Doctors Explain the Reasons Why You Might Not Be Using the Bathroom Every Day

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 2.5 million Americans complain of constipation each year. The condition is characterized by infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three per week) and difficulty passing stools. If you’re experiencing constipation, you’re probably wondering what’s causing your discomfort and how to relieve it.

Below are seven possible reasons you’re not having regular bowel movements and tips for restoring regularity.

1. Lack of fiber in your diet can cause constipation. Fiber helps bulk up stools and make them easier to pass. Try to eat more high-fiber, plant-based foods such as beans, legumes, chia seeds, berries, and whole grains.

2. Dehydration can lead to constipation because it causes stools to become dry and hard. Aim to drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids per day if you’re a woman and 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) if you’re a man, including water and other unsweetened beverages.

3. Exercise regularly to promote regular bowel movements. The colon responds to activity, especially in older adults who tend to be more sedentary than younger adults. Abdominal wall muscles and the diaphragm also play a crucial role in the process of defecation.

4. Medication can cause constipation as a side effect. Drugs such as opioids, antacids, and antidepressants can interfere with regular digestion. If you suspect that your medication is causing constipation, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or prescribing an alternative drug.

5. Certain medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid disorders, and diabetes can cause constipation. If your constipation persists or if you have additional symptoms such as blood in your stools or severe pain, seek medical attention.

6. Chronic stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and lead to constipation. Stress reduces the number of healthy gut bacteria, increases intestinal permeability, and diverts blood away from the intestines and other digestive organs, causing intestinal movement to slow down.

7. Ignoring your body’s urge to have a bowel movement can cause stool to become harder and more difficult to pass over time. If you notice the urge to go, act on it. Waiting too long can exacerbate the problem.

Don’t resign yourself to irregular bathroom habits, especially if they’re causing discomfort. Take action to restore regularity by incorporating more fiber-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, managing stress, and seeking medical attention when necessary.

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