For many people, anything fermented works to solve constipation. Yogurt, water kefir, sauerkraut, etc. Are you eating any of those? They also help establish good gut flora, particularly the kefir.

When posting about constipation you will usually get the same litany of answers about what to put in your body. Coconut oil, cold water on an empty stomach, enzymes, ripe bananas, fiber, coffee etc. You should be doing some/all of this but it is also important to remember that sometimes the problem is not what is going in your body but your body itself. Two pieces of advice for those with constipation.

1) Do not take laxatives. Ever. Sometimes constipation stems from loose intestinal muscles that cannot properly move the bowels along. Using laxatives makes your intestines dependent on the flush of water to the intestines that laxatives cause, instead of training your intestines to do their job properly. Just wait it out, it will come.

2) When you are on the toilet, practice the "Asian Squat". http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ky72KqArodY/TUpL2d_S9LI/AAAAAAAAAPY/79iq9FvOqTs/s320/AsianSquat.jpg

The way modern toilets are built are actually not optimal for doing one's business. The Asian squat however, makes your organs loose and more open and it is the optimal way to go. An easy way to do this is to put your feet up on the toilet and with your arms on the back of the toilet to help you with equilibrium. Another way is to sit on the toilet normally but lean forward as much as you can, sort of as if you are skiing. This will also relax the bowels. Do this everytime you are in the rest room for a few minutes. It should help.

Here is some more info, in of all places cracked.com. Read #7 http://www.cracked.com/article_19121_7-basic-things-you-wont-believe-youre-all-doing-wrong.html

HIIT also seems to help, as it gets everything pumping and moving.

Constipation can be caused by menstrual cycles as well! But that might not be applicable if you are male. If so, nevermind :)

Are you taking magnesium? Do you squat when you go to the bathroom? Both help me a lot. www.squattpotty.com. I don't think digestive enzymes are gonna help with much except bloating and gas.

Are you taking a probiotic? There are lots of good ones - just be sure to buy one that is stored cold (like found at Whole Foods). You can eat yogurt and drink kefir, but would have to consume a lot (calories and sugar) to match the amount of active units in a good probiotic supplement. Digestive enzymes can help with constipation (along with any bloating) as they help fully digest your food but they aren't a "magic pill." So you can't usually take them with one meal and expect to see a difference. I'd suggest taking a good digestive enzyme along with probiotics for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference. Or just start with a good probiotic for a week or two and see how it helps. I have more information on my web site about enzymes and probiotics at www.enzymeessentials.com Please let me know if you have any questions.