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Gut Health

The 4 Daily Habits of People Who Rarely Get Constipated

Lauren Smith, MAKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on December 5, 2025
Featuring Anthony Starpoli, MDReviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | December 5, 2025

Constipation can be painful and frustrating if you’re experiencing it day after day (after day after day). You may worry something’s wrong in your body that’s causing this traffic jam downstairs.

Most of your bowel woes can be traced back to your lifestyle and not necessarily a more serious GI issue. For example, “to have a regular bowel movement is very dependent on how you eat,” says Anthony Starpoli, MD, a gastroenterologist in New York City. In this video, learn which habits experts recommend to keep your #2 on the move.

References

Bae, S.H. (2014). Diets for constipation. Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition.

Hoy, M.K., et al. Fiber intake of the U.S. population: what we eat in America, NHANES 2009-2010. FSRG Dietary Data Briefs, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Huang, R., et al. (2014). Physical activity and constipation in Hong Kong adolescents. PLoS One.

Larson, H. (2021). Easy ways to boost fiber in your daily diet. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Treatment for constipation.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical activity guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.

Yang, J., et al. (2012). Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: a meta analysis. World Journal of Gastroenterology.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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