Causes of Constipation
Causes of constipation vary widely, often involving a combination of dietary, lifestyle, medical, and psychological factors. When stool passes too slowly through the digestive tract, the colon absorbs excessive water from it, resulting in hard, dry waste that is difficult to expel. In most cases, constipation can be attributed to a few modifiable behaviours or conditions, though in others, the root cause may be more complex and require medical evaluation.
One of the most common triggers is a low-fibre diet. Fibre helps add bulk and moisture to stool, encouraging more regular and complete bowel movements. Diets lacking in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are particularly associated with constipation. Without fibre, the intestines struggle to push stool effectively through the colon, leading to sluggish transit and hardened waste.
Another leading factor is dehydration. When the body lacks adequate fluids, the colon compensates by drawing more water from the waste matter, resulting in stools that are dry and more difficult to pass. Likewise, not drinking enough during hot weather, illness, or high-exertion activities can contribute to constipation.
Causes of Constipation
Physical inactivity is another key contributor. Exercise promotes muscle contractions throughout the body, including the intestinal muscles responsible for moving stool. A sedentary lifestyle slows this process, increasing the likelihood of constipation. Bedridden individuals, those recovering from surgery, and office workers often face this challenge.
Medications can also play a significant role. Common offenders include opioid pain relievers, antidepressants, iron supplements, antihistamines, and antacids that contain calcium or aluminium. Many of these drugs reduce intestinal motility or water content in the bowel, directly triggering constipation.
In addition, medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and irritable bowel syndrome can interfere with gut function. Pelvic floor dysfunction, rectal prolapse, and spinal cord injuries may physically disrupt the process of elimination.
Causes of Constipation
Psychological contributors like stress, anxiety, and depression can also affect bowel patterns. These conditions may reduce gut motility or lead to poor lifestyle habits such as erratic eating or sleep schedules, compounding the issue.
To summarise, causes of constipation are multifaceted and often interlinked. Understanding what’s contributing to the problem is essential for determining the right course of treatment and preventing it from becoming a chronic issue.
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