Care2Healthy Living/Brian Syuki: Mistakes that Make Constipation Worse

Care2Healthy Living                                                 
7 Mistakes that Make Constipation Worse

    By: Brian Syuki
    June 23, 2019

Constipation is uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, and chances are you know a few natural remedies for constipation. However, the remedies may not offer relief if you make these mistakes that worsen constipation.

Note that your constipation may persist even when you don’t make these mistakes. Sometimes constipation is a sign of serious health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diverticulosis. See a doctor if it lasts longer than two weeks.

With that said, you must avoid the mistakes below to ease constipation fast.
1. Eating Processed Foods

Your constipation may turn into a nightmare if you eat processed foods. Crackers, pasta, and bread slow down digestion, which worsens constipation.

Additionally, processed foods often contain fructans, which can interfere with the natural digestive process.

Most processed foods are also high in sodium, which may reduce your bathroom trips by lowering the water content in the stool.
2. Staying Inactive

Staying inactive because of constipation is a huge blunder. I understand that severe constipation can make it uncomfortable to move, but you should push yourself.

Exercise helps your digestive system function optimally. You don’t have to do long and intense workouts. Even short walks or home workouts are helpful.
3. Taking Calcium or Iron Supplements

You’re better off getting your calcium and iron from food when you’re constipated. These minerals interfere with the contraction of your gastrointestinal system.

In fact, getting these minerals from vegan sources will also offer plenty of fiber, which eases constipation. Go for these excellent calcium vegan sources and iron sources.
4. Overusing Laxatives

Laxatives may seem like a brilliant solution to your constipation, but using them too often can have the opposite effect. Relying on them for bowel movements all the time can worsen constipation.

Use laxatives sparingly. It’s better to use proven methods of relieving constipation such as drinking plenty of water and increasing your fiber intake.

woman holding a chocolate bar
5. Eating Chocolate

Eating a few chocolate bars won’t fix your discomfort. In fact, it may worsen it. Many people with constipation and IBS say chocolate triggers their symptoms, according to research.

Researchers are not sure why this is so, but ingredients such as milk and caffeine may be to blame.
6. Consuming Too Much Dairy

You probably know that a diet high in dairy can cause constipation by slowing down your digestion. Don’t eat cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products when you’re constipated.

Also avoid other animal, foods such as eggs and meat, and opt for fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains instead.

If you absolutely can’t do without dairy products, go for lactose-free alternatives.
7. Taking Certain Prescription Medications 

Most blood pressure medications can worsen your constipation, because they’re diuretics. They flush water out of your body, making it difficult to keep stool soft. Using antacids to fight heartburn can also worsen constipation, especially if they contain aluminum and calcium. Antidepressants can be problematic, too.

If you think your medication is causing constipation, talk to your doctor about whether you can make any adjustments.

It’ll be incredibly easy for you to beat constipation if you avoid these mistakes and take advantage of the natural remedies for constipation.

Photos via Getty Images
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23 comments
Czerny Aabout an hour ago

I'm fine with the 6 reasons, but the 1 issue for me is inactivity. If I sit spend too many hours online or binge watch a tv series, I'll tighten up the next day. Exercise is good for nearly everything that ails you, constipation is the least of it. My doc wanted to put me on BP meds for a borderline high BP, and I refused--for many reasons. Vigorous exercise is one means of lowering BP, besides a host of other benefits. If you think you could sit on your ass eating processed foods and meats and just take prescription and OTC meds for your conditions, more power to you.
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Elizabeth H1 hours ago

Eat prunes they always do the trick.
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Christine D2 hours ago

#5 will depend on the type of chocolate you eat. Choose dark chocolate in lieu of milk chocolate with at least 70% cacao content. Regarding caffeine...I have found that it has the opposite effect, stimulating bowel movements.
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Brad H2 hours ago

thanks
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Mike R3 hours ago

Thanks
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hELEN hEARFIELD3 hours ago

tyfs
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Ann B3 hours ago

interesting but no real answer for safe fix-exercise is not one
and care 2 is jumping from article to article AGAIN
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Val Pla4 hours ago

ok
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Val Pla4 hours ago

ok
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Janet B4 hours ago

Thanks
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