Constipation isn’t fun. It feels as if you’re in the bathroom forever just trying to go. You feel bloated, cramped, and just very uncomfortable. Constipation isn’t only a problem of the bowels though. Being constipated can actually affect your overall health along with your bodily functions.
Here are eight different ways being constipated affects your health.
8 Consequences of Being Constipated
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Muscle tears: All that pushing and straining can lead to muscle tears of the sphincter, which regulate bowel movements. Over time, this contributes to inflammation, pain, and bleeding.
Appetite changes: When you’re constipated, you probably aren’t very hungry because you feel bloated and gassy. Constipation begins to block the upper gastrointestinal tract, which can make you feel fuller quicker or not hungry at all.
Dehydration: When you are dehydrated, it can trigger constipation, and vice versa. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dizziness, and periods of sweating.
Hemorrhoids: You develop a higher risk of hemorrhoids when constipated because of all the pushing you do. Hemorrhoids are treatable but can be itchy and painful, so it’s best to prevent them.
Leakage: The colon is very close to the bladder, so when you’re constipated, this can put added pressure on the bladder. This increases the risk of urinary leaks or the risk of bladder infections.
Bloating and gas: These are the most common complaints from constipated individuals. Bacteria in the gut begins to form gas, which increases the passing.
Nausea: In some cases, people may feel nauseous or even vomit as a result of their constipation. Ease symptoms by consuming soups, tea, toast, or ginger.
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Loose stools: Constipation is the blockage of stool, but with such obstruction, loose stool tries to get around it. You may see loose stool in the toilet as a result but still be constipated.
Being constipated once in a while is normal and may be a result of illness or dietary reactions. Chronic constipation is serious, and you should speak to your doctor if constipation is a common occurrence for you.
Also read:
- Foods that make you poop immediately: Constipation home remedies
- Natural bladder supplements: 18 herbal remedies for overactive bladder
- Natural remedies for hemorrhoids
- 23 natural remedies to get rid of gas immediately
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
