One of the quieter surprises of life after 40 is discovering that your bowels have a personality. Some days they’re chatty, some days they’re on strike, and on too many mornings the “gastrocolic reflex” (that helpful nudge to go after breakfast) seems to have hit the snooze button. The good news: your gut isn’t broken. It’s just working with a slightly older operating system - and there are smart, evidence‑based tweaks that can help make the whole process smoother, softer and more predictable.

The cast of characters in every bowel movement

• Digestive enzymes: Made in the mouth, stomach, pancreas and small intestine, they chop proteins, fats and carbs into absorbable pieces.
• Fibre: From plants, mostly not digested by you. It soaks up water, bulks and softens stools, and keeps things moving. This is the sponge and scaffolding.
• Gut bacteria and their enzymes: Trillions of good bacteria, some with their own enzymes, ferment certain fibres into short‑chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These nourish the gut lining, gently stimulate motility (the “wave” that moves stools along) and influence stool texture. Tiny chemists with impressive CVs.

Why can the conveyor belt slow down after 45

Ageing doesn’t doom you to constipation, but subtle changes add up:

• Slightly weaker digestion in some people (stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes dip a touch).
• Slower gut “wave” (motility) and more time for the colon to reabsorb water - hello, harder stools.
• Some common medications are known to slow bowel movements.
• Less fibre in the diet due to smaller appetites and less fluid intake all mean less bulk and lubrication for stools.
• The microbiome shifts toward fewer helpful species and more opportunists. Studies in older adults show that some have fewer beneficial bacteria and more “opportunistic” species, which may cause sluggish, uncomfortable bowels.

Meet the motility trio: fibre, magnesium and probiotics

• Fibre (especially psyllium): Soluble fibre forms a soft gel, bulks stools and feeds your good bacteria. Studies show that fibre increases stool frequency and improves consistency, with psyllium a frequent front‑runner. It’s important to increase your water intake when increasing fibre in your diet.
• Magnesium salts (such as magnesium hydroxide): It can help draw water into the bowel and can improve stool frequency and softness.
• Probiotics: Some bring their own enzymes, which can help break down food. Different strains of probiotics help to improve gut health in various ways.

Two simple tools that work together

Woods Health Bowel Care Plus and Woods Health Multi Strain Probiotic

Why the pairing makes sense

Psyllium is food; probiotics are the diners. Together, they behave a lot like a synbiotic: fibre feeds the strains, strains make SCFAs, and SCFAs help keep the colon wall happy and the conveyor belt humming. You’re not forcing the system—you’re giving it the inputs it was designed to use.

How fast will I notice a difference?

• Fibre and magnesium: Often within a few days, with fuller effects in 1–2 weeks as your body adjusts.
• Probiotics: Subtler and slower—usually 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. Consistency wins.

A few smart tips:

• You can start on a smaller dose for a few days to help your body get used to it and increase it gradually over time, making sure to drink enough water.
• If you have any medical conditions or are on any medications, please consult your GP before starting any new supplements.

The bottom line

If your bowels have become fashionably late since your 40s, change can happen:

• Try psyllium‑based fibre and magnesium in Bowel Care Plus, as well as a healthy level of water intake (6-8 glasses of water a day) to hydrate and soften stools while supporting muscle function.
• Top up beneficial bacteria with Multi Strain Probiotic to diversify your microbiome and boost SCFA production.
• Layer these on top of a healthy, varied diet and a daily stroll.

Key references

1. Zhang, C. et al. Meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effects of probiotics on functional constipation in adults. Clinical Nutrition. 2020;39(10):2960–2969.
2. Van der Schoot, A. et al. Probiotics and synbiotics in chronic constipation in adults: systematic review and meta‑analysis. Clinical Nutrition. 2022;41(12):2759–2777.
3. Van der Schoot, A. et al. The effect of fibre supplementation on chronic constipation in adults: updated systematic review and meta‑analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2022;116(4):953–969.
4. Dimidi, E. et al. Evidence‑based guidelines for the dietary management of chronic constipation in adults. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2025;84(OCE3):E201.
5. Van der Schoot, A. et al. The effect of food, vitamin, or mineral supplements on chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2023;35(11):e14613.
6. Ohkusa, T. et al. Gut microbiota and chronic constipation: a review and update. Frontiers in Medicine. 2019;6:19.
7. Ding, F. et al. Efficacy in bowel movement and change of gut microbiota on adult functional constipation patients treated with probiotics‑containing products: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. BMJ Open. 2024;14:e074557.