Causes of constipation due to lifestyle

Constipation is trouble passing stools regularly or having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. The stools become usually hard, dry, small in size and difficult to eliminate.

 It is a very discomforting feeling. We know that at some point of life everyone deals with it but if the constipation is persistent you need to pay attention to the reason that’s causing it. Yes, laxatives and medications are available for the treatment but not eliminating the root cause and continuously depending on the laxatives for a long period of time is not a good idea.

Let’s identify the causes of constipation:- 

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Diet lacking in fiber

Lack of fiber in diet is one of the common causes of constipation. Fiber is present in raw fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is also seen in older adults as they avoid eating raw foods and also people who eat more junk and processed food are more prone to face constipation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:- 

In IBS both constipation and diarrhea is seen as spasm and muscle cramps in IBS in colon affects bowel movement. Real cause of IBS is unknown but it is also linked to food allergies, hormones and stress issues.

Not taking liquids:- 

Not drinking enough water or not taking any other forms of liquids  can impact your colon as fluids in colon help to bulk the stools and also make them softer and easy to pass. So make sure you are keeping a check on your hydration levels. 

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Laxatives abuse:- 

Laxatives helps in treating constipation but taking them regularly can be habit building, as your stools can become dependent on them for bowel movements and it also can starts impacting your nerve cells in the colon.

Hormonal Disorder:-

Different hormones also play a role in causing constipation, like during pregnancy women may be constipated because of a heavy uterus. Thyroid hormone can also impact your bowel movement. At a time of menstrual cycle women go through this because of high progesterone levels.

Ignoring the urge to have bowel movements:- 

If you are somebody who has been ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, with time this can be or has already become the cause of constipation for you. Some people ignore the urge because of hygiene issues, too busy schedule etc but ignoring the urge for too long may eventually lead to stop feeling the urge.

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Sedentary lifestyle/physical inactivity:-

People who spend most of their time in a seated position and people who don't give importance to physical activity also face constipation because it makes the digestion process very slow which impacts your bowel movement. Physical activity or being active supports every function in our body, be it mental health, physical health or your colon. 

Treatments are always available but what’s important is to know the root cause and start working in the right path to achieve a healthy body inside out.