Constipation affects many people and can be a source of discomfort and frustration. Learning about the potential causes of constipation, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, and certain medical conditions, can help you deal with your symptoms more effectively.
1 Insufficient fiber in the diet : Increase fiber intake by consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Eating plenty of high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation. Fiber adds bulk to stools, which makes them easier to pass. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals are all good sources of fiber. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help soften the stool.2 Dehydration: Drink more water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water can cause constipation. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation and drinking lots of fluid and water helps keep stools soft and avoid hard, dry, difficult-to-pass stools. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to ensure you are properly hydrated and your body is able to form regular bowel movements.
3 Lack of physical activity : Regular exercise can help to stimulate the muscles in the gut and encourage bowel movements. Not getting enough physical activity is another major cause of constipation. Exercise helps with digestion and prevents constipation, since it gets the intestinal muscles moving. Regular physical activity also relaxes the abdominal muscles, which can help a person pass their stool more easily. To prevent or treat constipation, it's important to make sure you include at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your routine three times a week.
4 Certain medications: Some medications, such as opioids and certain antidepressants, can cause constipation. Talk to your doctor about alternatives or a change in dosage. Many prescription or over-the-counter drugs, such as antispasmodics, painkillers and calcium supplements, can cause constipation. Some of these medications slow down the digestive system or reduce the amount of fluid produced in the intestines. If you take any of these medications, talk to your doctor about how they may be affecting your digestion. They may recommend a medication that won't cause constipation or adjust your dosage.
5 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause chronic constipation. A low FODMAP diet, probiotics, and other therapies may help. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic digestive disorder and can cause constipation. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea. Treatment typically includes medication to reduce abdominal pain and cramping, along with dietary changes and stress reduction.
Colon cancer is a serious condition that affects the large intestine, and it is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. Persistent or severe constipation can be a symptom of colon cancer, and it is important to catch it early for better treatment outcome. Other underlying medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also cause constipation, and it's important to rule these out as well.
It's also important to mention that, constipation can also be caused by lifestyle factors such as a low-fiber diet, lack of physical activity, and dehydration. However, if you have persistent or severe constipation, especially if you are over 50 years old, it is important to consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall health.
- Increasing fiber and fluid intake
- Regular physical activity
- Over-the-counter laxatives, such as stool
- softeners or stimulants
- Prescription medications such as linaclotide (Linzess) or plecanatide (Trulance)
- Probiotics
- Biofeedback therapy
- Acupuncture
- Surgery (in rare cases)