Q. Why am I constipated all of the time?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Constipation is a common problem and can be caused by numerous factors. Most cases of constipation are related to dietary changes, lack of physical activity, or medications they may be taking.
The most important step in addressing constipation is first to identify any underlying causes. Your diet plays an important role in preventing and relieving constipation. Eating plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans), nuts, and whole grains helps add bulk to the stool which can help it pass more easily through the digestive tract. In addition to increasing your intake of high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water – 8 glasses daily – can also help reduce symptoms of constipation. Exercise is also helpful for promoting regularity; starting with simple activities like walking or jogging at least 30 minutes each day can lead to improved bowel function over time.
If dietary changes alone do not provide relief from constipation then you should talk with your doctor about possible underlying medical causes that warrant further investigation such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which affects up to 20% of adults in the US or other vascular disorders that could cause decreased blood flow leading to GI problems like chronic constipation. Additionally medications used for conditions such as high blood pressure or depression are well known for causing prolonged bouts of irregular bowel movements so discussing this potential side effect with your doctor should also be part of any treatment plan when necessary.
In conclusion there are several possible explanations for why a person might experience chronic bouts with constipation but regardless if it’s due solely to lifestyle choices or because there is an underlying medical factor involved making lifestyle modifications that address diet and exercise changes have been shown time and again through research studies as effective treatments for improving digestion health overall thus providing additional relief from long term cases involving chronic episodes with constipations over time on top providing much needed comfort while managing the condition on a daily basis going forward!