Here is a list of causes for constipation:
- Poor diet – not enough fiber & water
- Inactivity – not enough exercise
- Changes in your diet
- Stress
- The use of some medications, especially painkillers and antidepressants
- Too much calcium or aluminum from antiacid
As we mentioned before, your constipation might be indicative of a more serious condition that is not overly evident, or the result of other medical conditions you might have been diagnosed with. For example:
- IBS – irritable bowel syndrome
- Eating disorders
- Pregnancy
- Diseases like Parkinson’s or MS – Multiple Sclerosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Colon cancer – and to a lesser extent other types of cancer
- Excess calcium in your bloodstream
After going through the list of symptoms above, you might be asking yourself if you have occasional or chronic constipation. The difference between both is easy to ignore, especially given that occasional constipation is so common.
Therefore, you should always remain vigilant and monitor a number of events and precursors to your condition. For example, if you had to much processed food, the net day you might feel constipated. To avoid chronic constipation in that case, you just need to return to your regular diet and be more aware about the kinds of food that make you constipated.
If you notice that despite your dietary changes, increased physical activity, increased water intake, and a reduction in processed food, you are still getting constipated frequently, you should consult your doctor immediately. Other associated symptoms to look for to determine whether or not you should consult your doctor after you make the necessary changes to avoid chronic constipation, are:
- Sudden unexpected weight loss
- Blood in your stool
- Your stool has changed
Once you consult with your doctor, the next step would likely be to run additional tests. These tests can include:
- Hormone levels – specially to rule out hypothyroidism
- Colonoscopy – which can also help find tumors in the colon
- Tests to determine how stool moves through your colon
While all of these tests require you to be physically present, your doctor here at AntidoteHealth.ai can help you by evaluating your condition and prescribing the necessary tests. Make sure that you consult with your doctor, adjust your diet, and exercise enough, to avoid having an occasional constipation issue become a chronic condition.