Tagline

Constipation

Everything About Constipation

Overview Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often fewer than 3 per week. It may be acute or chronic and affects people of all ages. The causes are diverse, ranging from dietary to neurological or hormonal imbalances.



Causes of Constipation

  • Low fiber intake
  • Dehydration
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Hormonal imbalance (low thyroid, low estrogen, low progesterone)
  • Endometriosis
  • Gastroparesis
  • Gut dysbiosis
  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
  • Fungal overgrowth
  • H. pylori infection
  • Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
  • Stress and high cortisol
  • Medications (opioids, anticholinergics, iron)
  • Slow transit colon, pelvic floor dysfunction



Conditions Associated with Chronic Constipation

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Constipation type (IBS-C)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Diverticulosis
  • Anal fissures or hemorrhoids
  • Autism spectrum disorders (commonly linked to gut issues)



Symptoms

  • Infrequent stools
  • Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
  • Straining or pain during bowel movements
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuation
  • Bloating and abdominal discomfort



Testing

  • GI-MAP or GI Effects (checks pathogens, microbiota, inflammation, digestion)
  • SIBO breath test
  • Zonulin (leaky gut marker)
  • Calprotectin (intestinal inflammation)
  • Organic acid test (OAT)
  • Blood work: thyroid panel, iron panel, vitamin D, B12, magnesium



Treatment Options Conventional:

  • Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol)
  • Stool softeners
  • Lubiprostone, linaclotide, or prucalopride (prokinetics)

Functional/Integrative:

  • Magnesium citrate or oxide (500–800 mg/day)
  • Triphala (Ayurvedic herbal blend)
  • Motility agents like ginger or Iberogast
  • LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone) for inflammation and gut healing
  • Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis)
  • Prebiotics (partially hydrolyzed guar gum, inulin)
  • Butyrate supplements for gut lining
  • Bone broth, collagen, and glutamine to restore gut lining



Diet and Lifestyle

  • High fiber diet: chia seeds, flaxseeds, leafy greens, legumes
  • Adequate hydration
  • Regular physical activity
  • Deep breathing, stress reduction
  • Avoid processed foods, alcohol, and high sugar



Hormones and Constipation

  • Low estrogen and progesterone reduce motility
  • Thyroid hormone deficiency slows transit
  • Cortisol dysregulation (stress) can worsen symptoms



Interesting Fact Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown promise in chronic constipation by restoring diverse beneficial bacteria.



Probiotic Diversity

  • Important strains: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia
  • Support with resistant starches (e.g., green banana flour, cold potatoes)


Learn more