Course : Mastering Constipation

What You’ll Learn:

1. Defining and Differentiating Constipation

Learn how to distinguish between functional constipation, IBS-C, and secondary causes such as medications or metabolic conditions. Understand how these subtypes differ in presentation, mechanisms, and treatment approaches.

2. Recognizing Functional Subtypes and Diagnostic Criteria

Master the use of the Rome IV criteria and learn how to accurately identify functional constipation and other related disorders. Clarify what truly defines constipation beyond simple stool frequency.

3. Beyond Frequency

Discover how to assess stool quality and consistency using the Bristol Stool Chart, and learn key talking points to help clients understand what “normal” really means. Explore how stool shape, color, and odor can provide valuable insights into gut function and overall health.

4. Understanding Prevalence and Clinical Impact

Examine how widespread constipation is across populations, its impact on quality of life, and why it’s often underrecognized or undertreated in clinical practice.

5. Differential Diagnosis: What Can Present as Constipation?

Dive into the main functional, mechanical, metabolic, and neurological conditions that can mimic or exacerbate constipation. Learn to identify red flags and determine when to refer clients for further medical evaluation.

6. Applying Core Concepts in Practice

Integrate your understanding into everyday consultations — from asking the right questions and interpreting stool patterns to developing a structured, confident approach to assessing constipation.

1. How the Gut Moves

Gain a clear understanding of colonic anatomy and the key structures involved in motility, from segmental movements to the gastrocolic reflex.

2. Water, Electrolytes, Bile Acids

Learn how hydration, electrolyte balance, and bile acids work together to shape stool consistency and maintain regularity.

3. Microbiota and Motility

Explore how gut microbes and short-chain fatty acids influence motility, stool form, and constipation patterns.

4. The Gut–Brain Axis

Explore how stress, emotional state, and vagal tone affect colonic activity. Understand the role of the gut–brain axis, the HPA axis, and how chronic stress or low vagal tone can slow transit.

5. Circadian Rhythm and Timing of Bowel Movements

Understand how sleep, meal timing, and routine can optimize the body’s natural elimination cycles and support consistent bowel movements.

6. Bringing It All Together

Connect physiology with clinical practice and strengthen your ability to educate and empower clients to understand what’s happening inside their gut.

1. Understanding Fiber Beyond Soluble and Insoluble

Explore how viscosity, fermentability, and osmotic properties determine fiber function — and why not all fibers act the same.

2. When Too Much Fiber Backfires

Recognize when excessive or poorly timed fiber intake worsens constipation, and how hydration and fiber distribution can make or break success.

3. Hydration and Dietary Fats

Learn how optimal fluid intake and healthy fats support stool softening, bile flow, and gut motility.

4. Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors

Assess how movement, sleep, meal timing, and bathroom habits directly influence bowel regularity and comfort.

5. Supplements: Evidence vs. Marketing

Identify which products have clinical backing — and which rely on marketing rather than research.

From psyllium to magnesium to iberogast to vitamin C to aloe vera, etc.

6. Medications for Constipation

Review the main pharmacological options, their mechanisms, and when collaboration with a physician is warranted.

7. From Knowledge to Action

Integrate nutrition, physiology, and behavior into clear, personalized strategies that deliver measurable results for your clients.