5 Dietary Habits That May Cause Your Constipation

Constipation affects nearly everyone at some point, but for 15% of Americans, it’s a chronic issue. If you experience frequent constipation, it may be time to alter what you eat and change some other habits that contribute to bowel problems.

At Gastro Center of Maryland, we offer personalized care plans for adults with gastrointestinal issues, including constipation and hemorrhoids.

Our board-certified gastroenterologists take a patient-centric approach to relieving the discomfort of constipation and providing the resources you need to improve your bowel health.

Recognizing the warning signs of constipation

Constipation occurs when you’re unable to move your bowels properly, resulting in fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Many times, stools are difficult to pass because they are dry or hard. You might also experience intense pain or rectal bleeding trying to eliminate stools.

In some cases, constipation is temporary and lasts for a few days. You may also develop chronic constipation that persists for several weeks and leads to other complications.

Constipation is not in itself a disorder, but can be a symptom of underlying medical issues, such as:

Tumors
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Pelvic floor disorders

Constipation can also result from lifestyle habits and poor dietary choices that comprise your gastrointestinal system.

5 dietary habits linked to constipation

Uncovering the root cause of constipation often starts with a review of your diet and lifestyle habits. Our gastroenterology team helps you identify and change certain habits before recommending more invasive treatments.

Here are five common dietary habits that play a role in constipation:

Not drinking enough water

Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. A lack of water can dry out stools and make them difficult or painful to pass.

Drinking alcohol can also dehydrate your tissues and increase your risk for constipation. If you plan to have a few drinks, be sure to also drink plenty of water.

2. Lack of fiber

A diet that lacks fiber can contribute to recurrent constipation and related complications.

Incorporate more fiber-rich foods into your daily diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may also need to take a fiber supplement to support regular bowel movements.

3. Consuming fried, sugary, and packaged foods

Fried foods are high in fat and difficult for your body to digest, and this can lead to constipation.

Sugary snacks and other processed foods are also low in fiber, and eating too many of them can contribute to unproductive bowel movements.

4. Snacking on too many ripe bananas

Bananas help slow down bowel movements and are often recommended as a treatment option for people with diarrhea.

For those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bananas can be difficult to digest and aggravate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a worsening of IBS symptoms.

5. Eating a lot of eggs and other allergens

Eggs have been linked to constipation in people with food allergies. Eggs are a common allergy trigger in adults and children, but a wide spectrum of foods can trigger an allergic reaction and interfere with healthy digestion.

Eating a lot of eggs coupled with a low fiber diet can also increase your risk for constipation and other digestive issues.

If you’re often straining to pass stool or have rectal pain or bleeding because of constipation, you can meet with our team to learn more about the available treatment options.

Call the Gastro Center of Maryland office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for constipation or book an appointment online.