Surprising Causes of Constipation

Constipation affects everyone now and then — triggered by the diet, travel or even a lack of activity. But you would be surprised by the other factors responsible for longer term or chronic constipation. The list is pretty vast ranging from pregnancy constipation to a side effect of antidepressants.

Here's an overview of some sneaky causes of the constipation causing you discomfort:

Prescription painkillers —

Opioids can cause constipation for people managing chronic pain or recovering from surgery. Solutions is switching to a different pain killer or adding a laxative.

Laxative overuse—

if you have been taking laxative for a long time your body can become used to them and become chronically constipated - meaning your body simply won't function without them.

Antidepressants —

constipation is one of the unpleasant side effects of antidepressants called tricyclics. These interfere with the transmission of nerves that stimulate the bowel to move.

Antacids—

If you have heartburn, taking antacids add constipation to your misery. Antacids containing aluminum are the likely culprit. If you taking antacids makes you chronically constipated, you should be tested for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

High blood pressure medications —

Chronic constipation is a side effect of high blood pressure medications called diuretics, which act on the salt in your body to control fluid levels. You get dehydrated and the body steals moisture from the stool. Talk to your doctor for a switch or adding a laxative.

Irritable bowel disease (IBD) —

Some people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis suffer from cramping, weight loss, bloody stools and other health complications. In ulcerative colitis, constipation can be a sign of inflammation in the rectum and in Crohn's disease it can be a sign of an obstruction in the small intestine.

Pregnancy —

During pregnancy constipation is a common problem. This is due to changing hormones or your diet; in later months, the pressure of the baby on your organs is the culprit. Don't strain as this can cause hemorrhoids, which will add to your discomfort. Talk to your ob-gyn before taking a laxative.

Diabetes and neurological conditions —

Diabetics face nerve damage and inflammation which affects their ability to digest food. Solutions include better control of diabetes.

Supplements —

Calcium and iron supplements both can cause constipation. Consult your doctor for a better way to supplement if you are truly deficient.

Diseases of the colon —

any painful colon problem, such as an anal fissure or hemorrhoids results in chronic constipation because people suffering from them avoid bowel movements. Treat the underlying cause to end constipation.

Too much dairy —

Your digestion can become slow by having a diet high in cheese and other low-fiber/high-fat foods such as eggs and meat. Reduce your intake of these foods and increase fiber intake to 20 to 35 grams a day.

Check with your doctor at FirstCure Health if you are constipated and worried about the cause. End your chronic constipation can be a simple option of choosing a better over-the-counter laxative or a resolution of a chronic health problem.