Constipation: Causes, Remedies, and What You Need to Know

When your constipation, a common digestive issue where bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. It's not just about going less often—it's about strain, discomfort, and that stubborn feeling that nothing’s moving. Also known as slow transit, it affects nearly everyone at some point, and it’s often tied to what you eat, how much you move, or even the meds you take.

Constipation isn’t a disease—it’s a symptom. It can come from not getting enough dietary fiber, the indigestible plant material that adds bulk to stool and helps it move through the intestines. Think whole grains, beans, veggies, and fruits. Skip those, and your system slows down. It can also be triggered by laxatives, medications used to relieve constipation, but overuse can make your bowels dependent on them. Some painkillers, antidepressants, and iron supplements do the same. Even dehydration or ignoring the urge to go can turn into a daily battle.

What’s tricky is that constipation doesn’t always mean you’re going less than once a day. Some people go three times a day. Others go every other day—and feel fine. The real red flags? Straining for more than 10 minutes, feeling like you haven’t emptied completely, or needing to use your fingers to help. If you’re also bloated, nauseous, or losing weight without trying, that’s not just constipation—it’s a signal to check in with a doctor.

Most cases can be fixed without pills. Drink more water. Move your body—even a 20-minute walk helps. Add a handful of prunes or chia seeds to your breakfast. Give your gut time to adjust. But if it sticks around for weeks, or keeps coming back, it’s not normal. You might need to look at your meds, your thyroid, or even how your nerves are talking to your intestines. The posts below break down real cases: how certain drugs cause it, what foods help or hurt, and when it’s more than just a sluggish bowel. You’ll find practical fixes, warnings about hidden triggers, and what to do when nothing seems to work.