Constipation is a digestive condition where it becomes hard to pass stools regularly. Often, constipated individuals will not pass any fecal matter for a few days and stool will harden up and become difficult and even painful to pass.

Causes:

In most cases of chronic constipation, no specific cause is found. This is called chronic idiopathic constipation.

Lifestyle factors are predominantly the cause of constipation. These factors include:

• Not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains
• Not drinking enough fluids, especially water
• Lack of exercise
• A change in your routine or lifestyle
• Ignoring the urge to pass stools
• Stress

Other causes;

Medication:

Constipation can be a side effect of certain medications. The list includes calcium and iron supplements, antacids (especially those containing aluminium), antidepressants, anti-epileptics, antipsychotics, opiate painkillers and diuretics.

• Laxative overuse
• Chronic lead poisoning
• Endocrine and metabolic disorders
• Hypercalcaemia (too much calcium in the bloodstream)
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disorder that affects the exocrine glands)
• Muscular dystrophy (a genetic condition that causes muscle wasting)

Neurological causes:

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal cord damage or abnormalities (e.g. spina bifida and cerebral palsy)

Psychological causes:

• Anxiety or depression
• Eating disorders
• Psychiatric problems, such as those brought on by sexual abuse, violence or trauma
• GI disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Anal fissure
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) or diverticulitis
• Colon cancer
• Hirschsprung’s disease (a birth defect in which some nerve cells are absent in the large intestine)
• Ano-rectal malformation

Causes of constipation in babies and children:

In infants, bottle-fed babies are more likely to suffer from constipation. In children, poor diet, fear of using the toilet and problems toilet training can all lead to constipation.

Causes of dyssynergic constipation:

Dyssynergic constipation occurs if there’s an inability to coordinate abdominal, recto-anal and pelvic-floor muscles to allow for defecation. This failure of recto-anal coordination may be because of impaired rectal contraction, paradoxical anal contraction or inadequate anal relaxation.

Causes of low transit constipation:

With slow transit constipation there is decreased colonic motility and frequency of bowel movement, and they occur only periodically. People with this type of constipation have a blunted response to waking, meals, fibre or laxatives.

How can one relieve constipation?

Great question! Luckily, constipation is usually a temporary issue that is easy to fix. Only in rare cases, constipation indicates a more severe problem. For the more severe conditions of constipations, a physician will be able to assist you better, however, for most people constipation could be relieved through;

• Eating enough dietary fiber. Eat an adequate amount of fiber and you will rarely experience constipation.
• Drink a lot of water. Keep your body and GI tract hydrated, and you will experience constipation less often.
• Don’t stress, but due to our modern fast-paced lifestyle, stress has become a major component of our lives. However, occasional stress is usually fine, just don’t let stress eat you up. Relieve your stress by playing sports, doing something fun, traveling or doing anything that takes your mind off things. As a bonus, you don’t get constipated as often.
• Beware of consuming any allergens in food or medication form. Allergens can pose a great threat to your life. Always read the label of any supplements, food/snacks or medications you plan on consuming and save yourself the hassle.
• Eat out less often. No food beats homemade food in terms of quality and taste (usually). If you must eat out or go out for dinner with your friends and family, that’s fine and normal -and you should go out and have fun-, but don’t make eating out a habit.
• Try some laxatives!using laxatives temporarily to kick start your bowel movement is fine and safe. If laxatives will help relieve your constipation, go for it! Just don’t overdo it.
• Try some homemade remedies. Many people underestimate the power of homemade and herbal remedies, but they can be a great aid to those attempting to relieve constipation.