What causes frequent constipation and how to manage it?
May 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Insufficient intake of dietary fiber in daily diet, such as eating fewer vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and inadequate water consumption, can lead to a lack of water in the intestines, resulting in dry, hard stools that are prone to cause constipation. To improve this condition, adjust your diet by consuming more fiber-rich foods such as celery, apples, and oats, and ensure a daily water intake of 1500–2000 mL to promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation.
Chronic constipation may be caused by an improper diet structure, lack of physical activity, intestinal flora imbalance, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, and other factors. It can be managed through dietary adjustments, exercise and massage, and medication. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Improper Diet Structure: Insufficient intake of dietary fiber in daily meals, such as limited consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, combined with inadequate water intake, can lead to dry and hardened stools due to a lack of moisture in the intestines, resulting in constipation. To improve, adjust your diet by consuming more fiber-rich foods like celery, apples, and oats, and ensure a daily water intake of 1500-2000 milliliters to promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation.
2. Lack of Physical Activity: Prolonged sitting and insufficient exercise can slow gastrointestinal motility, prolonging the retention time of food in the intestines and leading to excessive water absorption, which may cause constipation. It is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, such as brisk walking or jogging. Abdominal massage may also be beneficial, massaging clockwise around the navel for 5-10 minutes to enhance gastrointestinal motility.
3. Intestinal Flora Imbalance: Long-term antibiotic use and irregular eating habits can disrupt the balance of normal intestinal flora, reducing beneficial bacteria and affecting digestive and motility functions, leading to constipation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications like Bifidobacterium Quadruple Strain Tablets, Licheniformis Bacillus Capsules, or Enterococcus Faecalis Enteric-coated Capsules to regulate intestinal flora and alleviate constipation.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome may be related to abnormal intestinal motility and increased intestinal sensitivity. Slowed peristalsis or heightened sensitivity to stimuli can prolong stool retention in the intestines, leading to constipation. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications like Bifidobacterium Triple Strain Capsules, Lactobacillus Tablets, or Mosapride Citrate Tablets to aid recovery.
5. Hypothyroidism: Reduced secretion of thyroid hormones lowers the body's metabolic rate, potentially slowing gastrointestinal motility and causing constipation, often accompanied by symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, drowsiness, and weight gain. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications like Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets, Yikang Capsules, or Hydrocortisone Tablets to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, maintaining a light and healthy diet and developing good bowel habits can help prevent and improve constipation.
