If you’re dealing with chronic constipation, you already know what an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience it can be. While everyone will become constipated at some point, chronic and persistent constipation isn’t normal. In fact, it can be a sign that something is off balance with your health. You can’t always count on your body to “balance out” with time when you’re constipated. At Functional and Metabolic Medicine of Colorado, we emphasize the point that healthy bowel movements point to overall health. Consider being “backed up” as a message your body is sending you to let you know that something isn’t right.

Signs and Symptoms of Being Constipated

Being constipated means that your bowel movements are happening less frequently than usual. In addition, harder stools are also signs of constipation. Here are some other signs:

  • Smaller stools.
  • Lumpy, dry stools.
  • Straining to go.
  • A feeling that you’re not making full bowel movements.
  • Abdominal bloating.
  • Abdominal cramping.
  • Gas.

Being constipated is generally accompanied by a sense of discomfort. You may even lose your appetite due to pain and bloating. In addition, passing harder stools can be painful.

When to See a Doctor

It’s always wise to see a doctor if you’ve been constipated for more than a few days. You generally don’t want to allow more than two weeks to pass with hard, painful bowel movements without getting a professional opinion. Here are some other situations where seeing a doctor is wise:

  • You’ve seen blood in your stool.
  • You’re losing weight without trying.
  • Your bowel movements are causing severe pain.
  • You’ve noticed extreme changes in the size, shape and consistency of your stool.

If you’re experiencing sudden and extreme constipation accompanied by pain and cramping, seek medical care immediately. It’s also important to be seen by a doctor immediately if you’re unable to pass gas or stools. While being constipated does not usually pose a serious risk, issues like obstructions or ruptures could be very dangerous.

Causes

There are many reasons why people become constipated. The most common cause is simply a lack of fiber in your diet. It’s easy to get off course with being consistent about eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains when we’re busy or stressed. Simply being dehydrated because we’re too busy to fit in those sips can also cause a person to become chronically constipated. Here’s a look at some other common culprits:

  • Inactivity.
  • Overusing laxatives.
  • Certain medications.
  • Antacids containing calcium or aluminum.
  • Iron pills.
  • Eating disorders.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Neurological conditions.
  • Underactive thyroid.
  • Excessive calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
  • Stress.
  • Pregnancy.

Diet is often the first category to examine when figuring out why you’re constipated. Both deficiencies and high levels of certain vitamins and minerals can cause a person to become constipated. It’s also important to rule out obstructions, growths and other health risks when figuring out why you’re constipated. In some cases, people actually become constipated after resisting the urge to pass stools.

Risk Factors

Everyone from children to the elderly can experience constipation. However, being older is a risk factor. A low-fiber diet combined with not drinking enough water can trigger constipation for most people. However, digestive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), hypothyroidism, certain cancers and certain medications can all increase your risk of becoming constipated. Even leading a stressful lifestyle can make you more likely to be constipated more frequently. Finally, an unbalanced gut microbiome can cause you to be constipated. This is something that happens frequently after bad bacteria overtake good bacteria in the gut following antibiotic usage.

Complications

Untreated constipation can lead to problems like fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse and anal fissures. The need to strain that goes along with being constipated can cause tearing that requires medical intervention. Additionally, being constipated can also make you feel too uncomfortable to participate in routine daily activities.

See a Functional Medicine Doctor in Colorado

Being constipated is a sign that something is wrong with your body. The good news is that most causes of this condition are relatively easy to treat. In many cases, making changes like avoiding certain foods, fitting more physical movement into your day and using dietary supplements correctly can help you to restore healthy, normal stools. At our clinic near Denver, Dr. Susan Sippay can help you understand why your bowel movements have changed by going over your health history, checking hormone levels and testing for digestive disorders. Please call (720) 791-2911 or email sipaymd@functionalmetabolicmedicine.com to book your appointment!