Constipation can be more than you think!

Everyone experiences constipation at some point, but when we are talking about chronic constipation, well, this can significantly impact your life for the worse. Generally, most people can solve their constipation problems swiftly, but when this is a common occurrence in your life, this is the perfect time to visit a doctor.

This is not an easy topic to discuss, but chronic constipation can be related to other health problems, some of them rather dangerous. Constipation is caused by the primary condition, so it is considered a secondary condition.

So, if you are struggling with your bowel movements, there is a chance you are also suffering from something else. This is why you should consult your doctor. It is possible to get control of the secondary symptoms by addressing the main cause. If it doesn’t work, there are alternative methods for dealing with constipation.

Cardiovascular problems

When you think about constipation, you are probably sure that it is all caused by digestive discomfort and inconvenience. But in reality, this can be a serious matter. According to studies, chronic constipation may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This is data that should never be ignored.

For example, a 2019 study that was conducted on more than 3 million U.S. veterans made public some alarming statistics. Those who participated had an 11% higher risk of developing heart disease and a 19% higher risk of experiencing an ischemic stroke.

What is even more interesting is that the same risks were found in those who take laxatives. Now, this shows us that if there is no link between this and constipation, then it can all be tied to underlying conditions or the treatments used.

Although women only made up around 7% of the study’s participants, previous research on women after menopause found comparable outcomes. We can’t say for sure that this is causing anything, but it does show a persistent link that deserves our attention.

Neurological conditions

As we have already established, chronic constipation can be more than a regular digestive issue, and it can be related to other conditions. For example, this can be caused by underlying neurological conditions.

To maintain the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, the body depends on a complex system of nerves and muscles. A bowel movement is signaled by these systems, which also function in parallel to transport food through the intestinal tract. When the problem is caused by the neurological system, constipation can be a persistent symptom that truly disrupts your life.

Constipation is linked to several neurological illnesses, but Parkinson’s disease is among the most notable. As a matter of fact, constipation is frequently among the first and most common non-motor signs experienced by individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Part of the reason for this might be the deterioration of motor function, which affects all forms of movement and particularly the muscles responsible for digestion. Those with Parkinson’s often have less physical activity, which can make constipation even worse.

However, gut function can be affected by more than Parkinson’s disease. A number of illnesses and conditions can disrupt the normal transmission of nerve impulses and the regulation of muscles involved in bowel movements.

Here we can find spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), tumors, or multiple sclerosis (MS).

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive problems. This is a condition that will not cause any structural damage to the intestines, but it can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms.

IBS-C is the most common type of IBS, and it affects almost a third of those affected by this condition. The digestive system muscles contract at a slow rate in this kind of disease, which causes food and waste to be held up in the intestines.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) include constipation, gas, bloating, cramps, and the impression of incomplete evacuation following bowel movements. Everyday living can be greatly affected by these symptoms, leading to considerable stress and frustration.

The unpredictability and severity of symptoms are what make irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) so difficult to manage. To make things worse, some patients may go through periods of constipation as well as diarrhea. Although the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, theories point to dietary factors, stress, gut flora, and the brain-gut link as potential reasons.

Mental health conditions

Believe it or not, chronic constipation can also be caused by various mental health conditions. Studies have shown that those who suffer from chronic constipation also have a higher prevalence of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Although the exact nature of the connection is still unclear, the link between the mind and stomach is there, and it needs further research.

One possible explanation for the relationship between depressive symptoms and gastrointestinal problems is an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a role in mood regulation and intestinal function.

Further research is required to validate this in people, but a 2019 mouse study did find a correlation between low levels of serotonin and symptoms such as constipation and depressed behavior.

People suffering from dementia often have constipation. Reasons for this might include a change in nutrition, less exercise, and inadequate hydration. Dementia is more common among the elderly, but constipation is often a symptom of many other health issues and several drugs.

Endocrine and metabolic disorders

Chronic constipation can also be a symptom of endocrine and metabolic disorders, especially in people with long-term health conditions like diabetes. For example, around 60% of individuals with longstanding diabetes experience constipation.

This is generally caused by poor control of blood sugar levels. When diabetes is not managed, diabetic neuropathy can appear. This is a type of nerve damage that can also affect the digestive tract and slow down bowel movements. Even more, some medications used to treat diabetes further reduce gut motility, making constipation worse.

But diabetes is not the only metabolic condition linked to constipation. There are also other endocrine disorders that can greatly disrupt the digestive function, such as hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia.

These are all related to the minerals in your body, and if you have too much or too little, they can affect how your muscles and digestive system work. Too much calcium in the blood, hypercalcemia, can reduce the ability of intestinal muscles to contract.

An underactive thyroid, often known as hypothyroidism, is another typical cause. If the levels of thyroid hormone are insufficient, the digestive system is among the many parts of the body whose metabolism slows down. The end effect is constipation and dry, hard stools because the stool passes more slowly through the intestines.

Do you feel like your bowel movements are controlling your life? Read more, be informed, and find out if there are any underlying conditions that might be causing this!

One good way to combat constipation is to eat more fiber. This is why we recommend you eat oatmeal: Bob’s Red Mill Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats, 32oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Whole Grain, Vegan, Kosher

You should also read more about: 9 Testosterone Boosters That Actually Work