Can Drinking Water Alone Clear Up Constipation? The Hidden Cause of Summer Constipation

The wisdom of the Donguibogam can also be clearly explained through modern science. The water we drink does not merely quench thirst; it is a key element that keeps all functions of our body operating smoothly. In particular, its effect on intestinal health and defecation is profound. Our body requires a great deal of moisture in the process of digesting food and absorbing nutrients. When food passes through the stomach and small intestine to reach the large intestine, the large intestine absorbs moisture from the remaining food residue to form stool. If there is insufficient moisture in the body, the large intestine tries to absorb as much moisture as possible, and as a result, the stool becomes hard and dry. Such stool lacking moisture struggles to slide smoothly along the intestinal wall and places a burden on intestinal motility, leading to dyschezia. From a neurological perspective, our gut is governed by the enteric nervous system, often called the second brain. This nervous system regulates intestinal peristalsis—the movement that pushes stool downward—and lack of moisture can reduce the efficiency of this peristalsis. This is because moisture is essential for the smooth functioning of neurotransmitters. A lack of moisture can also cause electrolyte imbalance, which affects nerve signal transmission and can lead to intestinal hypofunction. Furthermore, the gut microbiome is heavily influenced by hydration status. Beneficial bacteria are active in an adequately hydrated environment and produce substances that support gut health. Lack of moisture suppresses the activity of these beneficial bacteria and alters the intestinal environment, which can worsen constipation. Dietary fiber, in particular, plays an important role in expanding in volume and softening stool when combined with water. If water is lacking, one cannot properly obtain these positive effects of dietary fiber. In conclusion, sufficient fluid intake not only increases the volume of stool and softens it, but also promotes intestinal peristalsis and creates a healthy gut microbial environment, playing an essential role in preventing and improving constipation. Rather than drinking water only when feeling thirsty, the habit of consistently consuming a sufficient amount of water throughout the day is the most fundamental and effective way to keep our intestines healthy.