Peanut butter does not tend to cause constipation, and the fiber it contains may actually help someone poop. However, the type of peanut butter and other factors may impact a person’s bowel movements.

A Harvard-trained gastroenterologist breaks down the foods that cause constipation and the ones that help relieve it.

Q: I was surprised to read in your column that someone just discovered that chocolate or cocoa could act as a laxative. I discovered that decades ago. One of the things I routinely do if I feel my ...