What Does Constipation Feel Like?

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Overview

Constipation is when you have stools that are hard to pass, you don’t feel like you pass all of your stool, or there are four or more days between one bowel movement and the next.

Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated or uncomfortable. You may also experience harmful side effects, such as bowel obstructions, due to chronic constipation.

An estimated 15 percent of Americans experience problems with constipation.

This article will explore what constipation can feel like and things you can do for it, including if you’re pregnant or have hemorrhoids.

It might help to first look at the path your food takes when it’s being digested.

The digestive tract extends from your mouth to your rectum. Some of the main organs involved in digestion are the:

• stomach
• small intestine
• large intestine, where stool ultimately exits via the rectum

Along each point of the gastrointestinal tract, nutrients are absorbed and the wastes from food breakdown are ultimately released from the body.

Special motions including churning in the stomach and peristalsis (a rhythmic movement) in the intestines help to propel food material forward through the digestive tract.

The softer and bulkier the stool is, the more likely it is to activate the movements of the intestines and move forward. When it’s time for you to go to the bathroom, muscles in your pelvic floor work together to help push stool out of the rectum.

Constipation can happen due to one or more breakdowns of the expected pathway where stool is excreted.

These can include slow-moving stool, hard stools, or experiencing a problem with the muscles and nerves needed to pass a bowel movement.

As a result, constipation can “feel” like many symptoms. Examples include:

• fullness in the stomach or pelvic region
• cramping of the bowels
• feeling like stool remains in the rectum but cannot pass
• feelings of heaviness or discomfort in the stomach and abdominal regions
• aching feeling in the back

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between discomfort in your stomach and intestines. You might feel cramping or bloating in your intestines that pushes upward on your stomach.

As a result, you could feel stomach discomfort while the area of constipation is really in your intestines.

Sometimes constipation can be a medical emergency.

Go for medical treatment right away if you experience any of the following:

• blood in the stool that is more than a small amount
• dark or tar-colored stools
• severe abdominal pain

Was this helpful?

Seek immediate medical advice and treatment if you experience the following:

• symptoms don’t get better or they become worse even after trying self-care measures at home, including laxatives
• continued pain after trying to have bowel movements or pain that gets worse
• constipation that alternates with diarrhea

These symptoms can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract or that you are experiencing an intestinal blockage. These can be life-threatening emergencies.

Constipation treatments can range from lifestyle to medication treatments. If you have an obstruction or scarring that is blocking the movement of your stool, you may require surgery.

Some at-home, self-care measures you can use to reduce the incidence of constipation include:

• Drinking plenty of water to where your urine should be pale yellow in color.
• Eating at least 25 grams of fiber a day through sources such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
• Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, riding a bicycle, or dancing. These physical activity elements can mimic the natural movement of the stool and help stool move more quickly.
• Talking to your doctor about medications you may be taking that affect constipation. However, you shouldn’t stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor first.

There are also over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can ideally reduce constipation, such as fiber supplements.

Pregnant women experience constipation at a higher rate than the general population. An estimated 11 to 38 percent of pregnant women have problems with constipation.

Some of the factors that make it more likely pregnant women will have constipation include:

• increased progesterone levels and reduced hormones called motilin that slow intestinal movement
• increased water absorption in the intestines that causes stool to dry out
• increased calcium and iron supplements that can increase constipation risk
• enlarged uterus that presses on the intestines, slowing their movement
• decreased physical activity

Constipation may be difficult to recognize initially if you’re pregnant because you may be uncertain your symptoms are related to pregnancy. Examples could include bloating or feelings of abdominal fullness and pressure.

When you’re pregnant, you can’t take the same medications you did when you weren’t expecting, due to concerns the medicines could affect the baby.

Also, there isn’t a lot of data about the safety of using laxatives to promote bowel movements during pregnancy.

