Key takeaways
- Constipation is one of the most common complaints in Ramadan.
- The usual causes are less fluid, less fibre, more fried food and less movement.
- Spreading water across the evening, eating fibre at both meals and walking after iftar help most people.
- Ramadan 2027 is expected to start around 8 February, so it's worth planning now.
In this guide
Why fasting so often causes constipation
- Less fluid. You can only drink between iftar and suhoor, and many people don't make up the difference.
- Less fibre. Iftar tables are often heavy on fried snacks, white rice and sweets, and light on vegetables.
- Less movement. Many people are less active while fasting.
- A changed routine. Your usual toilet time moves, and it's easy to ignore the urge when you're busy or tired.
The NHS constipation page lists the same basic causes, and Ramadan tends to bring them all together.
A simple iftar-to-suhoor routine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Iftar | Break your fast with water and dates, then a vegetable or lentil soup before the main meal |
| After iftar | A 10 to 15 minute walk, even to the mosque, gets things moving |
| Through the evening | Sip water regularly rather than drinking a lot at once; aim for pale yellow urine |
| Suhoor | Oats, wholegrain bread, fruit or yoghurt, plus a glass or two of water |
| Toilet time | Give yourself unhurried time after suhoor or iftar, and don't ignore the urge |
Tip: resting your feet on a low stool when you're on the toilet, so your knees are higher than your hips, can make going easier. The NHS suggests this too.
Foods that help and foods that don't
| More of these | Less of these |
|---|---|
| Dates, figs, prunes and fresh fruit | Samosas, pakoras and other fried snacks |
| Lentil, chickpea and bean dishes | Large portions of white rice and white bread |
| Vegetables and salad at every meal | Sweets and sugary drinks |
| Oats, wholemeal roti and brown rice | Lots of strong tea or coffee late at night |
If you'd like more on fibre timing in Ramadan, see our Ramadan fibre routine, and for general gut tips, gut health during Ramadan.
If you need extra help
A pharmacist can advise on short-term options. The main types work in different ways:
- Bulk-forming fibre (such as psyllium) needs plenty of water, which can be tricky in Ramadan
- Osmotic products draw water into the bowel; magnesium works in a similar way
- Stimulant laxatives are for occasional, short-term use
Our guide to magnesium for constipation explains the different forms.
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When to see a GP
- Blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom
- A change in bowel habit that lasts more than 3 weeks
- Tummy pain that doesn't go away, or weight loss you can't explain
- Constipation that doesn't improve with these changes
If you take regular medicines or have diabetes, plan Ramadan with your GP or pharmacist in advance.
Questions people ask
Is constipation normal during Ramadan?
It's very common, mostly because fluid, fibre and activity all drop. Small changes usually fix it.
Do dates help with constipation?
Dates contain fibre, so they're a good start to iftar. Pair them with water, vegetables and pulses through the evening.
Does taking a laxative break the fast?
Anything taken by mouth during fasting hours breaks the fast, so take any product between iftar and suhoor.
How much water should I drink in Ramadan?
Enough that your urine is pale yellow by suhoor. Spread it across the evening rather than drinking it all at once.
Can I take psyllium husk in Ramadan?
Yes, but only with plenty of water in your eating window. Taking fibre without enough fluid can make constipation worse.
Sources: NHS: constipation · NHS: how to get more fibre · GB NHC register
This article is general information, not medical or religious advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. If you have a medical condition or take medication, speak to your GP before Ramadan.
