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What Causes Constipation?

Understanding the Root Causes for Lasting Relief

If you’ve ever experienced the cramping, bloating, and discomfort that come with it, you’ve probably asked yourself: what causes constipation?

Constipation is not a disease — it’s a symptom. And once you understand the underlying cause in your body, finding the right solution becomes much easier.

Most commonly, constipation is defined as:

  • Fewer than three bowel movements per week
  • Straining to pass stool
  • Hard, dry, or difficult-to-pass stools
  • A feeling of incomplete emptying

Because “normal” bowel habits vary from person to person, the key is noticing what is normal for you.

toilet paper

Why Identifying What Causes Constipation Matters

Constipation affects people of all ages and is one of the most common digestive complaints worldwide. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation can:

  • Cause significant discomfort
  • Interfere with nutrient absorption
  • Lead to complications such as haemorrhoids and diverticular disease

The good news? In many cases, the causes are linked to diet and lifestyle — which means they can be improved naturally.

What Causes Constipation? The Most Common Triggers

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

glass of pure water

Water is essential for healthy bowel function.

Without adequate hydration:

  • The colon absorbs too much water from waste
  • Stools become hard and dry
  • Bowel movements become difficult and painful

Increasing your fluid intake is often one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve regularity.

2. A Low-Fibre Diet

Fibre adds bulk to stool and helps it move smoothly through the intestines.

High-fibre foods include:

  • Whole grains
  • Brown rice
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit (especially with the skin)
  • Legumes
  • Seeds

Diets high in processed foods, fast foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates are one of the biggest answers to the question “what causes constipation?”

3. Too Many Processed Foods

eating handful of crisps

Processed foods are typically:

  • Low in fibre
  • High in unhealthy fats
  • Nutrient poor

Foods that may worsen constipation in some people include:

  • White bread and white rice
  • Fried foods
  • Cheese and ice cream
  • Cakes and sugary drinks

4. Lack of Physical Activity

Movement stimulates the natural contractions of the intestines. A sedentary lifestyle slows bowel function, while regular activity:

  • Encourages intestinal movement
  • Strengthens abdominal muscles
  • Helps stool pass more easily

Even gentle daily walking can make a noticeable difference.

5. Ignoring the Urge to Go

Regularly delaying bowel movements can:

  • Weaken natural reflexes
  • Lead to harder stools
  • Create a cycle of chronic constipation

Your body thrives on routine.

Hormonal and Life-Stage Causes of Constipation

Pregnancy

Constipation during pregnancy is common due to:

  • Increased progesterone relaxing intestinal muscles
  • Pressure from the growing baby on the bowel
  • Iron supplementation

Gentle movement, fibre, and fluids are especially important during this time.

Ageing

Older adults are more prone to constipation because of:

  • Reduced mobility
  • Slower metabolism
  • Medication use
  • Lower muscle tone

Babies and Children

Babies can have very different bowel patterns.

Breastfed babies may go several days without a bowel movement and still be normal if:

  • The stool is soft
  • They are comfortable

Signs of constipation in babies include:

  • Hard stools
  • Irritability
  • Poor feeding
  • A swollen tummy

Always seek medical advice if unsure.

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Constipation

Several health issues can slow bowel function:

  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Disorders of the central nervous system
  • Hernia
  • Prostate enlargement
  • Anal fissures or haemorrhoids (pain causes stool withholding)
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Abdominal masses (fibroids, cysts, tumours)

Medications That Cause Constipation

One of the most overlooked answers to what causes constipation is medication.

Common culprits include:

  • Opioid pain medications
  • Some antidepressants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Iron supplements
  • Antihistamines
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs

Never stop prescribed medication — instead, support the bowel with diet and hydration and consult with your health care provider if you are concerned.

Stress, Emotions and the Gut

chalkboard words stress, anxiety, gut health

The gut and brain are deeply connected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can:

  • Slow digestive function
  • Disrupt gut motility
  • Contribute to IBS-related constipation

Supporting the nervous system is often part of long-term relief.

Can Parasites Cause Constipation?

Yes — in some cases, intestinal parasites may:

  • Disrupt gut balance
  • Interfere with normal bowel movements
  • Cause alternating constipation and diarrhoea

Complications of Chronic Constipation

Untreated constipation can lead to:

Haemorrhoids (Piles)

Straining causes swollen veins in the rectum and anus, leading to:

  • Pain
  • Itching
  • Bleeding

Diverticular Disease

Chronic pressure in the colon can form small pouches in the bowel wall, which:

  • Trap stool
  • Become inflamed
  • Worsen constipation

The Holistic View: Constipation Is a Whole-Body Signal

When asking what causes constipation, it helps to look at the full picture:

  • Diet
  • Hydration
  • Movement
  • Stress levels
  • Hormonal balance
  • Gut health

Your bowel habits are one of the clearest daily indicators of overall health.

Gentle, Natural Ways to Support Regularity

hands on healthy gut

For many people, relief comes from simple daily habits:

  • Drinking more water
  • Increasing fibre gradually
  • Moving your body daily
  • Responding to the urge to go
  • Supporting gut health

Herbal and natural approaches can also provide gentle assistance when needed.

In Closing: Your Body Is Giving You Clues

Constipation is your body’s way of asking for attention — not suppression. Once you identify what causes constipation in your unique case, you can:

  • Choose the right remedies
  • Support your digestive system naturally
  • Restore comfortable, regular bowel movements

And that’s when true, lasting relief begins.

Links To Further Digestion Related Articles

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