So what causes constipation exactly? There are a number of answers. Theoretically, the slow passage of food through whatever part of the intestine would cause it, so foods which are hard to digest would linger a bit in the stomach and small intestines and then stay a little longer in the colon. But there are other causes.
Medications are frequently overlooked as a possible cause of constipation. Examples are narcotics like codeine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone; antidepressants like amitriptyline and imipramine; anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepine; iron supplements; calcium channel blocking drugs like diltiazem and nifedipine; and aluminum-containing antacids. Increasing dietary fiber can take care of this kind of constipation so that the medications don’t have to be discontinued, though substituting them with less- or non-constipating medications can also be done.
As bowel movement can be voluntarily controlled, its habitual suppression and the overuse of stimulant laxatives can lead to the disappearance of urges (the latter caused by the dependence of your colon on artificial stimulants to get it to go), resulting in constipation. A diet low in fiber is the more common culprit, however. Just add more fiber-rich foods into your meals such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains for a smoother colonic excretion.
Rarer reasons for constipation are disorders related to hormones, the colon, the central nervous system, and the pelvic floor. Hypothyroidism (or too little thyroid hormone), hyperparathyroidism (too much parathyroid hormone), and high levels of estrogen and progesterone (such as during menstruation and pregnancy) are hormonal disorders which lead to constipation. Diabetes, Hirschsprung’s disease, Chagas disease, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, scleroderma, stricture, cancer, colonic inertia, and pelvic floor dysfunction can affect the muscles and nerves of the colon, making it harder to control its movement.
Constipation can only be ignored for so long. Although you think you can survive without letting your stool out for some days or even weeks, you’re actually already being poisoned inside. That’s why it’s important to be able to determine the cause of constipation so it can be properly addressed.
