why am i always constipated?

Question

I have always had problems with constipation when travelling but these past few months I have been extremely constipated no matter what. At one point in time I was taking iron pills which is supposed to make you constipated (that was in the summer) but I was not nearly as constipated as I am now. I only go once or twice a week maximum. I eat an extremely high fiber diet and take fiber pills. I run every day and lead an active lifestyle. I don't really notice I havnt gone until the fourth day when my stomach is extremely bloated and I can feel everything inside. I just want to know why I get this constipated because it definitly is not due to a lack of fiber or excersize. I drink enough water also.

Answer 1

Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to eliminate; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. Obstipation refers to severe constipation. Causes of constipation may be dietary, hormonal, a side effect of medications, an illness or disorder, and anatomical. Treatment is with a change in dietary and exercise habits.

The main causes of constipation include:

Hardening of the feces
Insufficient intake of dietary fiber
Dehydration
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
Hypothyroidism (slow-acting thyroid gland)
Hypokalemia
Injured anal sphincter (patulous anus)
Medications, such as loperamide, opioids (e.g. codeine & morphine) and certain antidepressants
Severe illness due to other causes; occasionally colds or flu
Acute porphyria (a very rare inherited condition)
Lead poisoning
Dyschezia syn(usually the result of suppressing defecation)
Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to pass
Strictures
Diverticula
Tumors, either of the bowel or surrounding tissues
Retained foreign body
Psychosomatic constipation, based on anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings.
Functional constipation
Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by a combination of constipation and abdominal discomfort and/or pain.

In people without medical problems, the main intervention is the increase of fluids (preferably water) and dietary fiber. The latter may be achieved by consuming more vegetables and fruit, whole meal bread and by adding linseeds to one's diet. The routine non-medical use of laxatives is to be discouraged as this may result in bowel action becoming dependent upon their use. Enemas can be used to provide a form of mechanical stimulation.

Laxatives may be necessary in people in whom dietary intervention is not effective or inappropriate. Stimulant laxatives (e.g. senna) are generally avoided, as they may worsen crampy sensations commonly experienced in constipation. In various conditions (such as the use of codeine or morphine), combinations of hydrating (e.g. lactulose or glycols), bulk-forming (e.g. psyllium) and stimulant agents may be necessary. Many of the products are widely available over-the-counter.

Enemas and clysters are a remedy occasionally used for hospitalized patients in whom the constipation has proven to be severe, dangerous in other ways, or resistant to laxatives. Sorbitol, glycerin and arachis oil suppositories can be used. Severe cases may require phosphate solutions introduced as enemas.

Constipation that resists all the above measures requires physical intervention. Manual disimpaction (the physical removal of impacted stool) is done under sedation or a general anesthetic—this avoids pain and loosens the anal sphincter.

In alternative and traditional medicine, colonic irrigation, enemas, exercise, diet and herbs are used to treat constipation.

Constipation is usually easier to prevent than to treat. The relief of constipation with osmotic agents, i.e. lactulose, Polyethyleneglycol(PEG), or magnesium salts, should immediately be followed with prevention using increased fiber(fruits and vegetables) and a nightly decreasing dose of osmotic laxative. With continuing narcotic use, for instance, nightly doses of osmotic agents can be given indefinitely (without harm) to cause a daily bowel movement.

MedlinePlus is a website containing health information from the world's largest medical library, the United States National Library of Medicine.

Answer 2

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RE:
why am i always constipated?
I have always had problems with constipation when travelling but these past few months I have been extremely constipated no matter what. At one point in time I was taking iron pills which is supposed to make you constipated (that was in the summer) but I was not nearly as constipated as I am now. ...

Answer 3

Why Am I Always Constipated

Answer 4

Am I Constipated

Answer 5

Clogged colon. Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day or more if you can. Also take 2 tbls. apple cider vinegar in water to aid in digestion. Read the water cure on the web. Happy s######ing! 1/2 tsp. of baking soda in a glass of water should do the trick right away. Only take when you know you are going to be home.

Answer 6

Try taking 1 - 3/2 LITRES OF WATER IN THE MORNING ONCE U WAKE UP AFTER BRUSHING UR TEETH IN EMPTY STOMACH. DO THIS FOR A WEEK ONLY AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.

Answer 7

eat a few bits of licorice every day. If you still can't poop at least you get some enjoyment out of it. Maybe you need to eat more fruit

Answer 8

I am not a doctor, but I read about someone that had a blocked intestine which somehow resulted in a heart attack, so PLEASE see a doctor immediately!

Answer 9

Maybe you eat too much bread.

Answer 10

you should try stool softeners