Dealing with stress-induced constipation sucks. You feel backed up, bloated, or just “off” during stressful times. But can stress cause constipation, or is it related to diet or other health issues?
Stress constipation is more common than most people realize, too. Chronic stress can disrupt the gut-brain connection, tighten muscles in your digestive tract, and slow down motility so things don’t move through as smoothly as they should.
You don’t just have to live with it or wait for things to get better, though. We’ll show you how to get rid of stress constipation in this guide - from nutrition and hydration tips to nervous system resets that get your digestion moving again.
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Signs of Stress-Induced Constipation
You know when you’re constipated from stress. It hurts! And then you realize, wait…I haven’t used the bathroom in a few days. What gives? The truth is, though, there are signs of stress-induced constipation that you can spot before this point.
Many people feel bloated, gassy, or uncomfortably full even after small meals. Abdominal tightness, tension in the lower belly, and fatigue after eating are also common. Even if you are able to poop, the stools themselves are hard, dry, or difficult to pass.
Beyond the physical, you may feel anxious or distracted, unable to “let go” mentally or physically. These patterns point to your body being stuck in stress mode. So, can stress cause constipation?
Can Stress Cause Constipation?
The short answer is yes. Stress constipation is the result of a complex chain reaction between your brain and gut.
Your body activates the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight mode) when you’re stressed. This drains blood away from digestion and toward your muscles and brain. That slows intestinal contractions (called peristalsis), so waste sits in the colon longer. It becomes harder during that time and thus, more difficult to pass.
Meanwhile, elevated cortisol levels can alter the balance of gut bacteria, impact hydration, and reduce magnesium absorption - an essential mineral for muscle relaxation, including the muscles of the intestines. The result? Sluggish digestion, bloating, and that familiar feeling of being “stuck.”
There are other indirect links between stress and constipation. Poor sleep, less movement, dehydration, or skipped meals all lead to the same thing: lingering constipation. It’s a vicious cycle: physical discomfort raises stress levels further, and the gut gets stuck in a constant state of tension.
How Long Does Stress Constipation Last?
One of the most common questions we get asked is, can stress cause constipation? The second question those people ask is, how long does stress constipation last? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
It lasts just a few days for some, especially if the cause of stress is short-lived and hydration, rest, and relaxation return quickly. But chronic stress and constipation is another story. In these cases, it can last weeks or longer. The colon’s muscles need time to regain normal rhythm, and your nervous system must shift back into its “rest and digest” state.
Feeling backed up regularly is a sign your body isn’t getting enough recovery time between stress cycles. The good news is that once you start managing stress, replenishing magnesium, and staying consistent with self-care, improvement could come within a few days to a week.
That said, let’s get into how to get rid of stress constipation below!
How to Get Rid of Stress Constipation Fast
Constipation stress can take a toll beyond the physical discomfort. It prevents you from getting through your day like normal as you’re fighting pain, feeling sluggish, and struggling with frustration.
But, you can get things moving naturally again with these tips on how to get rid of stress constipation. These strategies don’t just help you “go”; they help your body find its rhythm again so you stay “going.”
Rehydrate and Add Fiber Gradually
Start by restoring your body’s fluid balance. Dehydration is one of the biggest culprits behind stress-induced constipation, especially when stress hormones are high. Drink water consistently throughout the day to avoid this. Consider adding electrolytes for even better results.
Next, reintroduce fiber slowly. Soluble fibers such as oats, chia seeds, and psyllium husk hold water in the intestines, softening stool and making it easier to pass. These two steps are a great starting point for managing stress and constipation.
Replenish Magnesium and Key Nutrients
It’s no secret that magnesium is among the most important minerals in the world for human health, responsible for over 300 biological reactions.
As it pertains to stress constipation, magnesium can relax intestinal muscles, support hydration, and regulate nerve activity in the gut. The problem is, stress depletes magnesium - leaving the colon tense and sluggish.
