Common Causes
The 17 Best Foods to Relieve Constipation
- Prunes. Dried plums, known as prunes, are widely used as a natural remedy for constipation. ...
- Apples. Apples are rich in fiber. ...
- Pears. Pears are another fruit rich in fiber, with about 5.5 grams of fiber in a medium-sized fruit (about 178 grams).
- Kiwi. ...
- Figs. ...
- Citrus fruits. ...
- Spinach and other greens. ...
- Jerusalem artichoke and chicory. ...
- Artichoke. ...
- Rhubarb. ...
Related Conditions
What are the common causes of constipation?
- Not drinking enough water. Dehydration is a major cause of constipation. ...
- Poor nutrition and dietary habits. Not getting enough fiber is also a major cause of constipation. ...
- Not getting enough exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to constipation. ...
- Change in routine. ...
- Medications. ...
- Other health conditions. ...
What is the best natural way to relieve constipation?
- Dairy products: It is best to avoid dairy when feeling constipated. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are foods that have a long history of causing constipation. ...
- Red meat: Red meat is heavy in fat and does not contain fiber. Foods high in saturated fats move through the intestines slowly and impair digestion. ...
- Gluten-containing foods: Processed foods have very little fiber, and many of them also contain gluten such as cookies, breads, pastas, and baked goods. ...
What are the most common reasons for constipation?
- If you can eat peanut butter, do. The paste will dry your mouth and help you take in some important sips of water.
- Try iced water with a straw and some tangy Tazo passion tea — it helps many people keep down sips of water better.
- Go for the fizzy stuff. ...
- Pour yourself a cup of joe. ...
What foods usually cause constipation?
How to make yourself poop immediately and relieve constipation?
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How do you get rid of constipation?
Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.Drink more water. ... Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber. ... Exercise more. ... Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. ... Take Senna, an herbal laxative. ... Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. ... Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.More items...
What foods cause constipation?
7 Foods That Can Cause ConstipationAlcohol. Alcohol is frequently mentioned as a likely cause of constipation. ... Gluten-containing foods. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and triticale. ... Processed grains. ... Milk and dairy products. ... Red meat. ... Fried or fast foods. ... Persimmons.
What are four common causes of constipation?
Some of the most common causes of constipation include the following:Medications.Lack of exercise.Not enough liquids.Not enough fiber in the diet.Irritable bowel syndrome.Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.Changes in habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age.Problems with intestinal function.More items...
How long is too long to be constipated?
A person should talk with their doctor if they go more than a week without pooping, if the constipation lasts for more than 3 consecutive months, or if it does not respond to at-home treatment. Children and pregnant women should receive medical care if they experience bowel symptoms for more than a few weeks.
What should you not eat when constipated?
A:When you are constipated, it's best to avoid foods that are low in fiber and high in fat. This includes cheese, ice cream, potato chips, frozen meals, red meat, and hamburgers and hot dogs. Many processed foods have little to no fiber and will stall food passing through the bowel.
Is banana good for constipation?
Bananas are high in fiber Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation ( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).
What are the worst symptoms of constipation?
Signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include:Passing fewer than three stools a week.Having lumpy or hard stools.Straining to have bowel movements.Feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements.Feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum.More items...•
Should I keep eating if constipated?
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
How much water do you need to drink to relieve constipation?
Drink more water "You should aim to drink between eight and 10 glasses of water or non-caffeinated drinks each day. And if you already are, two to four extra glasses of water a day may help ease constipation," says Dr. Johal.
What food will help me poop?
15 Healthy Foods That Help You PoopApples. Apples are a good source of fiber, with one small apple (5.3 ounces or 149 grams) providing 3.6 grams of fiber ( 2 ). ... Prunes. Prunes are often used as a natural laxative — and for good reason. ... Kiwi. ... Flax seeds. ... Pears. ... Beans. ... Rhubarb. ... Artichokes.More items...
Where does feces go when constipated?
