Constipation is no joke.....
….In fact, it’s definitely not number 1 on my list of favorite things to joke about. But I’d say it is probably a solid #2…Okay, here is one more, “Did you ever see the movie about constipation?Don’t worry, nobody saw it, it never came out.” But seriously, it would be pretty terrible always being the butt of the joke. Okay, I’m done now…I promise.
Patients that live with chronic constipation will definitely tell you it’s not funny. It impacts every day of their life. They sometimes avoid scheduling plans or going out, because they don’t know what kind of days it’s going to be. Sometimes it’s a low rumble. Maybe some uncomfortable bloating or cramping that they can perhaps work through and venture out into the world.
Although they may not eat much on those days to avoid any surprises. Sometimes it’s full of misery. There is no leaving the house on those days. Admittedly it’s a relatively small subset of patients that deal with it at the severest of levels. Though constipation is certainly not uncommon.
Roughly 20 percent of the adult population struggle with chronic constipation. Women predominate with a nearly 3:1 ratio over men. The incidence rate also tends to rise with age. This seems partly due to decreased food intake and reduced activity levels as we age.
How do we define constipation?
- Having fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week
- excessive straining
- hard stools
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation or the use of manual maneuvers to aid in defecation are all indicative of constipation.
If these symptoms persist beyond 3 months it’s considered chronic constipation. There are many potential causes of constipation. Most commonly, about 70% of the time, it’s associated with irritable bowel syndrome. This is sometimes referred to as functional constipation.
There are a few neurological disorders that carry constipation as a manifestation. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s are two examples of this. Again, the reasons are likely multi-factorial as these patients are typically less physically active.
Parkinson’s patients are typically older. Also, the medications that are used in these conditions can impact bowel function.
Medications in general compose a big category of potential culprits. Most folks are aware of the impact that pain medication has on bowel motility.
Other common offending agents include:
- iron supplements
- antihistamines
- antidepressants
Just to name a few. Diet and activity level are two of the biggest contributing factors as I previously alluded to. So it makes sense that this is usually the first place we start when coming up with strategies to improve symptoms.
That is assuming we haven’t identified any concerning or “red flag” symptoms associated with the constipation.
Is Constipation dangerous?
The answer depends on the cause. Most forms of chronic constipation, whether if be functional or idiopathic (idiopathic means no identifiable cause has been found) are not intrinsically dangerous. Although that doesn’t mean they’re completely benign either.
We know that constipation is a risk factor for hemorrhoids and appears to also be linked to increased risk of developing diverticulosis.
There are certain risk factors that might clue us into a potentially more dangerous cause.
- Evidence of iron deficiency (that could indicate an underlying bleed).
- Evidence of blood in the stool (needs to be evaluated).
- Sudden onset constipation, particularly in a patient over the age of 45.
- Significant amount of weight loss particularly if it was unintentional, needs to be addressed.
- Family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease would be concerning.
Ultimately If you’re struggling with your bowels. I think it’s probably a good idea to have your Doctor weigh in. Just to be safe.
Treatment options for Constipation
In the absence of red flag symptoms, constipation can generally be managed conservatively. Laxatives and stool softeners are among the most purchased OTC medications in the world.
In the United States alone these medications generated 1.9 billion dollars in 2003. That is a lot of money getting flushed down the toilet…I’m sorry, I had to get one more in :).
It is worth noting that there are different laxative types.
Osmotic laxatives such as miralax or lactulose work by pulling fluid into the gut and flushing things along.
Stimulant laxatives like sennakot work by stimulating the muscles of the intestinal wall to propel stool along.
Knowing when to use each type can be very helpful. For example, if stools are hard, an osmotic laxative along with a stool softener may be beneficial.
If stools are soft but still difficult to pass then a stimulant laxative may be the better choice.
9 Natural Remedies for Constipation
- Increase Fiber Intake: When it comes to constipation, fiber is king. It’s really the only thing that is equally beneficial for constipation and diarrhea alike. Consuming more fiber-rich foods can soften stool and promote regular bowel movements. Good sources include fruits (like prunes, apples), vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots), whole grains (like oats, brown rice), and legumes (beans, lentils). Of course there are also plenty of fiber supplements that you can get OTC as well
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep stools soft and easier to pass. Aim for around 8 glasses of water per day.
- Prunes or Prune Juice: Prunes are well-known for their natural laxative effect. They contain fiber and sorbitol, which can help promote bowel movements. Drink prune juice or eat several prunes daily.
- Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a good source of fiber and can promote regularity. You can sprinkle ground flaxseed on yogurt, cereal, or salads.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can promote gut health and regular bowel movements. They are found in yogurt with live cultures or can be taken as supplements.
- Magnesium: You may get sick of hearing me say this but magnesium is one of my favorite elements on earth. It does so much. And guess what? It also helps treat constipation. Magnesium supplements or foods rich in magnesium (like leafy greens, nuts, seeds) can help draw water into the intestines and soften stools.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate the muscles of the digestive tract, promoting bowel movements.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Reduce intake of processed foods, dairy products, and fatty foods, which can contribute to constipation in some people.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats like olive oil or avocados into your diet. These can help lubricate the intestines and ease constipation.
A Special Note from the Doctor:
“Constipation—it’s not fun, but you’re not alone! The good news? You can often get things moving naturally. No need for drastic measures—just a little lifestyle tweaking and some gentle, natural help (trust me, it’s out there). So, take it easy, show your gut some love, and soon, you’ll be back on track!”
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of content found on this blog.
- If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk. The author(s) of this blog do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages.
Let us know if you liked the content!
Are there any topics you would like to see covered?
Contact us below!
Thank you for visiting On Call Medicine
Have a Healthy Day!
