Constipation happens when the colon absorbs too much water. This can occur if the muscles in the colon are contracting slowly or poorly, causing the stool to move too slowly and lose more water.
These are the most common causes of constipation:
1) Lack of fiber in the diet
People whose diets include a good quantity of fiber are significantly less likely to suffer from constipation. It is important to consume foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation. Foods that are low in fiber include high-fat foods, such as cheese, meat, and eggs.
2) Physical inactivity
Constipation can occur if someone becomes too physically inactive. Trusted Source This is especially the case in older adults. For individuals who have been bedridden for a long time, perhaps for several days or weeks, their risk of having constipation is significantly increased. Experts are not sure why. Some believe that physical activity keeps the metabolism high, making the processes in the body happen more rapidly. Older adults tend to have a more sedentary life compared with younger people and are therefore at higher risk of constipation. Physically active people are much less likely to become constipated than inactive people.
3) Medications
Some medications can cause constipation.
4) Milk
Some people become constipated when they consume milk and dairy products.
5) Irritable bowel syndrome
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) get constipation much more frequently, compared with the rest of the population.
6) Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about hormonal changes that can make a woman more susceptible to constipation. Also, the uterus may compress the intestine, slowing down the passage of food.
7) Aging
As a person gets older, the metabolism slows down, resulting in less intestinal activity. The muscles in the digestive tract do not work as well as they used to.
8) Changes in routine
When a person travels, their normal routine changes. This can affect the digestive system, which sometimes results in constipation. Meals are eaten at different times, or a person might go to bed, get up, and go to the toilet at different times. All these changes can raise the risk of constipation.
9) Overuse of laxatives
Some people believe a person should go to the toilet at least once a day - this is not true. However, to make sure this happens, some people self-medicate with laxatives. Laxatives are effective at helping bowel movements. However, using them regularly allows the body to get used to their action and gradually the dose needs to increase to get the same effect. Laxatives can be habit-forming. When a person becomes dependent on them, there is a significant risk of constipation when they are stopped.
10) Not going to the toilet when needed
If individuals ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, the urge can gradually go away until the individual no longer feels the need to go. The longer it is delayed, the drier and harder the stool will become.
11) Not drinking enough water
If constipation is already present, drinking more liquids might not relieve it. However, regularly drinking plenty of water reduces the risk of constipation. Many sodas and drinks contain caffeine which can cause dehydration and worsen constipation. Alcohol also dehydrates the body and should be avoided by individuals who are constipated or very susceptible to constipation.
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