However, some treatments that do not seem to be associated with adverse side effects include:

• bulk-forming agents (although these can cause gas, cramping, and bloating in some pregnant women)
• lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil
• stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace)

Sometimes laxatives can lead to electrolyte imbalances that could cause you to feel ill and potentially affect your baby.

For this reason, it’s important that if you’re pregnant you take these medications for a short time and try lifestyle techniques, such as more fiber, increased water intake, and more physical activity (if tolerated).

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that occur inside or outside the rectum. They can bleed and make bowel movements painful to pass.

This can be especially difficult if you have hemorrhoids with constipation because your bowel movements already may pass more slowly or be hard to pass. The combination of the two conditions can make going to the bathroom an extremely unpleasant experience.

However, if you’re constipated and have hemorrhoids, you shouldn’t try to put off going to the bathroom when the urge hits. Doing so can put further strain on the bowels and worsen hemorrhoids when you ultimately do pass the stool.

When you have hemorrhoids, changing the position of your body when you use the bathroom may help reduce pressure on the rectum. An example could be planting your feet on a small step stool as you go to the bathroom. This may make stool easier to pass.

Treating constipation with hemorrhoids

Taking steps to treat both your constipation and hemorrhoids can help reduce the incidence of both conditions. Examples include:

• Cleansing the anal area gently and thoroughly after going to the bathroom. Some people may find using baby wipes or rinsing the area may help.
• Drinking plenty of water to make stool less hard.
• Applying anti-inflammatory creams (e.g. steroids like OTC Preparation H) to the area to reduce itching and skin irritation.
• Eating a high-fiber diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals to help add bulk to stool naturally and make it easier to pass.

If you continue to have problems with hemorrhoids, including blood in your stool, talk to your doctor.

Constipation can result from several underlying reasons. These can include:

• aging
• diabetes
• dietary changes, such as lower fiber or not drinking enough fluids
• history of colon surgery
• history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome
• history of pelvic floor disorders
• intestinal obstructions
• pregnancy

It can also result from taking certain medications, such as:

• aluminum- and calcium-containing antacids
• anticonvulsants
• calcium channel blockers
• diuretics
• iron supplements
• narcotic pain medications
• medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease

Sometimes, the movement of the colon slows for no known reason and constipation results.

Whether temporary or chronic, constipation can be an unpleasant occurrence whose symptoms don’t always happen where and when you think they will.

Fortunately, most instances of constipation can resolve with at-home, self-care measures. If your symptoms don’t resolve or you experience pain and bleeding, call a doctor.

If you have fewer than three bowel movements a week combined with difficulty with your bowel movements or other discomfort, it may be worthwhile to talk to a doctor.

What Does Constipation Feel Like?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Overview

Constipation is when you have stools that are hard to pass, you don’t feel like you pass all of your stool, or there are four or more days between one bowel movement and the next.

Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated or uncomfortable. You may also experience harmful side effects, such as bowel obstructions, due to chronic constipation.

An estimated 15 percent of Americans experience problems with constipation.

This article will explore what constipation can feel like and things you can do for it, including if you’re pregnant or have hemorrhoids.

It might help to first look at the path your food takes when it’s being digested.

The digestive tract extends from your mouth to your rectum. Some of the main organs involved in digestion are the:

• stomach
• small intestine
• large intestine, where stool ultimately exits via the rectum

Along each point of the gastrointestinal tract, nutrients are absorbed and the wastes from food breakdown are ultimately released from the body.

Special motions including churning in the stomach and peristalsis (a rhythmic movement) in the intestines help to propel food material forward through the digestive tract.

The softer and bulkier the stool is, the more likely it is to activate the movements of the intestines and move forward. When it’s time for you to go to the bathroom, muscles in your pelvic floor work together to help push stool out of the rectum.

Constipation can happen due to one or more breakdowns of the expected pathway where stool is excreted.

These can include slow-moving stool, hard stools, or experiencing a problem with the muscles and nerves needed to pass a bowel movement.

