Surprising Factors That Cause Constipation

Did you know that factors such as stress, a sedentary lifestyle or following an unbalanced diet can be the triggers of constipation, as well as other digestive problems?

When we refer to constipation, we usually associate this disorder with a poor diet or with genetic issues. However, there are some factors that influence this imbalance and that will in all probability surprise us.

Discover in this article the unknown causes of constipation to overcome this problem once and for all without having to resort to laxatives. 

Acute or chronic constipation

When diagnosing and treating constipation, it is essential to define if it is a specific disorder, caused by a temporary situation, or if it is a health problem that we have been dragging on for years.

In the case of acute constipation, some natural remedies can be very effective from day one :

• Chia seeds.
• Flax seeds.
• Prunes.
• Kiwi.
• Apple with skin.
• Psyllium ( Plantago psyllium ).
• Agar-agar.

If we suffer from chronic constipation, on the contrary, we can analyze the following factors to determine which one may be influencing our case.

Factors that cause constipation

1. Nervousness and stress

When we suffer stress or any emotional situation that is difficult for us to cope with, the nervous system is altered, which negatively influences the general functioning of our body.

We cannot imagine to what extent our nerves affect our health.

The solution in these cases is not to take laxatives, but to balance the nervous system with the following tips:

• Varied diet, rich in raw fruits and vegetables, whole foods and good quality fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, etc.).
• Regulatory Nervous System Supplements: Brewer’s Yeast, Wheat Germ, Pollen, Spirulina, Magnesium.

• Relaxing medicinal plants: lemon balm, passionflower, valerian, linden.
• Relaxing therapies and exercises : massages, yoga, tai chi, stretching, dancing, etc.

2. Lack of protein in the diet

This factor is one of the most unknown: A diet high in carbohydrates and too little protein can cause constipation, even if we consume fiber.

This can be a problem for some vegetarians or vegans who do not eat a balanced diet. However, the solution is not to eat a lot of protein, but to look for good quality sources.

There are many plant-based foods that contain protein:

• Vegetables.
• Nuts.
• Seeds.
• Avocado.
• Whole grains.

3. Too much meat

However, diets that are high in meats and sausages also promote constipation, especially if we also consume poor quality fats (fried, precooked, etc.) and little vegetable fiber.

Meat rich in fat (red meat, sausage) also inflames the intestine and can cause cancer.

4. Permanent dehydration

Drinking little water can cause us many disorders, such as constipation.

To evacuate stool our body needs a certain degree of hydration. When the stool is in the shape of small balls, the main cause is most likely dehydration.

5. High estrogens in women

Estrogen hormone levels in women may be related to chronic constipation.

The way to check this is when the woman stops suffering from this disorder just the days before the period and even during it, since it is the time when estrogen levels are lowest.

One of the best remedies to regulate estrogen levels is chasteberry, which we can take in infusions or tablets.

6. Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of exercise and sitting most of the day have a very negative effect on peristaltic bowel movements.

We must move every little while and do more intense sports, at least twice a week.

7. Laxative and drug abuse

Irritant laxatives and some types of medications destroy the delicate bacterial flora of our intestines and completely alter its function.

Whenever possible, we must replace these medications with natural and non-irritating alternatives, therefore you can take supplements for a season to regenerate the intestinal flora.

8. Weak liver

When our liver does not work for different reasons, either due to liver disease or an excess of toxins in our body, deficient bile salts prevent good intestinal function.

Some very beneficial remedies are the following:

• Milk thistle
• Boldo.
• Artichoke.
• Lemon juice with olive oil on an empty stomach.

It would also be convenient to carry out some purification periodically.