There are many potential causes of chronic constipation that many people are not aware of. Here is a list of common causes (and some not so common causes) of chronic constipation.
Lifestyle and Diet
The most common causes of constipation are a poor diet and lack of physical activity. Involved factors include:
- a diet heavy in processed foods (because they are high in fat and sugar)
- a diet heavy in meat and dairy products
- a diet lacking in high-fiber foods
- too much alcohol or caffeine
- not drinking enough water and other fluids
- ignoring when you need to use the bathroom
- a lack of exercise
Here are some lifestyle changes that, if incorporated, may help you to eliminate your constipation:
- eat more high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- take a fiber supplement with a tall glass of water each day (increases fiber and water/fluid intake)
- do some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day; even going for a simple walk can be enough
- go to the bathroom as soon as you feel you have to
- try to avoid alcohol and caffeine
Underlying Conditions
If lifestyle and diet changes aren’t helping, it may be time to visit a doctor.
In some cases (but not all), chronic constipation may be a result of:
- hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- diabetes
- irritable bowel syndrome
- anxiety
- depression
- pregnancy
- hypercalcemia (too much calcium in your bloodstream)
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- bowel obstruction
- bowel cancel
- spinal cord injury
- stroke
Medications
Sometimes, medications can be the cause of chronic constipation. Here is a list of medications that may cause constipation:
- opiate painkillers (including codeine, morphine)
- calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure and heart disease
- anticholinergic agents for treating muscle spasms
- drugs for treating epilepsy
- tricyclic antidepressants
- drugs for treating Parkinson’s disease
- diuretics, used for helping kidneys remove fluid from the blood
- antacids for dealing with stomach acids, especially those high in calcium
- calcium supplements
- iron supplements for treating anemia
- antidiarrheal agents
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