Suffering from constipation typically denotes infrequent bowel movements–less than around three per week– or have difficulty with passing stools for a specified period of time. If infrequent or difficult bowel movements are impacting your day to day life, reach out to us today. Your journey to greater wellness can begin with a single consultation with our amazing providers at Enhanced Wellness Living.
Identifying Your Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Passing fewer than three stools a week
- Having lumpy or hard stools
- Straining to have bowel movements
- Feeling as though there’s rectal blockage that prevents bowel movements
Causes of Constipation
Incorrect Bathroom Habits
Many people avoid a bowel movement if they are in public places as opposed to the comfort of their home. Doing this too frequently can lead to constipation. Additionally, the longer the stool remains in your colon, the more water it absorbs, which can make it even more difficult to pass.
Diabetes
Many people across the country diagnosed with diabetes experience difficulties when it comes to bowel movements. Diabetes can ultimately result in nerve damage that affects the entire body over time.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause your metabolic processes to slow down. The slower the system, the longer the digestive contents have to be reabsorbed by the colon, resulting in not only a decreased frequency of bowel movements but harder stools to pass.
Medications
Certain medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, heartburn drugs, and blood pressure medication can create side effects that may include constipation. Painkillers, whether prescription or over the counter, can also cause stools to harden.
Overuse Of Laxatives
When you are constipated, it’s natural to seek out laxatives to promote more frequent or comfortable bowel movements. However, we advise not to rely on laxatives for long-term use as the body may build up a tolerance.
Constipation may be considered chronic if you’ve experienced two or more of the above signs and symptoms for the last three months. Make an appointment with Enhanced Wellness Living today if you experience unexplained and persistent changes in your bowel habits. We proudly serve residents in the Jackson, Ridgeland, Bolton, Brandon, Canton, Clinton, Madison & Vicksburg, Mississippi area. The first step in your journey towards better health is to schedule a new patient consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!