Common Causes of Constipation

• Not eating enough fiber in your diet
• Not drinking enough liquids (drink eight 8-ounce glasses a day)
• Lack of exercise (20 to 30 minute walk every day is good)
• Some Medications can cause constipation

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea
• Abuse of laxatives
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
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• Problems with the colon and rectum (Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue (adhesions), diverticulosis, tumors, colorectal stricture, Hirschsprung's disease, or cancer can compress, squeeze, or narrow the intestine and rectum and cause constipation)
• Problems with intestinal function: chronic (disorders that last a long time, often years) idiopathic (a disease having unknown cause) constipation
• Certain Diseases

• During pregnancy, women may be constipated because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine.
• Aging may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone.
• People often become constipated when traveling because their normal diet and daily routines are disrupted.