As a result, constipation can “feel” like many symptoms. Examples include:

• fullness in the stomach or pelvic region
• cramping of the bowels
• feeling like stool remains in the rectum but cannot pass
• feelings of heaviness or discomfort in the stomach and abdominal regions
• aching feeling in the back

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between discomfort in your stomach and intestines. You might feel cramping or bloating in your intestines that pushes upward on your stomach.

As a result, you could feel stomach discomfort while the area of constipation is really in your intestines.

Sometimes constipation can be a medical emergency.

Go for medical treatment right away if you experience any of the following:

• blood in the stool that is more than a small amount
• dark or tar-colored stools
• severe abdominal pain

Was this helpful?

Seek immediate medical advice and treatment if you experience the following:

• symptoms don’t get better or they become worse even after trying self-care measures at home, including laxatives
• continued pain after trying to have bowel movements or pain that gets worse
• constipation that alternates with diarrhea

These symptoms can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract or that you are experiencing an intestinal blockage. These can be life-threatening emergencies.

Constipation treatments can range from lifestyle to medication treatments. If you have an obstruction or scarring that is blocking the movement of your stool, you may require surgery.

Some at-home, self-care measures you can use to reduce the incidence of constipation include:

• Drinking plenty of water to where your urine should be pale yellow in color.
• Eating at least 25 grams of fiber a day through sources such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
• Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, riding a bicycle, or dancing. These physical activity elements can mimic the natural movement of the stool and help stool move more quickly.
• Talking to your doctor about medications you may be taking that affect constipation. However, you shouldn’t stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor first.

There are also over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can ideally reduce constipation, such as fiber supplements.

Pregnant women experience constipation at a higher rate than the general population. An estimated 11 to 38 percent of pregnant women have problems with constipation.

Some of the factors that make it more likely pregnant women will have constipation include:

• increased progesterone levels and reduced hormones called motilin that slow intestinal movement
• increased water absorption in the intestines that causes stool to dry out
• increased calcium and iron supplements that can increase constipation risk
• enlarged uterus that presses on the intestines, slowing their movement
• decreased physical activity

Constipation may be difficult to recognize initially if you’re pregnant because you may be uncertain your symptoms are related to pregnancy. Examples could include bloating or feelings of abdominal fullness and pressure.

When you’re pregnant, you can’t take the same medications you did when you weren’t expecting, due to concerns the medicines could affect the baby.

Also, there isn’t a lot of data about the safety of using laxatives to promote bowel movements during pregnancy.

However, some treatments that do not seem to be associated with adverse side effects include:

• bulk-forming agents (although these can cause gas, cramping, and bloating in some pregnant women)
• lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil
• stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace)

Sometimes laxatives can lead to electrolyte imbalances that could cause you to feel ill and potentially affect your baby.

For this reason, it’s important that if you’re pregnant you take these medications for a short time and try lifestyle techniques, such as more fiber, increased water intake, and more physical activity (if tolerated).

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that occur inside or outside the rectum. They can bleed and make bowel movements painful to pass.

This can be especially difficult if you have hemorrhoids with constipation because your bowel movements already may pass more slowly or be hard to pass. The combination of the two conditions can make going to the bathroom an extremely unpleasant experience.

However, if you’re constipated and have hemorrhoids, you shouldn’t try to put off going to the bathroom when the urge hits. Doing so can put further strain on the bowels and worsen hemorrhoids when you ultimately do pass the stool.

When you have hemorrhoids, changing the position of your body when you use the bathroom may help reduce pressure on the rectum. An example could be planting your feet on a small step stool as you go to the bathroom. This may make stool easier to pass.

Treating constipation with hemorrhoids

Taking steps to treat both your constipation and hemorrhoids can help reduce the incidence of both conditions. Examples include:

• Cleansing the anal area gently and thoroughly after going to the bathroom. Some people may find using baby wipes or rinsing the area may help.
• Drinking plenty of water to make stool less hard.
• Applying anti-inflammatory creams (e. g. steroids like OTC Preparation H) to the area to reduce itching and skin irritation.
• Eating a high-fiber diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals to help add bulk to stool naturally and make it easier to pass.

