healthy digestion
why consistency matters more than quick fixes
common causes of chronic constipation
and warning signs that should never be ignored

Because constipation may be common...

But suffering with it indefinitely is NOT something you should just accept as a normal part of aging.

And honestly?

Sometimes the solution isn't another supplement or laxative.

It's understanding what's causing the problem in the first place.

If you enjoy practical healthcare advice, insider nursing knowledge, and real-world tips for navigating the healthcare system, be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos.

👇 I'd love to hear from you:
What's the best constipation tip you've ever received—or something that finally worked for you after trying multiple things?

Share your experience in the comments. Your advice may help someone else who's struggling with the same issue.

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding persistent constipation, medication concerns, or symptoms such as severe pain, bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or significant changes in bowel habits.

20 Comments

@NurseJen Creator 4 months ago Pinned

Constipation is one of the most common issues I hear about from adults over 60—and one of the most frustrating.

The good news? A lot of people don't need a complicated solution. Small changes in hydration, movement, diet, and medication management can sometimes make a bigger difference than people realize.

That's one of the reasons I created my free guide:
🎯 What To Say At Your Next Doctor Visit

It can help you organize your symptoms, ask better questions, and get more out of your healthcare appointments.

👉https://nurse-jen.kit.com/fab9b1ae69

👇 I'd love to hear from you:

What's the best constipation tip you've ever received—or something that finally worked for you after struggling for a long time?

Your experience might help someone else who's dealing with the exact same issue.

@KathyR-p3u 1 month ago

Not only do you give us valuable information, but your sense of humor keeps me chuckling. "Here's the bottom line"....

@TrueJaneNew 1 month ago

After a lifetime of constipation, I finally cured it. I was magnesium deficient.

My doctor suggested it for muscle cramps. I take it at the same time each day. The results are miraculous.

(Also, I drink water and eat fruit, but I'd do that anyway.)

@mnkid25 2 weeks ago (edited)

"Bottom line." Heh. Walking/moving is so good for getting everything up and running...so to speak. Also, the fluid intake is vital. Great advice. Another thing...strokes don't just paralyze limbs, a bowel regimen is necessary for many folks post stroke, especially if confined to a wheelchair. There is something that my sibling got in long term rehab called "Power Pudding." A mix of applesauce, All-bran, and prune juice. With LOTS of water after consumption. Use only under medical direction.

@susandavidson785 3 months ago

I developed chronic constipation despite living a healthy lifestyle all my life, including daily exercise, healthy whole foods which added up to 25-30g of fibre a day, 2l of water every day...and all my doctor could suggest even after showing the documentation of this was to try more water and Metamucil! So after lots of research I found that snacking between meals (even on healthy foods) turns off the intestinal system that moves food through, and that too much water without compensation of electrolytes like magnesium and potassium also hinder things. Making these changes has improved things a lot, though it has taken time, you're right there's not a quick fix. I think that routine is a big one often overlooked too

@amymartin5753 4 months ago (edited)

Prunes daily for me: organic and unsulfered.

@PatriciaDavis-j3o 3 months ago

I get enough exercise, but chronic due to medication, age 71. What worked for me was to add a small bowl of shredded wheat to my diet every day around the same time, make sure I drink a big glass of water multiple times a day. And the Fleet glycerin suppository if things just get too dry to pass (with a latex glove). Also magnesium oxide and vitamin C daily. Be sure to stretch and twist if needed to help things out. That area can get compressed as we age.

@Lin-Rock_262 3 months ago

I shared this with a couple of friends. Thank you, Nurse Jen!

@KaiwieFastwolf 3 months ago

I have a family history of constipation with both parents, gut issues as well . It’s gotten worse with age. I do all the suggested things and also use something daily called “intestinal formula” taking one daily at 3 and not eating anything for an hour. At night I take 250 dss and if I stay on this regimen my gut functions normally. Some times I will use a 4 oz glass of cherry juice in the morning . In nursing we suggest a 8 oz glass of prune juice heated and drink in one sitting quickly.

@ernestmiller8943 3 months ago (edited)

After years of keeping constupation at bay with a high fiber cereal( Bran Buds) it quit working. I knew I couldn't keep taking laxatives so I looked on the internet for help. It seems that gut bacteria imbalance is one part of the problem. I started taking berberine and black seed oil (nigella cumin) to get rid of bad bacteria and encourage the good and I am now very regular. I am also adding more good bacteria by eating fermented, unpasteurized sauerkraut.

@Laura-xy7td 3 months ago (edited)

Your advice is spot on . I accidentally dehydrated myself pretty badly with anti histamines and not enough water .

@Fetherko 3 months ago

Dysbiosis is a horror.

@kaitlandot-q3183 3 months ago

After my Right Colectomy in 2016 my constipation is a full time job. I have to watch everything I eat as in quantity, quality, and hydration. Full time job even with enemas.

@roseoreillysievers6057 2 months ago

I've been constipated since my early 30's. My Doctor recommended stool softeners and drinking at least 36 oz of water daily. It helped somewhat. My Gynecologist recommended Milk of Magnesia. I'm so glad she told me. I take one tablespoon every other day and it works for me

@pagosabob10 2 months ago

I went to my MD about constipation. She got me on stool softener, and two other things. I do now use stool softeners morning and night, but I do not drink enough water. That will change thanks to your reminder. Cheers. :-)

@user-to8bj1hr3s 11 days ago

A pat of butter stirred into 3/4 cup of very warm, almost hot prune juice, followed by a glass of water or cup of hot tea or coffee, works very well.

@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks 2 months ago

I'm 78. I've been eating Sauerkraut and Kimchi for the last 20 years. Have never had one problem with constipation.

@christinemartin63 2 months ago

Spot on (again). Esp fluids, daily walks, juicy fruits and veggies ... and, yes, a few prunes a day definitely help 😉.

@willowvee5844 3 months ago

💥💥💥💥I WANT TO SHOUT THIS FROM THE ROOF TOPS!!!💥💥💥💥💥💥 Struggled with this issue until I discovered that ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS are the cause of my constipation, severe pain and gut issues, that can last 3 weeks after after the TINIEST ingestion, after ceasing ingestion, takes around a month to clear!!! No matter how they say these substances are safe and well tolerated, just stop and try to eliminate from your diet and oral health routine. Aspartame! Saccharin Salt! Saccharin! Splenda! Many more no doubt. These substances mess with your gut biome, and some of us are ultra sensitive. It's not just in food- TOOTHPASTE ! WHITENER GELS, MOUTHWASH! My doctor agreed, so many people suffer and have had expensive tests for years, with no positive cause of the issue, and continue to suffer, often taking a swathe of drugs to try manage the symptoms. Check the ingredients lists on everything you put near your mouth, and keeps a list of the NUMBERS used to indicate particular sweetner brands, as companies use these to disguise the use of Splenda ect.💥💥💥💥💥 Hope someone reads this and finds it helps...

@aniballaboy8398 3 months ago

At 72, sometimes I need some help from Metamucil, prunes or prune juice...But drinking plenty of water and having salads with olive oil at noon makes a difference to keep me regular....Wait and hope is not a good idea, after two days you need to estimulate your system with the proper food or juice....