Lifestyle Causes of Constipation

• Diet and fiber: Inadequate dietary fiber reduces intestinal motility and makes BMs hard and more difficult to pass. Fiber works by helping stools to retain water. Good sources of dietary fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and bran. Fiber can also be taken via supplements (e.g. Metamucil).
• Liquids: Insufficient liquid intake cause stools to be dry and harder to pass. Adults should drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
• Lack of exercise: Inactivity reduces bowel function, whereas exercise helps stimulate the bowels and improve regularity. Individuals who are bedridden have increased problems with constipation, and may develop a blockage of stool in their rectum (i.e. fecal impaction).
• Postponing BM's: Some individuals ignore their body's signals to have a BM. This can lead to chronic problems with constipation.
• Recent travel: Travel can cause constipation because it interferes with your diet and normal daily cycle.