Constipation Causes: Know More!

•Diet: Consumption of low fibre diet is the primary cause of constipation. Changes in dietary habits or following a weight-loss regime can also cause it. Eating junk or processed food, high fat consumption (usually found in dairy products), drinking caffeine or aerated drinks also can trigger constipation.

•Lack of Fluids: Liquids like water and fruit juices add bulk to the stool and soften them and make them easier to pass. Hence low consumption of fluids also results in constipation. Intake of caffeine and soft drinks are not recommended as they have a dehydrating effect.

Color or rectal blockages, problems of pelvic muscles involved in the bowel movement can cause it.

Lack of Exercise: Being inactive lowers the metabolism of our body which in turn can hamper digestion and cause constipation.

•Medications: Some painkillers, antibiotics, antacids, antidepressants, and even some iron and vitamin supplements contribute to being constipated.

•Medical Conditions: Medical conditions related to metabolic, endocrine or neurological disorders such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, etc., can cause constipation.

•Pregnancy: Constipation can occur in pregnant women as a result of hormonal changes which slow down the intestinal movements and during the last few months of the pregnancy, bowels are pushed to one side as the baby takes up most of the space in the stomach which again can cause constipation.

•Psychological: Withholding stool voluntarily is a most common cause. It could be due to various reasons; pain due to haemorrhoids, unwillingness to use public toilets or it could be as simple as laziness.