Lifestyle

How we treat our bodies and what we put into them – can often be the cause of constipation. From the foods you eat to your daily routine, constipation can be caused by lifestyle factors like

• Stress
• Eating low-fiber foods
• Immobility or not getting enough exercise
• Not drinking enough water
• Eating too much meat, milk or cheese
• Changes to your routine (like traveling)
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement

Aging

Slowing down of metabolism during old age may make the muscles in the digestive tract to not work as well as they used to which may lead to constipation.

Medicine

The medicine we take helps us feel better, but sometimes there are side effects. Constipation can be a side effect of some supplements and prescription medications,

• Antidepressants
• Strong pain medicines
• Antacids
• Iron pills
• Allergy medicines/antihistamines
• Seizure medicine
• Antinausea medicine
• Certain blood pressure medicines

Medical conditions

• Some medical conditions can be a cause of constipation.
• Endocrine problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, uremia or hypercalcemia
• Colorectal cancer
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Neurologic disorders (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke)
• Lazy bowel syndrome
• Intestinal obstruction
• Digestive tract defects
• Pregnancy