Smoothy Slim
Photo by SHVETS production Pexels Logo Photo: SHVETS production

What foods make constipation worse?

Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass. 4 days ago

What is the first stage of fatty liver?
What is the first stage of fatty liver?

The first stage is referred to as simple fatty liver or steatosis; This occurs when the liver cells start to build-up fat, although there is no...

Read More »
Can bananas help with gas?
Can bananas help with gas?

As bananas ripen, their resistant starch is turned into simple sugars, which are more digestible. As such, eating ripe bananas may help reduce gas...

Read More »
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Constipation can be uncomfortable and worrisome. If you’re having fewer bowel movements than usual, taking a long time to pass stools, or the stools are hard, you may be constipated. Nearly everyone becomes constipated at one time or another, and older people are more likely than younger ones to experience this condition. In fact, about one-third of older adults have occasional symptoms of constipation. The good news is that most of the time constipation is not serious and is treatable.

Symptoms of constipation

Some people worry they are constipated if they don’t have a bowel movement every day, but there is no “right” number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Being regular can be different for each person. For some, it can mean twice a day, and for others, three times a week is normal. However, if you often have infrequent bowel movements, you may be constipated.

Symptoms of constipation include:

Fewer than three bowel movements a week

Difficult time passing stools

Lumpy or hard stools

A feeling of being blocked or of not having fully emptied your bowels.

What causes constipation?

Many medical conditions common for older adults, as well as medications, can cause constipation.

Medical conditions

Disorders that affect the muscles or nerves used for normal bowel movements — for example, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or a spinal cord injury — can cause constipation. Conditions that affect hormones or metabolism, such as diabetes, can also lead to constipation. Other medical conditions that can lead to constipation include tumors or other blockages, pelvic floor disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. Changes in diet and exercise due to medical procedures can also lead to constipation. In addition, people living with diseases that affect their diet and daily habits, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, may be more likely to experience constipation.

Medicines and dietary supplements

Some medicines — both prescription and over the counter — can lead to constipation. These include some drugs used to treat depression, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, some allergy medicines (antihistamines), certain painkillers, some medicines for high blood pressure, diuretics, anticholinergics, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Certain dietary supplements, such as iron, can also lead to constipation.

Anesthesia, which is used during medical procedures to keep a person from feeling pain, can also lead to constipation.

Nutrition, activity, and routine

Why not to mix yogurt and fruit?
Why not to mix yogurt and fruit?

Yogurt With Fruit Yogurt contains plenty of bacteria which will act on the sugar present in fruits. This results in toxins, cold, allergies. You...

Read More »
Why do you rub the end of cucumber?
Why do you rub the end of cucumber?

The compound tends to be concentrated at the ends. Hence you rub the ends, sprinkling the salt helps in extracting the white milky fluid that...

Read More »
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

What you eat, drink, and do can also contribute to constipation. For example: Not enough fiber. You may become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. You may become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation. Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass. Lack of physical activity. Not getting enough exercise or long periods of inactivity due to illness or following surgery may cause constipation. Not getting enough exercise or long periods of inactivity due to illness or following surgery may cause constipation. Changes in routine. Altering your daily routine — traveling, for example — can cause constipation.

Treatment for constipation

Many cases of constipation can be treated at home. Try these changes to help make your stools softer and easier to pass and to prevent constipation in the future. Eat a healthy diet. Your diet should contain ample natural fiber from sources like fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, along with whole-grain cereals and breads. Learn more about how much fiber you need each day, why fiber is important, and examples of high-fiber foods on the Nutrition.gov Fiber page. Your diet should contain ample natural fiber from sources like fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, along with whole-grain cereals and breads. Learn more about how much fiber you need each day, why fiber is important, and examples of high-fiber foods on the Nutrition.gov Fiber page. Be sure to get enough fluids. With too little fluid, constipation can get worse. Drinking enough water, juice, and other fluids can help you have regular bowel movements. Learn more about what to eat and drink if you’re constipated. With too little fluid, constipation can get worse. Drinking enough water, juice, and other fluids can help you have regular bowel movements. Learn more about what to eat and drink if you’re constipated. Stay active. Do things that keep you moving and active. For example, go for walks. Participate in physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your everyday life. There are also several over-the-counter laxatives, including fiber supplements and stool softeners, that may help with constipation. Your doctor or other health care provider can help you decide which laxatives may be best for you.

What melts away visceral fat?
What melts away visceral fat?

The best way to reduce visceral fat is through losing weight and diet. Visceral fat responds better to diet and exercise than fat on the hips....

Read More »
What is the best drink for losing belly fat?
What is the best drink for losing belly fat?

13 Drinks That Melt Belly Fat, Say Dietitians Green Tea. Kombucha. Protein Water. Coffee. Black Tea. Raw Apple Cider. Ginger Tea. Raw Vegetable...

Read More »
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

If these changes don’t work or you are experiencing pain, bleeding, or other serious symptoms, talk with your doctor about other treatments. Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet or activity; prescribe a supplement or medication for constipation; or recommend biofeedback training, which helps people learn to control their muscles through the use of electronic devices and a coach. In some rare cases, surgery may be recommended, for example, to treat a blockage or remove part of the colon if those muscles don’t work. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery and other treatments. When should you see a doctor? Sometimes constipation can be a symptom of more severe illness, including colorectal and other types of cancer. See your doctor or other health care provider if your bowel habits change and are accompanied by any one of the following: There is blood in your stool or you are bleeding from your rectum You are having serious stomach pains or are unable to pass gas You are vomiting or have a fever You lose weight without trying You are experiencing lower back pain Fiber and exercise haven’t helped Visit the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) educational page on constipation for more information on possible causes and treatments.

For more information about constipation

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

800-860-8747

866-569-1162 (TTY)

healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov

www.niddk.nih.gov

MedlinePlus

National Library of Medicine

www.medlineplus.gov

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

How much weight can you lose with a three day juice cleanse?
How much weight can you lose with a three day juice cleanse?

A small 2017 study of 20 people who juiced for three days found that they shed about two pounds, on average, and saw an increase in gut bacteria...

Read More »
What should I not do after face laser?
What should I not do after face laser?

First 24 to 48 Hours After Your Treatment It is very important to use a sunscreen with a SPF of 45 or higher and to avoid direct sun exposure for...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
What's the best natural skin tightening solution?
What's the best natural skin tightening solution?

Home Remedies for Sagging Skin: 5 Best Natural Remedies to Tighten Sagging Skin Aloe Vera gel. Aloe Vera gel is one of the best home remedies for...

Read More »
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Is it good to drink carrot and orange juice everyday?
Is it good to drink carrot and orange juice everyday?

It is a great way to ensure you are consuming a healthy amount of fruit and vegetables each day. It is also a great way to get a boost in hydration...

Read More »