Introduction
Constipation is a common digestive issue that can be uncomfortable and even painful. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and medications. If you’re experiencing any of the signs of constipation, it’s important to take action to address the issue. Eating the right foods can help relieve constipation and get your digestive system back on track. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of constipation and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help relieve your symptoms.
Signs You Have Constipation, Say Physicians — Eat This Not That
Constipation is a common digestive issue that can be uncomfortable and even painful. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and medications. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time to make some changes to your diet and lifestyle.
1. Infrequent Bowel Movements
If you’re not having regular bowel movements, it could be a sign of constipation. The average person should have a bowel movement at least once a day, but if you’re going less than three times a week, it’s time to take action.
2. Hard Stools
If your stools are hard and difficult to pass, it’s a sign that you’re constipated. Hard stools can be painful and can cause tears in the rectum, leading to further discomfort.
3. Abdominal Pain
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, it could be a sign of constipation. Pain in the abdomen can be caused by a buildup of stool in the intestines, which can be uncomfortable and even painful.
4. Bloating
Bloating is another common symptom of constipation. If you’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable, it could be a sign that you’re constipated.
Eat This, Not That
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, it’s time to make some changes to your diet. Eating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help to relieve constipation. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and avoiding processed foods can help to keep your digestive system running smoothly.
On the other hand, it’s important to avoid foods that can contribute to constipation. These include dairy products, red meat, and processed foods. Additionally, it’s important to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these can also contribute to constipation.
Characterized by a lack of regular bowel movements, constipation can be uncomfortable to experience. When it becomes chronic, it can even interfere with your everyday life. In many cases, you can make simple lifestyle changes to relieve constipation. But it’s important to know when to see a doctor about constipation to evaluate whether it could signify a potentially serious health condition. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
“Constipation is a very common problem in the United States, with some studies showing upwards of 20% of the population with some form of it,” says Junsuke Maki, MD, a a gastroenterologist at Shore Gastroenterology Associates in New Jersey. The symptoms of constipation may include:
- Straining with defecation
- A sense of incomplete evacuation
- Having less than 3 bowel movements per week.
“Each symptom of constipation can be treated differently and therefore it is best to have a conversation with your gastroenterologist about how to proceed,” says Maki.
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“Digestive issues can be the cause or the result of unresolved chronic constipation,” says Carrie Lam, MD, FAAMFM, ABAARM, a family medicine physician in Los Angeles. “For example, constipation is a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and slowed motility.” It can also result from Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, hypothyroidism, and damaged nerves or muscles in the colon.
Other causes of constipation include:
- An unhealthy diet. “The Standard American Diet is high in fat and low in fiber,” says Lam. “Fiber keeps things moving through the intestines. Too much dairy can also cause constipation.” The USDA recommends a daily fiber intake of 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, up to age 50. Women and men older than 50 should get 21 and 30 grams each day, respectively.
- Dehydration. Water also helps keep things moving smoothly.
- Sedentary lifestyle. “Not moving your body on a daily basis will lead to lazy digestion and elimination,” says Lam.
- Certain types of medication and supplements. These include iron supplements, NSAIDs, calcium supplements, antacids, antipsychotics, and diuretics. “If you suspect your medication may be the cause, speak to your doctor about it,” says Lam.
- Pregnancy. “An increase in progesterone during pregnancy can cause your muscles to relax, including the intestinal muscles,” says Lam.
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If you’ve had constipation for three weeks or more, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to see if a medical condition is causing the issue. If you’re experiencing constipation along with abdominal pain, blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, or unintended weight loss, or you’ve had an unexpected new onset of constipation, you should see your doctor ASAP.
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