Ask a doctor - What is the cause of constipation and how do I get rid of it?

Q. What is the cause of constipation and how do I get rid of it?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Constipation is a symptom of digestive issues that can have many causes. It occurs when your stool or bowel movements become harder, drier, and more difficult to pass due to lack of adequate fiber intake, insufficient fluids in the diet, medication side effects (especially if you are taking pain relievers or narcotic medications), inadequate physical activity, poor digestion resulting from imbalances in gut bacteria levels or hormonal imbalance such as hypothyroidism. In addition to these causes, diseases associated with decreased intestinal motility such as IBS-C can also lead to constipation.

The primary treatment for constipation involves dietary changes including increasing your daily water intake and adding more high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet. Additionally adding probiotics into your routine may help by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut which can help improve digestion. Regular exercise and getting sufficient sleep each night is also important for maintaining good digestive health as it helps stimulate peristalsis (the movement of stool through the intestines). While natural remedies are often effective for treating mild cases of constipation there are certain over-the-counter medications such as laxatives which may be helpful in alleviating occasional episodes of severe constipation; however it's best not to take them without consulting a physician first since they can have potential adverse side effects if used improperly over extended periods of time.

In conclusion while some cases of constipation may resolve on their own via lifestyle modifications this isn't always true so it's important to consult with a qualified professional who will help diagnose any underlying issues contributing towards chronic/persistent bouts with constipation so that appropriate treatment plans can be created tailored just for you!