Common Causes of Constipation

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

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Constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, often leading to hard, small stools that are tough to pass. You might feel bloated and experience abdominal discomfort, along with the frustration of repeated trips to the bathroom without results. While constipation is a symptom, not a disease, it’s important to understand what causes it and how to manage or prevent it. Here are some common causes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that affects the colon. For many people with IBS, constipation is a recurring issue. The body struggles to digest certain foods, particularly highly refined ones like white bread and processed grains, leading to blockages. If you have IBS, making changes to your diet, like adding more fiber, can help. Fiber supplements or high-fiber foods can ease digestion and help prevent constipation.

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Eating Disorders

Constipation is often linked to poor nutrition, which is a common issue for those with eating disorders. Restricting food intake or purging can disrupt normal bowel movements, causing blockages. While some may turn to laxatives to help, this can make things worse over time. With proper nutrition and recovery from the eating disorder, bowel function usually improves, and constipation becomes less of a problem.

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Low Fiber Diet

Fiber plays a crucial role in keeping bowel movements regular and supporting healthy digestion. Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains provide the fiber necessary for smooth bowel function. If your diet is low in fiber, you may find yourself struggling with constipation. Adding fiber-rich foods, like citrus fruits and legumes, or taking a fiber supplement, can stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and promote better digestion.

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Excess Dairy Consumption

Eating too much dairy, such as milk, cheese, or yogurt, can lead to constipation. Dairy products contain proteins and lactose that can cause bloating and make bowel movements harder to pass. Cutting back on dairy or switching to alternatives like almond or oat milk may help relieve constipation and improve your overall digestive health.

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Chronic Diseases

People with conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis may experience chronic constipation. These diseases can affect how the nerves or muscles in the digestive system work, making bowel movements difficult. Any disease that impacts the abdominal area, especially those related to inflammation, can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including constipation.

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Stress

Stress is a major factor that can trigger constipation. When you’re stressed, your body may not function as well, affecting everything from your diet to your activity level. Stress can also disrupt the brain-gut connection, slowing down digestion and leading to uncomfortable bloating or constipation. Managing stress with techniques like exercise, meditation, or talking to a professional can help alleviate this problem.

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Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid gland controls many functions in the body, including metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive, a condition known as hypothyroidism, your body’s processes slow down, including digestion. This slowdown can lead to constipation. If you suspect hypothyroidism is the cause of your constipation, medication to regulate your hormone levels can help get things back on track.

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Ignoring the Urge to Go

Holding in bowel movements can lead to constipation. If you frequently ignore the urge to go, it can become harder for your body to pass stools naturally. Conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures can also make bowel movements painful, which may lead people to avoid using the bathroom. Being in an unfamiliar environment, such as traveling, can also cause people to hold it in, which only makes constipation worse. Fortunately, this is usually a temporary problem, and normal bowel function should return once the discomfort is addressed.

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