Bloating and Constipation: The Uncomfortable Duo
Bloating and Constipation: The Uncomfortable Duo
Feeling bloated is bad enough. Having the embarrassing problem of excess gas is taking it to the next level, however, add constipation into the mix and you are downright miserable. What causes bloating and constipation, and what can you do about it? Here’s a quick primer that can help you figure out what to do.
What Causes Bloating?
Bloating is often caused by the buildup of gas in your body. This gas can form when food sits too long in your intestines. This is especially true when you are constipated — since you aren’t evacuating any stool from your body, everything gets “backed up” and the presence of gas is much more likely. In addition, that gas has nowhere to go, so the bloating can continue to get worse until you get some relief from the constipation.
What Causes Constipation?
There are many causes of constipation — in fact, there are too many causes to list. For one person it might be a matter of eating something that doesn’t digest well. For someone else, it might be a certain medication they are taking that affects the digestive system. For yet another person it might be a sedentary lifestyle, and for another it might be a side effect of stress. In many cases, you simply can’t pinpoint the reason you are constipated.
However, if you have chronic constipation that doesn’t go away no matter what you try, there is usually a very clear culprit — it is just a matter of finding what that might be. You might be able to narrow down the reasons by gradually cutting certain foods from your diet, increasing your fiber intake or getting more exercise. If none of these things seem to help, consulting your doctor is the next step.
Constipation Remedies and Bloating Treatment
Your doctor will almost always recommend home remedies and over-the-counter products before serious medical intervention. Here are a a few ways you can help alleviate constipation and bloating:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
- Add plenty of fruits and veggies to your diet.
- Take a fiber supplement.
- Try drinking warm liquids, especially in the morning.
- Use a very mild laxative or stool softener.
- Add prunes to your diet.
Keep in mind that constipation is a symptom, not a disease. If your constipation is not remedied by these treatments, speak to your doctor about what might be causing the issue and what to do about it. If you are wondering how different gastrointestinal ailments might lead to constipation, pick up our ebook. In the chapter on what causes gas and bloating, we touch on the different problems that might also cause constipation. It’s a must-read if you’re feeling a little too full!
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