5 Things We Get Wrong About Constipation
Constipation is an extremely common albeit
uncomfortable digestive issue to discuss. The condition occurs when
stool takes longer to pass through the GI tract. This is often
accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps,
abdominal pain, straining, and painful bowel movements. It’s safe to
assume that everyone has experienced it at one point in life, and about
15 percent of the world population is believed to live with chronic
constipation.
Although many dismiss or choose to self-treat chronic constipation
because they do not believe it to be a “serious” health condition, it
can ultimately have a negative impact on your quality of life. If you
suffer from occasional or chronic constipation, beware of these 5
dangerous misconceptions linked to this health condition.
Myth 1: Increasing your fiber intake always relieves constipation.
While it is true that a low-fiber diet can
contribute to constipation, the symptoms can also appear in individuals
who get enough fiber. In some cases, increasing the intake of fiber or
taking fiber supplements can help add bulk to the stool and speed up
digestion, but in others, fiber can make things worse.
For example, individuals suffering from slow-transit constipation often
find that their symptoms get worse when they consume more fiber. In
these patients, the passage of stool through the large intestine is
slowed down due to reduced gut motility, and the extra bulk created by
fiber can make it more challenging to move the stool through the large
intestine.
If you notice that adding fiber exacerbates your symptoms, consider
other dietary changes (like drinking more water) or exercising more.
Myth 2: If you don’t have a bowel movement every day, you’re constipated.
Although many people indeed have one bowel
movement (BM) a day, there is no “gold standard” when it comes to BM
frequency. Medical professionals say that going anywhere between 3 times
a day and 3 times a week falls within the normal range. As long as you
don’t experience any uncomfortable symptoms, skipping a few days between
BMs is fine.
So when is an individual considered constipated? Having fewer than 3 BMs
per week is a symptom of constipation, and having fewer than 1 BM per week is a sign of severe constipation.
Myth 3: You’re constipated because you don’t exercise enough.
Generally speaking, exercise does improve
gut motility. So if you’re suffering from this condition and you rarely
work out, more physical activity can indeed help you manage
constipation. However, exercise is not a cure-all for constipation, and
it’s rarely, if ever, the root cause of the issue.
For instance, studies show that exercise
doesn’t help relieve constipation in kids. Therefore, multiple health
factors, such as medications, underlying health conditions, and even
stress must be considered and adjusted when treating constipation.
Myth 4: All constipation medications cause dependency.
A wide range of OTC and prescription
medications are used to treat constipation. Although all of them work in
different ways, these medications are known as laxatives. However, not
all laxatives are made equal. Some of these medications, such as
bulk-forming laxatives (also known as fiber supplements) and stool
softeners (also known as emollient laxatives) are considered very gentle
and safe to use long-term. Medications like Metamucil, Citrucel,
Colace, and Surfak fall within these two categories.
However, these milder medications are not effective for all forms of
constipation, and some patients may require medications that stimulate
the intestines in order to pass stool. Although many of these
medications are available over the counter, it’s best to talk with your
doctor or pharmacist before taking these medications, as taking them
improperly can make you build up a tolerance or make you unable to pass
stools on your own according to Mayo Clinic.
Myth 5: Constipation is a normal part of aging.
This misconception stems from the correct
observation that many older adults suffer from constipation. However,
there is inherent in aging that causes constipation. So why do older
adults suffer from constipation more often than younger people? A
low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, underlying health conditions, and
certain medications all increase the risk of constipation. And since
elderly individuals are more likely to fall within the above-listed
categories, they also have a higher risk of experiencing constipation.
As a final note, it’s important to point out that constipation can
affect people of any age. Although not serious and temporary in many
cases, constipation should not be ignored. If you or a loved one is
suffering from constipation, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.