Many people think constipation is just an occasional inconvenience, easily fixed by drinking more water. But what if hydration is only part of the story, and ignoring constipation could lead to serious health complications. Where busy lifestyles and changing diets are affecting gut health, it’s time to debunk common myths and take digestive health seriously.

Constipation is often overlooked until it becomes severe. Chronic constipation affects daily life, productivity, and overall well-being more than we realise.

DID YOU KNOW?
Warning signs of constipation include passing small pellety stools, prolonged toilet time, excessive straining, bloating, frequent flatulence, and reduced appetite.

EXPERT INSIGHT
According to Prof Gwee, hydration enhances the effect of dietary fibre by causing it to swell, stimulating the intestines to contract. However, drinking more water alone won’t relieve chronic constipation. Proper diet, lifestyle changes, stress management, and supervised laxative use are essential for long-term relief.

What actually works?

	High fibre-rich diet Vegetables, fruits and legumes, and whole grains add bulk to stools.
	Balanced hydration Water supports digestion but works best alongside fibre.
	Exercise Regular movement keeps the digestive system active.
	Gut health support Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and miso aid digestive.
	Stress management Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and adequate sleep help regulate gut function.
	Supervised use of laxatives When dietary and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, consult a doctor for appropriate laxative use.

DID YOU KNOW?
Common misconceptions about hydration:

• While drinking more water may help people who have occasional constipation, there is little evidence that chronic constipation is caused by insufficient water intake. Studies show that fluid consumption levels in constipated individuals are often similar to those without constipation. However, increasing water intake is crucial when consuming high-fibre foods to support digestion.
• Hyponatremia: Drinking too much water can dilute sodium levels in the blood, causing muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and mental confusion. The elderly are especially vulnerable, particularly those on blood pressure and heart failure medications. Ironically, low sodium can itself contribute to constipation by weakening muscle activity.

Many individuals hesitate to seek medical help for digestive issues, normalising constipation. However, untreated chronic constipation can lead to:

Faecal impaction A severe blockage requiring medical intervention.

Haemorrhoids and fissures Straining can cause pain swelling and tears in the rectal area.

Increased risk of colon disease Persistent constipation may be linked to more serious conditions.

Forcing excessive water intake, particularly for young children and the elderly, can be harmful. Before urging someone to drink more water, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of their constipation.

DID YOU KNOW?
The elderly, especially those with swallowing difficulties due to strokes or other medical conditions, may choke and aspirate water into their lungs, leading to life-threatening complications.

DID YOU KNOW?
Poorly chewed vegetables can form hard, undigested masses (bezoars) that block the intestines. Excessive water intake can worsen the blockage.

Many only drink water when they feel thirsty, but by then, dehydration has already started. Frequent headaches, dry skin, and sluggish digestion, reduced urine output, dark urine, dry tongue, and bad breath are key warning signs.

While hydration and fibre are essential, younger generations are developing habits that increase constipation risk. Fast food and processed meals lack the fibre needed for health digestion. More screen time and less movement slow digestion.

Take charge of your gut health today. If constipation persists, don’t ignore it. Seek medical advice promptly. It’s time to take control of your well-being.

To learn more about how our gastrointestinal system works, visit our Discover page.

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Prof Gwee Kok Ann
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Gleneagles Hospital, and
Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine, National University of Singapore
The Gastroenterology Group
Instagram: @thegastrogroup