Constipation isn't the most exciting subject, but it's a common experience we all deal with at some point. Whether it's an occasional annoyance or a persistent struggle, it can leave you feeling uncomfortable and drained.
The important thing to know is that you are not alone! In fact, constipation is estimated to affect 1 in 7 adults globally and is twice as common in women as in men and affects about 40% of pregnant women.
We've answered some of the most common questions
1. What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation?
Constipation isn’t just about how often you go, it’s about how you feel. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Not having a bowel movement at least once per day
- Hard, dry, or pebble-like stools
- Straining or pain during bowel movements
- Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels
- Bloating or discomfort in your abdomen
- A sense of fullness or heaviness in your lower abdomen
In severe cases, you might experience nausea, sharp pain, fatigue loss of appetite, diarrhea from overflow, or even small amounts of blood from straining. If these symptoms persist or worsen, its time to clear your colon and get things moving.
2. Am I The Only One Dealing With This?
Not at all! Constipation is super common. Around 16% of adults worldwide experience chronic constipation and in the USA it leads to millions of doctor visits each year. Women are more likely to report it than men, possibly due to hormonal changes, and it’s especially common during pregnancy or as we age. Even kids can deal with it - about 1 in 3 children experience constipation at some point. So, you’re definitely not alone!
3. What Causes Constipation?
Constipation can be caused by a range of factors that slow down your digestive system. Here are the usual suspects:
- Stress: Stress can lead to constipation by triggering the "fight or flight" response, which slows down digestive processes. This can result in reduced bowel movements and increased muscle tension in the intestines, making it harder to pass stool.
- Dietary issues: Not getting enough fibre is a big one. Fibre helps add bulk to your stool and keeps it moving through your intestines. Without it, especially if you’re eating a lot of processed foods, things can slow down.
- Dehydration: Water softens stools. Not drinking enough, or not drinking the right type of water, can make stools hard and tough to pass.
- Lack of movement: A sedentary lifestyle can slow your gut down. Your intestines can be stimulated by physical activity to help keep things flowing.
- Medications: Some medications, like antibiotics, painkillers, antidepressants, and even iron supplements, can cause constipation as a side effect.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like anxiety and depression, inflammation, auto-immune conditions, or diabetes can mess with bowel function.
- Ignoring the Urge: Holding it in trains your body to keep stools longer than it should.
- Pregnancy or Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts can slow digestion, especially during pregnancy or menstruation.
4. Can Constipation Be Dangerous?
Yes!
Constipation is more than just an inconvenience, it can have significant health implications if left untreated. When stool remains in the colon for an extended period, toxins are re-absorbed into the bloodstream and redistributed around the body. A toxic bowel can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and toxins.
5. Can Constipation Be Diagnosed?
Yes! Here are a few ways your health practitioner can diagnose constipation.
Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any medical conditions you have. They may inquire about your diet, fluid intake, physical activity, and any medications or supplements you're taking.
Physical Examination: The practitioner will check your vitals and inspect your abdomen for compaction, swelling, tenderness, or lumps. They may also listen to intestinal sounds using a stethoscope.
Imaging: In some cases, imaging studies like X-rays or a ultrasounds may be needed to look for blockages or other issues in the digestive tract.
Lab Tests: Blood tests can show signs of anemia, hypothyroidism, or celiac disease. Stool tests can detect blood, infections, or inflammation.
Symptom Tracking: Keeping a record of your bowel movements, stool consistency, and any related symptoms can help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
6. Can I Become Dependent on Chemical Laxatives?
Chemical laxatives can be a quick fix for mild constipation, but over time, they can lead to dependency, further constipation and make your bowel "lazy." Here's how it happens:
Chemical laxatives, particularly stimulant laxatives, work by stimulating the lining of the intestines. This causes the muscles in the intestines to contract more frequently and forcefully, which helps move stool through the digestive tract. While this can be effective for occasional use, frequent or long-term use can lead to problems.
Reduced Natural Muscle Activity: When you use stimulant laxatives regularly, your intestines become reliant on the artificial stimulation to move stool. Over time, the natural muscle contractions (peristalsis) in your intestines can weaken because they are not being used as much. This condition is often referred to as "lazy bowel syndrome" or "laxative dependency."
Tolerance Development: Just like with many other medications, your body can develop a tolerance to laxatives. This means that over time, you may need to take larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. This can further weaken the natural muscle activity in your intestines.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Frequent use of laxatives can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in your body, such as sodium and potassium. These electrolytes are crucial for muscle function, including the muscles in your intestines. An imbalance can further impair the ability of your intestines to contract and move stool naturally.
Dehydration: Laxatives can cause dehydration by drawing water into the intestines and away from the rest of your body. Dehydration can lead to harder stools and make constipation worse, creating a cycle of dependency on laxatives.
7. Why is Fibre Not Fixing It?
Fibre is often recommended for constipation because it adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the intestines. However, if your stools are already hard or dry, adding more fibre might not be the best solution. In fact, adding fibre can make things worse. If your stools are already hard and dry, adding more bulk without sufficient water can make them even harder and more difficult to pass.
This is where taking a natural solution like ConstaClear can help. Made from magnesium oxide, ConstaClear is a mineral-based supplement that can help soften and pass stools naturally.
Want to learn other ways to get relief naturally? Download our FREE guide today.
