Having #2 problems? Let’s talk about it - CONSTIPATION
Talking about poop can be weird. It’s a very personal subject. When I speak with a patient about pooping, it’s not uncommon for that person to get a little embarrassed by my questions. But everyone poops! And there’s nothing better than a good bowel movement.
If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know isn’t having those awesome bowel movements that we all wish and hope for. Constipation is a pretty common issue and affects people of all ages. While the occasional bout of constipation is normal, there are some people who go a lifetime struggling to use the restroom. This can cause a lot of discomfort. Constipation can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and back pain. It can also be a contributor to urinary leakage, pain with sex, and pelvic organ prolapse.
So what’s normal, you ask?
“Normal” can vary person to person. Some people seem to wake up and have to go right away. Other people might go poop every other day. Others may go 3 times or more in one day.
Here’s what I tell patients to be aware of:
1. When I go poop, I feel like I got it all out
2. My stool is usually soft (formed or not)
3. I don’t have to work really hard to get started.
4. I have minimal to no bloating or pain.
If you’re agreeing with these statements, then good for you! Constipation is unlikely an issue for you. But if you’re saying “no” to one or more of these statements, then constipation is an issue for you. So let’s talk.
Why am I constipated?
This is a loaded question and again, can vary a lot person to person. Let’s take a look at some common reasons.
1. Diet
Diet plays a huge role in how your digestive tract functions. I would say that 8/10 patients I see have a poor diet and eat very little fiber. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and then pass through the colon more quickly.
2. Activity
Believe it or not, being physically active or exercising regularly is related to more consistent bowel movements. Most research is inconclusive as to why exercise helps, but they know that it does. The main point: Being inactive is bad for your bowels.
3. Water
While the research I’ve seen so far hasn’t been able to say for sure that water contributes to bowel movements, I do know that if you are dehydrated, your body is going to pull water from your stool. This causes the stool to become dryer and harder, thus creating a perfect storm for constipation.
4. Being too busy
Some people need time to allow their body and mind to relax. Our bowels start working when we are in something called the “parasympathetic state”. The opposite of that is the sympathetic state - **fight or flight**. If our body is in fight or flight, having a bowel movement is pretty low on the priority list. However, when the parasympathetic nervous system is in control, our body is more relaxed and our bowels will start working.
5. Being constipated as a child
Chronic constipation can literally cause our large intestines to stretch out. A common term for this is **megacolon**. Our colon cannot form and move stool nearly as well if it is stretched out.
Other common causes of constipation
1. Anatomical anomalies
2. Hirschsprung’s disease
3. Chronic use of laxatives
4. Pushing the wrong way
5. Rectal prolapse
6. An overactive pelvic floor
7. Medications
8. And more
In conclusion
Luckily, there are several things you can control that could potentially help your bowel movements. If you work on the above issues for a few months with no change, then it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider. There are several treatment options that could potentially help.
