Are You Constipated?

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, yet it is often misunderstood. Many people think of constipation simply as “not going enough,” but this narrow view can miss the bigger picture. In reality, constipation is frequently a signal that overall gastrointestinal function is not optimized. Someone may have daily bowel movements and still feel constipated due to straining, incomplete evacuation, hard stools, bloating, or discomfort. When we focus only on bowel movement frequency, we risk overlooking deeper issues related to digestion, motility, inflammation, and gut–brain communication.

Research supports this broader perspective. Studies show that improving bowel habits is not just about increasing output, but about addressing how the digestive system functions as a whole. For example, clinical research demonstrates that dietary fiber can improve stool frequency and consistency, yet responses vary widely between individuals. Other studies highlight that whole-food interventions can improve constipation symptoms, but outcomes depend on the person’s unique digestive capacity and tolerance. These findings reinforce an important point: fiber can be helpful, but the type of fiber, the food source, and how it is combined with other foods must be individualized to avoid worsening symptoms like gas, bloating, or discomfort.

For people with chronic or stubborn constipation, advanced gastrointestinal testing can provide valuable insight. Specialized fecal (stool) testing may assess markers of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and microbial balance. This type of testing can help identify whether constipation is connected to low-grade inflammation, impaired digestion, altered gut ecology, or other functional imbalances. Rather than guessing or cycling through generic solutions, targeted testing allows care to be more precise and intentional, especially when symptoms have been present for years or are accompanied by fatigue, pain, or inflammatory conditions.

This is where naturopathic physicians bring particular expertise. Naturopathic medicine is trained to look at digestive health through a systems-based lens, understanding how the gut is influenced by diet, stress physiology, nervous system regulation, inflammation, lifestyle, and personal history. Constipation is rarely an isolated issue; it often reflects how the body is responding to chronic stress, dietary patterns, medications, or long-standing imbalances. Addressing these layers requires time, clinical reasoning, and an individualized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

Dr. Barnett has been working with gastrointestinal health and chronic inflammation for nearly three decades, helping patients uncover why their digestion is not functioning optimally. Rather than offering generic advice, Dr. Barnett takes a deep dive into each patient’s history, stress patterns, and symptom timeline, using advanced testing when appropriate to guide care. Protocols are tailored carefully, recognizing that even beneficial foods or fibers must be selected and combined based on the individual. The goal is not just relief from constipation, but long-term digestive resilience, comfort, and improved overall health.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnett, contact her office at 425-539-0800 or email staff@drclara.com. Her offices are conveniently located in Seattle and Bellevue, and appointments are also available via telemedicine. Most insurance plans are accepted.