Constipation Causes: What Really Triggers It and How to Fix It

When you can’t go, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s a signal your body’s giving you. Constipation, a condition where bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. Also known as slow transit, it’s not a disease but a symptom that points to something else going on in your digestive system. Many think it’s just about not eating enough fiber, but the truth is more layered. It could be tied to what you’re taking, how much water you drink, or even how you move your body every day.

Dietary fiber, the indigestible part of plant foods that adds bulk to stool is a big player. If you’re skipping veggies, beans, or whole grains, your stool gets hard and slow. But fiber alone won’t fix it if you’re dehydrated, not getting enough fluids to keep stool soft. Even mild dehydration—like drinking coffee all day and water barely at all—can make constipation worse. Then there’s medication side effects, how certain drugs like painkillers, antidepressants, or iron supplements can slow digestion. You might not connect your pills to your gut, but studies show up to 40% of chronic constipation cases link back to meds.

It’s not just what you eat or take—it’s also what you don’t do. Sitting too long, ignoring the urge, or skipping movement can train your body to hold it in. Stress plays a role too. Your gut and brain are wired together, so anxiety or big life changes can shut down your digestive rhythm. And for older adults, it’s even more common: slower metabolism, less activity, and more meds stack the odds.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of quick fixes. It’s a real look at what’s behind constipation—based on actual cases, studies, and patient experiences. From how cholesterol meds like ezetimibe can cause GI issues, to how steroid withdrawal or even sleep aids like diphenhydramine mess with your bowels, these posts connect the dots between everyday treatments and everyday discomfort. You’ll see why some people think their generic meds aren’t working—when it’s really their gut reacting. And you’ll learn what actually helps, beyond just popping laxatives.