What causes constipation?

Answer 1

Many factors can cause it like lack of fiber for one - medications..

Here is more info from a site and a link if you want to read more about it :
- not enough fiber in the diet
- lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
- medications
- milk
- irritable bowel syndrome
- changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
- abuse of laxatives
- ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- dehydration
- specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
- problems with the colon and rectum
-problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Answer 2

There can be several reasons. Poor diet, lack of fiber and ruff age in your diet. Also not taking in enough liquids. Some medications can also cause constipation. If you are really having a problem and do not have a bowel movement at least 2 to 3 times a week. You should probably check with your doctor to see if there is a medical problem.

Answer 3

(m)

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water. This happens because the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly.

Common Causes Of Constipation


Not enough fiber in diet.
Not enough liquids.
Lack of exercise.
Medications.
Irritable bowel syndrome.
Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel.
Abuse of laxatives.
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
Specific diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Problems with the colon and rectum.
Problems with intestinal function (Chronic idiopathic constipation.)

Answer 4

The main causes of constipation include:

* Hardening of the feces
o Insufficient intake of dietary fiber
o Dehydration
o Medication, e.g. diuretics and those containing iron, calcium, aluminium
* Paralysis or slowed transit, where peristaltic action is diminished or absent, so that feces are not moved along
o Hypothyroidism (slow-acting thyroid gland)
o Hypokalemia
o Injured anal sphincter (patulous anus)
o Medications, such as loperamide, opioids (e.g. codeine & morphine) and certain antidepressants
o Severe illness due to other causes; occasionally colds or flu
o Acute porphyria (a very rare inherited condition)
o Lead poisoning
* Dyschezia (usually the result of suppressing defecation)
* Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to pass
o Strictures
o Diverticula
o Tumors, either of the bowel or surrounding tissues
* Psychosomatic constipation, based on anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings.
o Functional constipation
o Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by a combination of constipation and abdominal discomfort and/or pain[2]

Answer 5

for me the cause of constipation are the ff:
1.not enough fiber in the diet
2.lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
3.medications
4.milk
5.irritable bowel syndrome
6.abuse of laxatives
7.ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
8.dehydration
9.specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
10.problems with the colon and rectum
11.problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Answer 6

low fiber diet, less water, junk and fast food, fruits are good for constipation but surprisingly apple makes it worse. doing light exercise also helps releaving constipation.

Answer 7

many things can cause constipation. i think as long as there aren't any "speed bumps" everything will be alright.

Answer 8

Unusual eating behavior

Answer 9

A lack of fibre can be a cause

Answer 10

you need to eat plenty of Fibre in your diet, Pasta, Muesli etc. are the best things