In most cases, as food moves through your colon, the colon absorbs water while it makes stool. Muscle movements (contractions) push the stool toward your rectum. When the stool gets to the rectum, most of the water has been soaked up. The stool is now solid.
Can you be constipated and still poop?
Can You Be Constipated and Still Poop? Yes. It's possible that you can be constipated, yet still have bowel movements. Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.
How to prevent constipation?
Include plenty of high-fiber foods in your diet, including beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereals and bran. Eat fewer foods with low amounts of fiber such as processed foods, and dairy and meat products. Drink plenty of fluids.
Why is my stool hard and dry?
Causes. Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry. Chronic constipation has many possible causes.
How to get bowel movements out of rectum?
Straining to have bowel movements. Feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements. Feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum. Needing help to empty your rectum, such as using your hands to press on your abdomen and using a finger to remove stool from your rectum. ...
How to get rid of a swollen bowel?
Eat fewer foods with low amounts of fiber such as processed foods, and dairy and meat products. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay as active as possible and try to get regular exercise. Try to manage stress. Don't ignore the urge to pass stool. Try to create a regular schedule for bowel movements, especially after a meal.
What causes a small tear in the skin around the anus?
Causes include: Tiny tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissure) A blockage in the intestines (bowel obstruction) Colon cancer. Narrowing of the colon (bowel stricture) Other abdominal cancer that presses on the colon. Rectal cancer.
Can constipation cause bowel movement?
Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also cause people to strain excessively in order to have a bowel movement.
What are the conditions that affect the balance of hormones in the body?
Hormones help balance fluids in your body. Diseases and conditions that upset the balance of hormones may lead to constipation, including: Diabetes. Overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) Pregnancy.
What antidepressants cause constipation?
Constipation can be associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as Prozac (fluo xetine).
How to slow down digestion?
A diet high in cheese and other low-fiber/high-fat foods such as eggs and meat can slow down your digestion. The obvious solution? Cut down on your intake of such foods, and increase fiber intake to 20 to 35 grams a day.
Can IBD cause diarrhea?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions—Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can cause cramping, weight loss, bloody stools, and other health problems. Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of both. However constipation can be a problem too.
Does aspirin cause constipation?
Some studies (but not all) have suggested that there might be a higher risk of constipation for people who are chronic users of pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Can irritable bowel syndrome cause constipation?
People with irritable bowel syndrome, which can be closely linked to depression, are also prone to constipation, Dr. Park says.
Is constipation a symptom of diarrhea?
Chronic diarrhea is a common symptom of both. However cons tipation can be a problem too.
Can you take laxatives longer than prescribed?
Don’t take any medication—including laxatives—for longer than instructed by either the product’s label or your doctor.
How do you know if you have constipation?
Symptoms of constipation may include. fewer than three bowel movements a week. stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy. stools that are difficult or painful to pass . a feeling that not all stool has passed.
What medications make constipation worse?
that can make constipation worse include. antacids that contain aluminum and calcium. anticholinergics and antispasmodics. anticonvulsants—used to prevent seizures. calcium channel blockers. NIH external link. diuretics. iron supplements. NIH external link.
What does it mean when you have blood in your stool?
blood in your stool. constant pain in your abdomen. inability to pass gas. vomiting. fever. lower back pain. losing weight without trying. You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and constant pain in your abdomen.
What is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases?
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
Why do women get constipated?
Being a woman, especially while you are pregnant and after childbirth. Changes in a woman’s hormones make them more prone to constipation. The baby inside the womb squishes the intestines, slowing down the passage of stool.
How to help with constipation?
Some recommendations to help relieve your constipation include: Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Add fruits, vegetables whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your diet. Eat fewer high-fat foods, like meat, eggs and cheese.
What are the features of constipation?
Other key features that usually define constipation include: Your stools are dry and hard. Your bowel movement is painful and stools are difficult to pass. You have a feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
How to stop constipation from becoming a chronic problem?
Use the same home-based methods you used to treat constipation to prevent it from becoming a chronic problem: Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.