If you continue to have problems with hemorrhoids, including blood in your stool, talk to your doctor.

Constipation can result from several underlying reasons. These can include:

• aging
• diabetes
• dietary changes, such as lower fiber or not drinking enough fluids
• history of colon surgery
• history of gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome
• history of pelvic floor disorders
• intestinal obstructions
• pregnancy

It can also result from taking certain medications, such as:

• aluminum- and calcium-containing antacids
• anticonvulsants
• calcium channel blockers
• diuretics
• iron supplements
• narcotic pain medications
• medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease

Sometimes, the movement of the colon slows for no known reason and constipation results.

Whether temporary or chronic, constipation can be an unpleasant occurrence whose symptoms don’t always happen where and when you think they will.

Fortunately, most instances of constipation can resolve with at-home, self-care measures. If your symptoms don’t resolve or you experience pain and bleeding, call a doctor.

If you have fewer than three bowel movements a week combined with difficulty with your bowel movements or other discomfort, it may be worthwhile to talk to a doctor.

Constipation – symptoms, causes, signs, diagnosis and treatment in “SM-Clinic”

This disease is treated by Gastroenterologist
, Proctologist

• What is constipation?
• Symptoms of constipation
• Causes of constipation
• Diagnosis of constipation in “SM-Clinic”
• Treatment of constipation in the “SM-Clinic”
• Prevention of constipation
• Doctors

Constipation is a short-term or permanent violation of bowel movements, in which it is impossible to completely empty the bowels. Situational constipation, triggered by stress or side effects of drugs, is not a pathology. The criterion for the disease is the absence of stool within 48-72 hours. In this case, the patient may complain of a strong urge to defecate, abdominal pain and general malaise. Strong straining does not lead to relief or is accompanied by the release of hard round stools without complete emptying of the intestine. Possible complications of constipation include anal fissure, intoxication of the body and the formation of hemorrhoids.

Constipation is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Many doctors call constipation a symptom, however, in the international classification of diseases, this condition is designated as an independent pathology (code K59.0). In most cases, constipation affects the elderly. Treatment of constipation should primarily focus on improving nutrition. If necessary, medical therapy is applied.

Symptoms of constipation

Symptoms of constipation depend on the cause of this condition. The absence of a chair can be observed for three days in a row or occur intermittently. The accumulation of stool in the large intestine is accompanied by increased absorption of fluid, hardening of the stool and the penetration of toxins into the bloodstream. Hard stool damages the intestinal mucosa, and harmful substances adversely affect the patient’s well-being.

Other symptoms and signs:

• Feeling of heaviness in the abdomen;
• Passing stools in the form of hard black or dark brown balls;
• Paroxysmal pain in the abdomen;
• Strong irresolvable urge to defecate;
• Requires constant straining to empty the bowels;
• Passing a lot of mucus along with hard stools;
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels;
• Bloating
• Lack of appetite;
• Constant belching;
• Weakness and fatigue;
• Sleep disturbance.

Delayed stool adversely affects the intestinal microflora, so patients complain of increased gas formation. A sign of damage to the intestinal mucosa by hard stools may be the release of blood with feces.

Causes of constipation

The activity of the gastrointestinal tract directly depends on the lifestyle of a person. For the formation of normal stools and bowel movements, the intestines need a sufficient amount of fiber. This substance is found in many fruits and vegetables. A monotonous diet can be accompanied by chronic constipation and the formation of hard stools. Other risk factors for constipation include physical inactivity, chronic stress, sleep disturbance, and insufficient water intake. In some cases, constipation occurs even with a healthy lifestyle against the background of a pathological condition.

