Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, and we often blame lack of fiber or dehydration as the main culprits. While these are important, there’s another cause that rarely gets talked about—stool pH and methane-producing gut microbes.
If you feel like you’ve tried everything—drinking more water, eating more fiber, and still struggling with bloating and sluggish digestion—it might be time to look deeper.
The 3 Major Causes of Constipation
1️⃣ Lack of Fiber & Fluid – These are the most well-known causes. Fiber adds bulk to stool, and water helps it move smoothly through the intestines. Without enough of both, digestion slows down.
2️⃣ Altered Stool pH – The pH of your stool affects how efficiently food moves through your gut. A too-alkaline pH can lead to constipation, making it harder for waste to pass through.
3️⃣ Methane-Producing Microbes (Methanogens) – The most overlooked cause of constipation.
What Are Methanogens & How Do They Affect Digestion?
Methanogens are tiny microbes in your gut that produce methane gas. They aren’t bacteria but belong to a different group of microorganisms called archaea.
Here’s how they work:✔️ When bacteria in your gut ferment fiber, they produce hydrogen gas.✔️ Methanogens consume this hydrogen and convert it into methane.✔️ In small amounts, this is completely normal. But when methane levels get too high, it slows down your gut movement.
Think of your intestines like a busy highway. Normally, food moves through in a smooth, rhythmic pattern (called peristalsis). But methane disrupts this movement—causing some areas of the gut to contract too strongly while others barely move.
🚦 The result? A sluggish digestive system, bloating, and chronic constipation.
How Do You Know If Methane Is the Problem?
The good news? It’s easy to find out!
A simple functional gut test (such as a breath test) can measure methane levels in your digestive system. If methane is high, you can take a targeted approach to bring it back into balance—rather than guessing and trying different treatments that may not work.
What to Do If You Have High Methane Levels?
If a test confirms methane overgrowth, there are a few strategies that may help:
🚫 Reduce Certain Fibers
Resistant starch (found in cooled potatoes, rice, and green bananas) may increase methane production in some people.
Inulin (found in onions, garlic, and chicory root) may also contribute to methane levels.
🌿 Consider Gut-Supportive Probiotics
Some research suggests Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 may help reduce methane levels.
💧 Hydration & Movement Are Key
Drinking enough water and staying active can support gut motility and reduce constipation.
Don’t Guess—Get Tested!
If you’ve been struggling with constipation and bloating for years, trying different diets, supplements, and fiber without lasting relief, a functional gut test could give you real answers.
📌 Why testing matters:✔️ No more trial and error – A test tells you exactly what’s happening in your gut.✔️ Saves money – Instead of spending on unnecessary supplements or diets that don’t work.✔️ Faster results – When you know the cause, you can take the right steps for your gut.
🌱 Personalised medicine is the future of gut health. Every gut is unique, and the best approach is one tailored to YOU.
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