15% off £20

Code:BASKET
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsNew NordicBioglanNew Leaf ProductsWeledaGrass & Co.BetterYouSummer Sale3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventIntroductory OfferOutletDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomShiitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorPukkaEgmont HoneyFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenElectrolytesEnergy GelsAminosVitaminsGreensBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelTriActiveSiSPhDSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsSun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaSukinNEOMAveenoSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £183 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeGluten FreePalm Oil FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosehipRosemaryVitamin EHyaluronic AcidAloe VeraLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNTREKEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £10Buy 1 Get 1 Free EventGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45CalpolOilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceNew inVeganSummer SaleFree Honey with £60 Food SpendSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventIntroductory Offer2 For £18Outlet2 For £5Short Dated August 2025Short Dated July 2025Shop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthMen's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsFaith in NatureWeledaOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionNaturtintPrecision EngineeredQ+ASummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceFree Honey with £60 Food SpendBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 For £18Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarTea TreeRosehipVitamin EHyaluronic AcidReishi MushroomAloe VeraLavenderNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Eight easy ways to prevent constipation

Lovely couple having breakfast together in the kitchen
Been struggling with constipation and want to work on getting rid of it for good? Here are eight of the easiest and best ways to prevent constipation.

Summary

1Have breakfast

This helps the colon start to contract, which can help regulate your bowel habit, avoiding constipation...

2Get into a good bowel habit

Never ignore the urge to go to the toilet: the longer you put it off, the harder the stools become and the more constipated you’ll be...

3Drink up

Aim to drink at least one-and-a-half litres of water a day, and reduce hydration ‘robbers’ such as caffeine, alcohol and fizzy or sugary drinks...

Explore related topics

Your lifestyle and eating habits can greatly affect your digestion, and it’s common to suffer from the symptoms of constipation. But there’s plenty you can do to prevent constipation, or cure it if it does occur.

Tips for constipation relief

1. Don’t eat in a rush

Wolfing down food means it isn’t chewed properly. The gut then has to process larger pieces, which takes longer and can cause constipation symptoms. 

It takes, on average, six to eight hours for food to pass through your stomach and small intestine, and around 53 hours to go from mouth to toilet. So eat slowly – you’ll enjoy your food more, too!

2. Drink up

Water helps lubricate your digestive system and allows the smooth passage of food through the digestive tract, keeping constipation symptoms at bay. It also keeps stools soft, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. 

Aim to drink at least one-and-a-half litres of water a day, and reduce hydration ‘robbers’ such as caffeine, alcohol and fizzy or sugary drinks.

3. Get regular exercise

The quicker you burn calories, the faster your metabolic rate will be, so the quicker you’ll convert food into energy. Staying active also helps stimulate the bowel, which speeds up food transit time, avoiding constipation.

4. Look at your diet

What we eat influences the digestive process and certain foods can cause constipation. 

Meat can sit in the stomachs of those with poor digestion for hours, and undigested protein can irritate the gut lining.

Dietary fibre comes from plant-based foods – vegetables, fruit, legumes and wholegrains – and helps to bulk up stools so they move easily through your digestive tract, so eat plenty.

5. Get into a good bowel habit

Never ignore the urge to go to the toilet: the longer you put it off, the harder the stools become and the more constipated you’ll be.

6. Have breakfast

This helps the colon start to contract, which can help regulate your bowel habit, avoiding constipation.

Try porridge with a sprinkling of nuts and fresh fruit or rye toast topped with a nut butter and mashed banana.

Limit your caffeine too: have a glass of juice or soy milk instead.

7. Try magnesium

Constipation can be related to low magnesium levels. Fill up on magnesium-rich green leafy veg, beans, lentils and wholegrains – all good fibre foods – or try a supplement.

You could also bathe in Epsom salts, as your body can absorb the magnesium in them through the skin.

8. Take a natural approach

Psyllium husks act to soften the stool making it easier to pass. Capsicum has been shown to have a gentle stimulant effect on digestive function, helping to provide constipation relief. 

Get more tips on how to prevent constipation in our healthy gut guides.

Disclaimer

This article has been adapted from longer features appearing in Healthy, the Holland & Barrett magazine. Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies
 

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.