Why does my stool get hard?
If you have constipation, food may move too slowly through the digestive tract. This gives the colon more time – too much time – to absorb water from the waste. The stool becomes dry, hard, and difficult to push out. Pathway of food waste through colon, rectum and anus.
How many times a week do you have bowel movements?
However, how often you “go” varies widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day while others have them only one to two times a week. Whatever your bowel movement pattern is, it’s unique and normal for you – as long ...
What is the term for an infection in the pouches of the colon?
An infection in pouches that sometimes form off the colon wall from stool that has become trapped and infected (a condition called diverticulitis)
Lifestyle factors for Constipation and defecation problems
Your daily practices may cause you wile or woe. Common life habits that are upheld by individuals have several effects on their health. Among these complication lies constipation. Here is a list of lifestyle practices that can complicate your state of bowel movement.
Prescription Medications that cause constipation
Here are some drugs that will affect your frequency to pass stools, therefore you may consider taking alternative therapies.
Health conditions that may cause constipation
During pregnancy, there is an increase in production of progesterone hormone in the woman’s body. Progesterone loosens the bowels by reducing muscle contractions in the intestines, making them weak to squeeze out the stool.
What are the risk factors of constipation?
The risk of becoming constipated increase with an increase in age. Research shows that every 1 or 2 adults past the age of 80 suffer from constipation. Individuals past the age of 40 also have a higher risk of developing IBS, which is also another condition that causes chronic constipation.
What causes constipation in the digestive tract?
Nerve signaling problems: Neurological (nerve) problems can impact the movement of stool in the digestive tract. Constipation can be an issue for people with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic muscle weakness and other muscle function problems are a major contributor to constipation.
How to treat constipation?
The good news is that if you have mild constipation, simple lifestyle changes can help manage the condition. Prevention tips include: 1 Increasing your fiber intake: Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all help improve gut function. If you have bowel sensitivity, you’ll want to avoid high-fructose fruits, such as apples, pears and watermelon, which can cause gas. 2 Getting more exercise: Regular exercise can help keep stool moving through the colon. 3 Drinking more water: Aim for eight glasses daily, and avoid caffeine, as it can be dehydrating. 4 Go when you feel like it: When you feel the urge to go, don’t wait.
How many bowel movements per week for constipation?
She points out that the medical definition of constipation actually requires a person to have just one of many symptoms that include: Fewer than three bowel movements per week. Straining to start or complete a bowel movement. Stool consistency that looks like rocks and pebbles. A feeling of incomplete emptying.
How to get rid of gas in the colon?
If you have bowel sensitivity, you’ll want to avoid high-fructose fruits, such as apples, pears and watermelon, which can cause gas. Getting more exercise: Regular exercise can help keep stool moving through the colon. Drinking more water: Aim for eight glasses daily, and avoid caffeine, as it can be dehydrating.
Can exercise cause constipation?
If increasing fiber intake, exercise and hydration don’t solve the problem, your constipation may be characterized as chronic . Depending on the cause of chronic constipation, you may need physical therapy or even low-dose laxatives to treat the problem.
What causes constipation in the body?
3. Your Routine. Changes in your daily routine are a major cause of constipation. Changes in the food you eat, as well as getting less exercise than normal can cause constipation. Long periods of sitting—like on an airplane—can contribute. Dehydration plays a part, too.
What is constipation a sign of?
That means it's a sign of something else—something that is causing irregular bowel movements. For some people, constipation is a sign of irritable bowel syndrome, which requires medical treatment.
What is constipation in the nervous system?
Constipation can be a warning sign of a more serious problem. This includes nervous system diseases like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. A growth or other conditions narrowing your colon also could be a cause. So, be safe and have your doctor check to see if anything is wrong.
How many people have IBS?
IBS is a common condition. As many as 15% of Americans have it. Abdominal pain and diarrhea are among the symptoms, but constipation can be a major symptom of IBS, too. If you have these symptoms at least three times a month for at least three months, ask you doctor if IBS might be involved.