While oral magnesium supplements can have a mild laxative effect, they only address the symptom, not the cause. Most forms of magnesium taken by mouth (especially magnesium oxide or citrate) are poorly absorbed and can irritate the stomach, pulling water into the intestines too quickly. You get temporary relief but no lasting improvement.
Topical magnesium, on the other hand, works differently. It bypasses the digestive tract and delivers magnesium directly to the muscles and nervous system where it’s needed most. This helps restore calm to both the gut and mind.
There’s also the fact that not all types of magnesium are created equal. There’s magnesium taurate vs glycinate, magnesium chloride vs magnesium sulfate, and so many more.
So, which magnesium is best for stress? You don’t have to play the guessing game about which form is best when it comes to managing stress constipation. Your search ends here at Flewd Stresscare.
Fight Stress and Constipation Head On With Flewd Stresscare!
Flewd Stresscare soaks help your body let go (literally) when stress locks up your digestion. We use the most bioavailable form of magnesium, magnesium chloride, alongside targeted nutrients that tackle both muscle tension and energy loss. For example:
- Fatigue Defeating Soak: Infused with Magnesium, Tryptophan, Potassium, and Vitamin B6 to refuel drained cells, fight mental fog, and restore energy after high-stress days.
- Ache Erasing Soak: Combines Magnesium with Vitamins C & D and Omega-3s to relax tight abdominal and back muscles that often tighten under stress.
- Insomnia Ending Soak: Pairs Magnesium with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and L-Carnitine to kick those frustrating stay awake vibes and help you drift off to dreamland naturally.
Each soak contains 245g of active nutrients with zero parabens, fillers, or gluten. They’re fully vegan and cruelty-free. The scents (think citrus mandarin and warm cedarwood) create an instant sensory reset that melts stress away in its own right!
Just add a single packet to a warm bath and indulge in the ultimate relaxation for 20-30 minutes. Your body will soak up all the good stuff, and you’ll feel better before you know it. Do this 2-3 times a week to keep stress constipation at bay. Try our epsom salt substitute today!
Move Your Body
Movement is medicine for the gut. Light activity like walking, yoga, or stretching can help stimulate peristalsis, the wave-like contractions that move stool through your intestines.
Yoga poses such as “Wind-Relieving Pose” (Apanasana) and gentle spinal twists are also really effective at releasing trapped gas and tension. Even a 10-minute post-meal walk can jumpstart digestion and calm your nervous system at the same time.
Calm the Nervous System
Your gut and brain are always talking. This is known as the “gut-brain axis,” and it’s why some of the best advice we have to offer on how to get rid of stress constipation is deep breathing. This helps shift your body from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest.”
Try box breathing. It’s really easy - just inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four to calm both the mind and gut. Do this a few times a day, or anytime you feel yourself tensing up.
Eat on a Routine
Irregular eating patterns confuse your digestive system. Your gut never gets the rhythm it needs to function smoothly when you skip meals or eat on the run.
Try to eat at consistent times daily and include balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Chew slowly, too. Digestion starts in the mouth, and mindful eating gives your gut a head start.
When to Turn to Laxatives
We hope these tips on how to get rid of stress constipation help you find relief quickly! But at some point, consider a gentle osmotic laxative or stool softener.
This should only be a short-term fix, though. Overuse can make your bowels dependent on stimulation, which will only make matters worse over time.
Always consult a doctor if constipation lasts 2+ weeks or comes with pain, nausea, or blood.
Closing Thoughts on Stress and Constipation
In closing, can stress cause constipation? Yes, and it’s more common than most people realize. Digestion slows, hydration drops, and tension builds from the inside when your body’s stuck in “fight or flight” mode.
But learning how to get rid of stress constipation is easy. Calm the mind, nourish the body, and your gut will follow. Boosting your stress tolerance with Flewd Stresscare is a powerful way to fight stress-induced constipation.
Replenish magnesium and essential nutrients your body loses to stress, and you’ll feel lighter, looser, and back in rhythm before you know it. Soak. Reset. Let nature handle the rest.
