Ease chronic constipation naturally

Sluggish bowels are frustratingly common. The good news? Foods and drinks can help get things moving again-and a lot of them are probably already on your grocery shopping list!

- by KRISTINA MASTROCOLA

What causes constipation?

Though several factors contribute to feeling backed up, the main triggers are dehydration, lack of dietary fiber, not enough regular exercise and certain medications, like antidepressants.

Age also plays a role. “As women go through perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes impact how the GI tract functions,” explains gastroenterologist Anish Sheth, M.D., chief of gastroenterology at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. “In general, things tend to slow down. It’s not true for everyone, but we know that declining levels of estrogen and progesterone can reduce motility in the GI tract.”

What to eat and drink