Can pregnant women get constipated?
About half of all pregnant women suffer with constipation. As a baby grows, it puts pressure on the digestive tract. Hormonal changes from pregnancy and taking iron supplements also contribute. The best remedy is to get plenty of fiber, fluids and exercise. Avoid laxatives.
Can you move your bowels without laxatives?
But, once you become dependent on laxatives, you're likely to have trouble going without them. The truth is that not moving your bowels for a day or two is not harmful. 3. Your Routine. Changes in your daily routine are a major cause of constipation.
Can antacids cause constipation?
If you often have trouble going, review all the drugs you take with your doctor. Certain over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and supplements are common causes of constipation. For example, antacids can cause it, and so can iron supplements. Prescription drugs that commonly cause this problem include certain medications for pain, depression, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure .
How can constipation be treated?
Expectations for the course of this condition. Your opinion or preference. Most often, constipation can be treated through dietary and lifestyle changes, which relieve symptoms and help prevent the condition.
What does a doctor ask for when treating constipation?
The doctor will ask for a description of the constipation, including duration of symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, and other information to help determine the cause of the constipation. Physical examination.
How often does a person have a hard bowel movement?
Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. However, normal stool elimination may consist of having a bowel movement three times ...
Why does my colon move so slowly?
When the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, the stool moves through the colon too slowly, resulting in too much water being absorbed. Some of the most common causes of constipation include the following: Changes in habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age.
What is the procedure called when you have diarrhea?
Sigmoidoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to examine the inside of a portion of the large intestine, and is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. A short, flexible, lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into ...
How to help a bowel movement?
Lifestyle changes, such as increased water and juice intake, regular exercise, and allowing enough time for daily bowel movements can be helpful.
How does colorectal transit work?
This test shows how well food moves through the colon. The patient swallows capsules containing small markers which are visible on X-ray. The patient follows a high-fiber diet during the course of the test, and the movement of the markers through the colon is monitored with abdominal X-rays taken several times three to seven days after the capsule is swallowed.
What causes constipation in the body?
experience stress, anxiety, or depression. are usually inactive. There are also many digestive conditions that can cause constipation, such as: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
How common is constipation?
Occasional constipation is common, and most people will experience it at some point in life. However, 2–27% of the population experience chronic constipation, which is persistent.
What are some examples of high FODMAP foods?
Some examples of high FODMAP foods include: garlic, onions, and shallots. legumes, such as beans, chickpeas, and soybeans. grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. sweeteners, such as xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol. specific fruits, such as apples, blackberries, and watermelon.
What foods help with constipation?
Some specific foods that may help with constipation include: that looked at foods that help with constipation, green kiwi fruit increased the frequency and softness of bowel movements. Prunes: The 2014 study also notes that prunes can have a laxative effect.
Why do some people have difficulty digesting eggs?
Egg allergies are also among the most common food allergies, which could explain why some people’s bodies have difficulty digesting them.
What to do if you don't respond to laxatives?
If a person’s body does not respond to taking laxatives or making other dietary changes, the person may wish to ask a doctor for allergy testing.
Can IBS cause diarrhea?
People with IBS and some other digestive conditions may find that foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) worsen their symptoms. This group of carbohydrates can ferment in the digestive system, causing symptoms such as gas, constipation, or diarrhea.
Overview
Infrequent, irregular or difficult evacuation of the bowels.
Constipation is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:
- Insufficient quantities of fiber and water in meals
- Changes in diet or normal activities
- Physical inactivity
- Holding stool for long periods even with the urge
- Drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, and anti- acids (especially those rich in Ca and Al)
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
- Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer. Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic con…
Complications
- Signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include: 1. Passing fewer than three stools a week 2. Having lumpy or hard stools 3. Straining to have bowel movements 4. Feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements 5. Feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum 6. Needing help to empty your rectum, such as usi…
Prevention
- Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry. Chronic constipation has many possible causes.