Bacterial Constipation: Could a Mucus Problem Be Behind Yours?

I'm a degree-qualified naturopath with extensive experience in complex gut health conditions, and in this episode I'm looking at new research on "bacterial constipation" — a possible reason constipation doesn't improve with more fibre, water, magnesium, or even laxatives. A 2026 study in Gut Microbes found that two common gut bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, working together, can break down the protective mucus layer in the colon of mice and cause constipation. In this episode, I walk through what the research showed, what it doesn't show yet, and why I'm cautious about blanket advice on Akkermansia. —— What we cover: ✔ What "bacterial constipation" is, and how two gut bacteria may break down the colon's mucus layer ✔ Why the mouse evidence is strong, and why the human evidence is still early ✔ Why a low-fibre diet may matter for the mucus barrier, and the caveat in this study ✔ Akkermansia: why it isn't simply good or bad, and why "it depends" ✔ Why no naturopathic or dietary intervention has been tested against this mechanism yet ✔ What shotgun metagenomic stool testing can show, and why a result needs interpreting ✔ Why constipation is rarely just one thing, and where to start if nothing has given you lasting relief —— If this sounds like your situation, I'd love to help you work out what's actually driving it. Book a consultation with me and let's work out why. —— Links: 📅 Book a 1:1 consultation with Lynda: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/book-an... 📖 Get Things Moving — Evidence-based guide to overcoming constipation: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/product... 🍵 BetterMe Tea: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/shop/ 🎙 Love & Guts Podcast on Apple: 🎙 Love & Guts Podcast on Spotify: —— Research referenced in this episode: 1. Hamaguchi T, et al. Bacterial constipation: Mucin-degrading intestinal commensal bacteria cause constipation. Gut Microbes. 2026. doi:10.1080/19490976.2025.2596809 2. Panzetta ME, Valdivia RH. Akkermansia in the gastrointestinal tract as a modifier of human health. Gut Microbes. 2024;16(1):2406379. 3. Desai MS, Seekatz AM, Koropatkin NM, et al. A dietary fiber-deprived gut microbiota degrades the colonic mucus barrier and enhances pathogen susceptibility. Cell. 2016;167(5):1339-1353. 4. Zhou K. Strategies to promote abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, an emerging probiotic in the gut, evidence from dietary intervention studies. J Funct Foods. 2017;33:194-201. —— ABOUT ME Degree-qualified naturopath with extensive experience in complex gut health conditions, including IBS, SIBO, IMO, chronic constipation, and bloating. I use advanced Microba shotgun metagenomics testing — analysing thousands of bacterial species compared to the ~50 detected by standard tests — to investigate root causes in depth. —— University of Tasmania Roll of Excellence 2024 | Bachelor of Medicines Management ProfHonsCM | Host of the Love & Guts Podcast | Creator of BetterMe Tea | Telehealth consultations available Australia-wide & internationally. —— ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or health routine. #BacterialConstipation #Constipation #GutHealth #Akkermansia #Microbiome #Naturopath #LoveAndGuts