Constipation is a common digestive concern that affects people of all ages. It is often described as infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools or a feeling that the bowel has not fully emptied.

While constipation can have many causes — including diet, hydration, stress and lifestyle factors — researchers are increasingly exploring how the gut microbiome may influence digestive function and bowel regularity.

The gut microbiome, made up of trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays an important role in breaking down food, producing beneficial compounds and supporting the movement of food through the digestive system.

Understanding how gut bacteria interact with digestion may help explain why microbiome health is becoming an important area of interest in digestive wellbeing.

Founder Insight

Hanna Sillitoe first became interested in the role of the gut microbiome while naturally treating her psoriasis. During this time she began exploring research into how gut bacteria influence inflammation, digestion and immune responses.

This experience sparked a long-standing interest in how supporting the microbiome may influence overall wellbeing and digestive balance.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, although symptoms can vary widely between individuals.

Common symptoms include:

• infrequent bowel movements
• difficulty passing stools
• hard or dry stools
• a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying

Constipation can be influenced by a range of factors including low fibre intake, dehydration, reduced physical activity, stress or changes in routine.

Because digestion also depends on the activity of the gut microbiome, researchers are increasingly investigating how changes in gut bacteria may influence bowel regularity.

The Gut Connection

The Microbiome and Gut Motility

The digestive system relies on coordinated muscle contractions known as gut motility to move food through the digestive tract.

The gut microbiome may influence this process in several ways.

Fermentation of dietary fibre

Many types of dietary fibre cannot be digested by human enzymes. Instead, gut bacteria ferment fibre in the large intestine.

During fermentation, microbes produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help support the intestinal lining and may influence digestive function.

Microbiome diversity

A healthy gut typically contains a wide range of bacterial species. Reduced microbial diversity has been observed in some individuals experiencing digestive difficulties.

Researchers are exploring how microbiome diversity may influence digestion and bowel habits.

Microbial metabolites

Gut microbes produce a variety of metabolites that interact with the digestive system and may influence intestinal movement and gut signalling.

Interaction with the nervous system

The gut microbiome also interacts with the gut–brain axis, a communication network linking the digestive system and nervous system. This interaction may influence gut sensitivity and digestive function.

What Research Shows

Scientific interest in the microbiome and digestive function has grown rapidly in recent years.

Research findings include:

• Microbiome differences in constipation – Studies have found differences in the composition of gut bacteria in people experiencing constipation compared with healthy individuals.

• Role of short-chain fatty acids – SCFAs produced by gut bacteria help support the gut lining and influence digestive processes.

• Microbiome and gut motility – Research suggests gut microbes may interact with signalling pathways that influence intestinal movement.

• Fibre fermentation and digestion – Gut bacteria ferment fibre and produce metabolites that support digestive balance.

Although research is ongoing, these findings highlight the growing interest in how microbiome balance may influence digestive function and bowel regularity.

Sources

Flint HJ et al. Links between diet, gut microbiota composition and gut metabolism. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2012.

Koh A et al. From dietary fibre to host physiology: short-chain fatty acids as key bacterial metabolites. Cell, 2016.

Parthasarathy G et al. Relationship between microbiota and constipation. Gut Microbes, 2016.

Sender R et al. Revised estimates for the number of human and bacterial cells in the body. PNAS, 2016.

Supporting the Microbiome

Supporting microbiome diversity may help maintain digestive balance.

Several habits may help support gut health.

Eat a variety of plant foods

A diverse diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains provides fibre that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.

Increase fibre intake gradually

Gradually increasing fibre intake allows the digestive system to adapt and supports microbial fermentation.

Stay hydrated

Adequate hydration helps support healthy digestion and stool consistency.

Maintain physical activity

Regular movement helps support normal digestive motility.

Consider probiotic support

Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live microorganisms designed to help maintain microbial balance within the digestive system.

Common Questions About Constipation and Gut Health

Can gut bacteria affect constipation?

Researchers have found differences in microbiome composition in people experiencing constipation, suggesting gut bacteria may influence digestive processes.

Does fibre help the microbiome?

Yes. Fibre acts as a fuel source for gut microbes, allowing them to produce beneficial compounds that support gut health.

Can probiotics support digestion?

Some studies have explored how probiotics may influence microbiome balance and digestive health, although results vary depending on the strains used.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common digestive experience that can be influenced by many factors, including diet, hydration, physical activity and digestive signalling.

Increasingly, research suggests that the gut microbiome may play an important role in digestion, fibre fermentation and gut motility.

Supporting a healthy and diverse microbiome through diet, lifestyle habits and microbiome support may help promote digestive balance and overall gut wellbeing.

Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live cultures designed to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Learn more about our Multi-Strain Biotic and how it supports gut health.