Other causes:

• Irritable bowel syndrome. This disease is characterized by dysfunction of the intestine. The patient may complain of intermittent constipation followed by diarrhea;
• Intestinal obstruction with the growth of tumors, the penetration of foreign bodies into the organ, parasitic infection, adhesions or other pathological conditions;
• Disturbance of intestinal motility. The movement of feces in the intestines is provided by wave-like contractions of the muscle tissues of the organ. Violation of the rhythm of the intestinal muscles can lead to constipation;
• Diseases of the nervous system. Intestinal functions depend on nervous regulation, therefore, pathologies of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves can cause defecation disorders;
• Unfavorable mental state, accompanied by anxiety and severe stress.

The effectiveness of the treatment of constipation depends on the successful identification of the cause of this condition.

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone:

+7 (495) 292-39-72

Request a call back
Book online

Why SM-Clinic?

1

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines

2

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

3

Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory

4

High level of service and balanced pricing policy

Diagnosis of constipation in “SM-Clinic”

With a constant violation of bowel movements, it is necessary to make an appointment with a proctologist. The doctor of our clinic conducts a consultation, during which he asks the patient in detail about complaints and studies the anamnesis. It is important for the doctor to determine how often the patient has stool retention. In addition, the proctologist needs to exclude the presence of intestinal obstruction, which requires urgent treatment. Severe bloating and the absence of gases indicate bowel obstruction. Additional examinations can clarify the diagnosis and identify the cause of constipation.

Applied diagnostic methods in “SM-Clinic”:

• Irrigoscopy is a method of X-ray examination of the colon. The doctor injects a contrast solution into the patient’s intestines using an enema. Then an x-ray examination is performed, during which the specialist sees a change in the shape of the intestine and the extensibility of its walls in real time. Getting several pictures in different positions allows the doctor to clarify the cause of constipation and exclude the presence of intestinal obstruction;
• Endoscopic examination of the large intestine (colonoscopy). The doctor inserts a flexible tube equipped with a camera and a light source into the patient’s rectum. During the study, the specialist studies the features of the contents of the intestine and the state of the mucous membrane of the organ, looking at the monitor. During the procedure, if necessary, a painless sampling of cells of the mucous membrane of the organ is performed for histological examination of the material in the laboratory. To eliminate discomfort, colonoscopy is performed under anesthesia;
• anorectal manometry. The proctologist appoints this study to assess the tone of the muscles of the intestine and the strength of the contraction of the sphincters of the rectum. A flexible tube is inserted into the intestine, after which the specialist fills the balloon at the end of the tube with air. The results of the study make it possible to detect the pathology of the muscles of the organ;
• Study of the defecation process using magnetic resonance imaging (defecography). This is the most highly informative method for diagnosing chronic constipation, allowing the doctor to evaluate the work of the pelvic floor muscles and the defecation process in general. Obtaining a three-dimensional image of the pelvic organs is carried out using a special apparatus. The doctor asks the patient to remove all metal jewelry and lie down on the tomography table. Before the study, a contrast agent is injected into the intestine using an enema. After removing the contrast from the intestine, a second scan is performed with functional tests, such as straining or relaxing the pelvic muscles;
• Blood test. In the treatment room, the nurse takes a small amount of blood from the patient’s vein and sends the material to the laboratory. Based on the results of a blood test, thyroid dysfunction and other causes of constipation are excluded. Own laboratory “SM-Clinic” allows you to conduct this study quickly and get reliable results.

The proctologist himself determines what examinations are necessary for the patient. In most cases, the diagnosis of constipation is limited to a few procedures.

Treatment of constipation in the SM-Clinic

According to the results of the diagnosis, the doctors of our clinic select a treatment plan for constipation. The prescribed therapy eliminates the cause of the pathology and normalizes the activity of the intestine. The gastroenterologist necessarily prescribes a special diet for the patient to restore intestinal motility and form a stool of the correct consistency. If a mechanical obstruction or other dangerous pathology is detected, emergency treatment is carried out.

