Constipation narrow stool plus#

And make sure to get it from diverse sources-fiber comes in two forms: soluble fiber, which dissolves in water (think: oats, apples, and beans), and insoluble fiber (think: wheat, broccoli, and dark leafy vegetables). The fix for most bouts of constipation is simple: eat healthy, drink lots of water, and get your 25 grams of fiber daily. What's the best way to remedy constipation? ' has to do with the sphincter's ability to relax and allow poop to come out,' says Poppers. Or, a defecatory disorder may be to blame, says Poppers. 'There's a whole area of study we call gut motility-how fast things are propelled through the gastrointestinal system,' says Poppers.Ĭonditions that affect the nervous system, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons, can alter motility in the digestive tract, he explains. You have nerve issues in your rectum or colon. If you're taking medication and/or supplements, talk with your doctor who can help adjust the doses and recommend dietary and beverage changes to treat constipation. Though many other drugs can increase your risk of constipation too, like medications used for depression and supplements for iron deficiency. 'Some antacids-the ones that have more aluminum and calcium-are the most constipating,' says Poppers says. You're taking antacids or other constipating medications Those who suffer from disordered eating may also overuse or misuse certain types of laxatives, which some experts believe can lead to constipation though more research is needed on laxative use and constipation, says Popper. Doing this can wreak havoc on the digestive system, says Poppers. Women who have an eating disorder may limit fiber-rich foods that make them feel full, or beverages, in an effort to cut calories. You're struggling with disordered eating. 'Some research suggests that people who use the bathroom at timed intervals and don’t fight the urge to have a bowel movement tend to have more regular bowel movements,' says Poppers. In fact, it's healthy to have a bowel movement at about the same time (or times) every day.

They can get to the root of the problem sooner and create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.ĭon't resist the urge to poop–seriously. If you suspect you have IBS, don't try every OTC remedy on the shelves instead, head to a doctor who specializes in gastroenterology.

9 Surprising Ways To Beat IBS For Good.

If you're pregnant and feeling particularly blocked, keep track of when you're feeling the worst: Is it after gobbling down cheese pizza, or the nightly bowl of ice cream you're eating in the name of getting more calcium? If so, consider cutting those out (or at least cutting way back on them).

Constipation narrow stool plus#

'There are so many changes to hormones and diet, plus stress's effect on the enteric system can come into play,' says Karlitz. You're pregnant.Īlthough many women experience constipation early on in pregnancy, some deal with it for most of (if not all of) the nine months. Without enough of these vital hormones, your intestines may weaken and slow down, causing constipation. A properly functioning thyroid releases hormones that are linked to various processes in your body, including your digestive system. Hypothyroidism, a condition brought on by an underactive thyroid gland, might be the culprit, says Karlitz. 'If various constipation causes have been ruled out, an internist may check to see if your thyroid function is normal,' says Karlitz. So are alcoholic beverages-so make sure to alternate between boozy drinks and glasses of water during nights out. While they improve motility (#coffeepoops), they're dehydrating. 'Fiber is only effective if you have enough liquid in your diet,' says Poppers.Ĭoffee and other caffeinated beverages, however, don't count, says Poppers. Good hydration may be the key to easing your constipation-and it's especially important to be sure you're getting plenty of liquids if you're eating a high-fiber diet.

If you're having this issue, talk to your doctor to see if they can prescribe a stool softener to take in conjunction with your meds. Popping a few ibuprofen for soreness shouldn't affect your regularity, though. 'If you're on pain medication like opioids or narcotics, that's an extremely common cause for constipation,' says Karlitz. If you just had surgery or you're on long-term pain medication, this might be causing you to feel stopped up. Stress or lack of sleep (or both, since they are so often linked) can influence your enteric nervous system, which can make you backed up. That's due to your enteric nervous system (essentially, the nervous system in your gut that controls gastrointestinal behavior). 'In my experience, patients can have irregular bowel habits because of stress,' says Karlitz.