CONSTIPATION EDUCATION WITH MIRALAX®

What Can Cause Constipation?

For many people, constipation has a few common causes, like not getting enough fiber, water or physical activity. So, what might be causing yours? Let’s look at the common causes of constipation and the steps you can take to find relief.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

6 Common Causes of Constipation

A bowl of fruits

1. A Lack of Fiber

Foods rich in fiber help hold water in the stool to increase stool volume, making it easier to pass. Eating a diet filled with low-fiber starchy foods, high-fat meat, dairy products and processed, fried, high-fat foods can be a recipe for constipation.

TIP: 
Add fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals, to your diet. Consider a fiber supplement to increase your daily fiber intake.

A glass of water on desk

2. Dehydration

When we don’t drink enough fluids, the body tries to conserve water in the blood by removing additional water from the stool. Stools that contain less water are difficult to pass. If you’re thirsty, or if you notice your urine is dark yellow, you may need to hydrate.

TIP:  
Water is your best bet for hydrating, but fluids that contain electrolytes, as well as coconut water, are good options, too. Men should aim for about 15 eight-ounce cups of water daily, while women should strive for 11 cups. Every food and drink you consume that contains water counts toward this daily goal, including fruits and veggies.

A person walking with their suitcase in airport

3. Travel

Constipation could tag along on your next trip. It’s caused by the sudden change in your routine, the stress that often accompanies travel, or changes to your diet — airport fast food and roadside diners don’t typically offer a ton of fiber-rich options!

TIP: 
Plan ahead to stop travel constipation in its tracks:

  • Pack a water bottle you can refill at airports or rest stops to stay hydrated, along with some high-fiber snacks like dried fruit, nuts or granola bars.
  • While you’re on the road or in the air, make sure to stretch regularly to get the blood circulating in your legs (and your gut).
  • Bring along a few MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax to relieve occasional constipation while you’re on the road.

CONSTIPATION EDUCATION WITH MIRALAX®

A hand holding toilet paper

 

4. Holding It In

Sometimes we put off going to the bathroom when it doesn’t quite fit our schedule. But ignoring the urge to pass a bowel movement can lead to constipation.

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Make bathroom trips a priority! Listen to your body and go when you need to — don’t ignore it or put it off until later.

Woman running on treadmill

5. Moving Less

Exercise can stimulate the muscles in your intestines and reduce the amount of time it takes for food to move through your large intestine, making stools easier to pass. In other words, regular exercise can keep you regular! If you’ve been choosing the couch over going for a run or attending a Pilates class, this may be causing your constipation.

TIP: 
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing pregnancy-related constipation and before taking MiraLAX®. Depending on your unique situation, they’ll advise the best course of action for you.

Pregnant woman

6. Pregnancy

Between 16 and 39% of people experience constipation during pregnancy. While it’s more common during the third trimester, when the fetus’ weight may put pressure on the bowel, you can experience constipation in all three trimesters.

Pregnancy constipation is often caused by changes in hormone levels such as progesterone, and can also be brought on by a low-fiber diet, less physical exercise or increased stress. If you’re taking an iron supplement (found in many prenatal vitamins), this vital nutrient may be causing constipation, too.

TIP: 
Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing pregnancy-related constipation. Depending on your unique situation, they’ll advise the best course of action for you.

Other Causes of Constipation

Some medical conditions may also contribute to constipation, such as:

  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Low thyroid hormones
  • Problems with the colon

Make sure to consult your doctor if you suspect your constipation could be related to any of these health issues.

Experiencing occasional constipation? Learn more about how to find relief.

    References

    1. Gotfried J. Constipation in adults. Merck Manual. Updated January 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/constipation-in-adults.

    2. Sparberg M. Chapter 89: Constipation. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, eds. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK415/.

    3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms and causes of constipation. Updated May 2018. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/symptoms-causes.

    4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for constipation. Updated May 2018. Accessed May 3, 2023.  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment.

    5. Rosenbloom C, GoodRx Health. Staying hydrated: when to choose electrolyte drinks vs. water. Updated June 27, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/best-drinks-for-hydration.

    6. Bruce DF, WebMD. Exercise to ease constipation. Updated August 11, 2022. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement.

    7. Brody B, Health. Travel constipation is real — how to keep it from ruining your trip. Updated June 9, 2022. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.health.com/condition/digestive-health/travel-constipation.

    8. Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy constipation. Updated October 19, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21895-pregnancy-constipation.

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