Methods of constipation treatment in “SM-Clinic”:

• Prescription of drugs containing dietary fiber. The gastroenterologist prescribes the patient metamucil or another agent that normalizes the formation of stool and facilitates defecation;
• The use of drugs that improve intestinal motility. The doctor prescribes a short course of bisacodyl or another agent to the patient;
• The use of osmotic laxatives that eliminate excessive absorption of water by the walls of the intestine. It is lactulose, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium citrate;
• Use of stool softeners. The doctor prescribes docusate sodium or another drug that reduces the absorption of water in the large intestine to the patient;
• Use of enemas and anal suppositories. The proctologist explains how to properly perform bowel lavage at home. The doctor also prescribes suppositories based on glycerin or bisacodyl to facilitate bowel movements.

Our proctologists treat chronic constipation in a patient without long-term use of laxatives that negatively affect bowel function. The main task is to improve nutrition and eliminate negative factors from the daily life of the patient. The doctor controls all stages of treatment and achieves optimal results.

Prevention of constipation

A healthy lifestyle will help a person avoid developing constipation or other bowel problems.

Basic prevention methods:

• Eating enough foods containing dietary fiber and fats;
• Consumption of at least 2 liters of fluid per day;
• moderate physical activity;
• Eliminate stressors.

Our clinic’s gastroenterologists provide consultations to explain disease prevention methods.

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Diseases referred to Gastroenterologist

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Achalasia
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celiac disease
Cirrhosis of the liver
Enteritis
Enterocolitis
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Esophageal ulcer
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum
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Diseases referred to Proctologist

Anal fissure
anal fringes
Crohn’s disease
Pain in the anus
rectal prolapse
Haemorrhoids
warts
coccygeal passage
Blood in stool
paraproctitis
Proctitis
Rectovaginal fistula
Fistula of the rectum
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Encoprese
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7 main reasons and what to do about it?

Constipation is a bowel movement every two days or less. If the stool occurs irregularly, then something is wrong with the intestines. We will analyze the main reasons and find out how to fix the stool and when it is time to see a doctor.

Contents

• 1. Constipation due to lack of water
• 2. Constipation due to lack of fiber
• 3. Bloating and constipation
• 4. Hormonal problems and constipation
• 5. External factors and spastic constipation
• 6. Taking drugs and dietary supplements as a cause of constipation
• 7. Sedentary lifestyle and atonic constipation
• 8. What you need to know about constipation

Constipation due to lack of water

Nutrients from the food bolus are absorbed in the small intestine, while undigested particles move further into the large intestine. It is there that feces are formed. Water is also absorbed there – and the consistency of feces depends on its quantity.

With a lack of water, typical symptoms of constipation appear: feces become hard, dense and lumpy, with difficulty moving through the intestines.

If a person does not systematically drink enough water, he develops chronic constipation.

The recommended water intake is about two liters per day. If you don’t feel like drinking plain water with glasses at all, soups, boiled or steamed food, fruits and dishes from fresh vegetables will help you “get back to normal”. If there are problems with stools, fried, dried, smoked foods and dry snacks are best avoided – such foods are more likely to worsen the situation.

Constipation due to lack of fiber

Just drinking water is only half the battle against constipation. It is fiber that retains water in the stool due to swelling, helping to promote it. Fiber is soluble and insoluble, and it is advisable to consume both types of dietary fiber daily.

The recommended fiber intake for an adult is about 30 grams per day. That’s at least one fruit a day and one generous serving of vegetables. Also, mucus-forming products with soluble fiber – flaxseed porridge, psyllium husks – will also help.

For constipation, you don’t have to eat tasteless bran or unloved vegetables. You can add healthy fibers to your diet with the help of a variety of foods and dishes:

• berries;
• mushrooms;
• leafy greens;
• seedlings of legumes and grains;
• seeds;
• dried and pickled seaweed;
• whole grain bread;
• brown rice;
• whole grain spaghetti;
• Whole grain breads;
• smoothies;
• whole grain cereals;
• dried fruit without added sugar.

