Causes of Constipation

There just doesn’t seem to be enough time… Often times we do not realize why we may all of a sudden be backed up and very quickly a week will go by.  Constipation, by definition, is having fewer than three bowel movements a week. The causes of this could be lifestyle factors, medications, and illnesses.    

Sitting Too Much has been a modern lifestyle for many.  This sedentary lifestyle isn’t just bad for bowel movements but also your waistline.  Sitting for long periods of time causes one’s colon to get kinked up thus discouraging stool from passing through and thereby leading to constipation.  Gastroenterologists encourage breaks to get up and walk around while also doing some deep squats. 

Dairy Heavy Diet is a way of diet that many choose.  Indeed it is tasty and nutritious.  As a result, many choose this over eating fiber-filled foods, such as whole grains and produce.  For example, those having pizza should complement it with a salad. 

Depression, an illness that will slow down one’s overall metabolism.  On top of that, the medications that are commonly prescribed has a side effect is constipation.  Suggestions of an alternative to medications are cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and meditation are alternatives to taking meds. 

Low-Carb Diets in the modern age have become the mainstream: a popular diet of non-carb/high protein.  This includes Gluten Free Diets that many voluntarily go on.  One of the complaints of low carb diet is constipation.  With a low carb diet, they tend to go on high protein diets and consequently lacking fiber.  It is beneficial to eliminate simple carbs, like sugary treats and white bread.  In order to keep the colon healthy, do eat 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

Too Much Fiber usually refers to those who take fiber pills, or powders rather than from whole food sources.  Skip the pills as it may very well be working against you in the bowel movement departments.  There may be times doctors will remove fiber from diet for a temporary break on your gut. 

Chocolate can be a source of cause for constipation.  There is no solid evidence of this yet.  However, 70% of those who are chocolate lovers says that chocolate is a major offender.  Try skipping it for two weeks and see if there is any improvements. 

Laxatives is the popular solution people go for when constipation hits.  What people don’t realize is that laxatives actually makes that matters worse by making it dependent on laxatives.  It is really only meant to be taken for no more than one week, at most. Longer than a week would risk the vicious cycle of constipation and diarrhea.  Best to treat with lifestyle, exercise, and dietary habits. 

Prescription Medications all have side effects, but a good majority of the most common medications have the side effects of constipation.  Particularly antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, heartburn, blood pressure medications.  For example, heartburn medications rely on either the calcium or magnesium channel.   Those who suffer from constipation side effect best to choose the magnesium channel.  Best to speak with your doctors directly for any side effects that arises. 

Certain Multivitamins that contain high levels of calcium and iron can be extremely constipating.  Those with amounts over the recommended daily dosing will slow down digestion in the large bowel.  Perhaps it is not necessary to take a multi-vitamin everyday.

Painkillers can cause constipation, sometimes major constipation.  All types of painkillers, ranging from over-the-counter to prescription painkillers.   Simply because they bind to the same receptors in the stomach, dulling the entire digestive system and pain at the same time.  It is recommended that one does not take painkiller for over 30 days.  

Out-of-Whack Hormones will cause constipation, as a pregnant woman can surely share with you.  Generally high estrogen and progesterone or low levels of testosterone can cause constipation.  Also, as we age our hormone levels naturally fluctuate.  This can be relieved with the assistance from your doctor. 

Undiagnosed Medical Conditions can cause constipation.  Most common illness that causes constipation is hypothyroidism, as thyroids controls the metabolism.  Therefore low metabolism will cause a slow down in the body as well as in one’s gut.  Other illnesses includes diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease and some cancers.  Constipation is a common condition therefore it is easy to be overlooked.  

In most of these conditions it can be easily rectifiable.  While some may take longer to overcome.  The course of treatment will vary between each situation.  Examine your situation and consult a doctor to see what is the way to overcome your situation. 








Source: 
https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/constipation-causes/   
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253  
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20161110/constipation-kidney-disease-may-be-linked--new-research-shows