Bloating and cramps are two common symptoms of constipation. Around 2.5 million people visit their doctor each year in the U.S. because they are constipated. It’s usually not serious, and home remedies can get you back on track.
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. But going longer than 3 days without one is usually too long.
After 3 days, your stool gets harder and more difficult to pass. You may have: You also may feel like you need help to empty your bowels, such as pressing on your belly or using a finger to remove stool from your bottom.
Some causes of constipation include:
- Being older: After age 65, your metabolism slows down, the muscles lining your digestive tract that help move stool (poop) along get weaker, and you might be less active.
- Being assigned female at birth: Changes in hormones can affect your digestive system, especially during pregnancy and after giving birth.
- Your unborn baby may press against your intestine and make it harder for you to pass stool.
- Getting little to no activity: Moving your body helps your digestive system work normally.
- Having a mental health condition such as depression or an eating disorder: Not getting enough exercise, not eating a healthy diet, and taking antidepressants or other medications can cause constipation.
- Not eating enough high-fiber foods: Fiber is the part of plant foods that your body can’t digest. It bulks up your stool and helps it move through your intestines.
- Certain medications: Pain medications, antidepressants, antacids, iron pills, allergy medicines, anti-seizure medicines, anti-nausea medicines, blood pressure medicines, and more can cause constipation.
- Certain neurological diseases (of the brain and spinal cord) and some digestive diseases: Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, and diverticulitis, affect your digestive system and cause constipation.
Constipation can usually be fixed with diet and lifestyle changes, such as:
- Taking a laxative: You can buy many laxatives over the counter. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which kind might work for you and how long you should take it.
- Eating more fiber-rich foods: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet to help move stool through your intestines.
- Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help soften stool.
If you live with chronic constipation, try these lifestyle changes and home remedies to help you get regular:
- Massage for constipation: Learn more about massage for constipation, including its risks and benefits, and how it may affect your health.
- Natural remedies: Find out what natural remedies can help alleviate constipation, such as probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids.
Michoes Medical Centre discusses dietary strategies, hydration, and natural remedies to avoid the discomfort of constipation. Find out with this Michoes Medical Centre slideshow what foods are worst for your constipation.
Could squatting instead of sitting be the key to less constipation? Find out if pool stools like the Squatty Potty could make a difference.
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