Fiber not only helps you go to the toilet regularly, but also feeds the intestinal microbiota. To maintain a healthy diversity of microflora, you need to consume a variety of types of dietary fiber.

The ability of gut bacteria to break down dietary fiber can be assessed using the Atlas Microbiota Test.

Bloating and constipation

A constant excess of gas in the intestines can cause spastic constipation. Accumulated gases prevent feces from moving along the tract. They cause pain and discomfort, cause spasms, because the intestinal loops are compressed, transferred.

A common cause of bloating is dysbacteriosis, in which pathogenic microflora takes precedence over beneficial ones.

Atlas microbiota test will help you to find out the ratio of probiotic and other beneficial bacteria, to assess the diversity of the microbiota. By examining your bacteria, it is much easier to understand how to deal with bloating and constipation and what your microbiota is missing.

Hormonal problems and constipation

Thyroid hormones regulate essential bodily functions, including metabolism and digestion. With hypothyroidism, a violation of the production of thyroxine, chronic constipation and other digestive disorders may occur.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are very non-specific, so you need to get tested to check your thyroid hormones. When their levels are low, a person may also experience chronic fatigue, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, weight fluctuations, or heart rhythm disturbances.

External factors and spastic constipation

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Fear, or even pleasurable excitement, is stress on the body that triggers the fight-flight-or-freeze response. Therefore, before an important event, such as a flight or an interview, it can be difficult to go to the toilet.

Stress can inhibit peristalsis and cause spastic constipation, accompanied by acute colic.

Therefore, before a trip or an important meeting, it is better to have dinner with something easily digestible and not causing heaviness and seething in the stomach. A warm bath or shower, taking antispasmodics, a hot drink, meditation and massage will help you relax.

Medications and dietary supplements as a cause of constipation

Constipation is mentioned as a side effect in the instructions for hundreds of different drugs. If you’ve improved your diet but are still suffering from chronic constipation, check to see if you’re taking any medication or food supplement that could be causing it.

These drugs and supplements can slow down peristalsis and interfere with bowel regularity:

• antidepressants;
• antipsychotics;
• containing iron;
• sedatives;
• diuretics;
• containing aluminium;
• anti-inflammatory.

This does not mean that you have to stop taking medications or supplements yourself if you have a broken stool. Try to increase fluid and fiber intake and eat regularly. If that doesn’t work, see your doctor and ask them to choose an alternative with less side effects or a mild laxative.

Sedentary lifestyle and atonic constipation

Atonic constipation often occurs in old age, when body functions gradually slow down. But young people can also suffer from constipation, caused not by hypertonicity or spasms, but by a simple lack of movement.

When playing sports or simply having an active lifestyle, the blood circulates more intensively through the body, and metabolic processes are accelerated. Cycling, walking and running will help with this. Also, in the fight against constipation, it is better to pay attention to activities in which you can move in a variety of ways and include the abdominal muscles. It can be dancing, swimming, yoga, gymnastics.

What you need to know about constipation

Don’t worry about chronic constipation – it’s not a sign of cancer. But the problem cannot be ignored either. Persistent constipation and the need to push hard to have a bowel movement can actually increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids or tumors. If you cannot determine the cause of constipation on your own and eliminate it, you need to consult a doctor.

To cope with constipation, it is not necessary to immediately take laxatives. It is much more useful to pay attention to the diet. About what products help to avoid constipation, we wrote a separate article.

Severe pain, weight loss, blood or mucus in the stool, unusually thin pencil-like stools – these symptoms should be reported to a doctor. It is important to be examined and check for inflammation, polyps or other neoplasms in the intestines. Your doctor may order a calprotectin test, a marker of intestinal inflammation, as well as a colonoscopy and other tests.

The state of the microbiota affects the regularity of the stool – we regularly talk about it in our blog.