Written by Janice Blumer, DO
We have all been there, starting a new medication to help us feel better, only to have another medical problem arise. Constipation is one of the most common side effects of many medications and can lead to chronic constipation if not managed correctly.1
Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week with additional symptoms, such as difficulty passing stool, hard stools, incomplete elimination or pain on elimination.2
If you are experiencing any of these, it’s time to get savvy and take charge
When starting a new medication, ask the pharmacist or your physician if it will cause constipation. Be proactive and start constipation management before starting the medication if possible. Some of the top medication culprits causing constipation are in the following list:
This list is by no means all-inclusive, but it gives you an idea of just how many medications can cause constipation. Many adults are on several medications, worsening the problem. Regardless of the cause of your constipation, it is recommended that you use the stepwise approach below:
When we are not feeling well, we tend not to move much. Lack of movement contributes to the constipation problem. Movement is needed for our bodies to process what we eat. Even a short walk around the house can help to move things along. In one study on constipation in 3300 women, the best results were achieved with moderate daily physical activity and fiber intake of 20 g per day.5 Give yourself a boost by taking a stroll today.
You’ve probably seen the advertisements for probiotic rich products to ‘help you stay regular’. What is the science behind these products, and do they work? Probiotics are the ‘good bacteria’ that are needed in your gut for digestion to occur and are found in many fermented products like yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir. Think of them as tiny factories that break down waste. They are live organisms that may help with the ‘transit time’ from when food first enters to when it exits. They are not the only factor in how quickly food moves through our gut, though, which is why they sometimes are not enough when used alone. Some studies have shown that probiotics do help with transit time, while others show no change.4,6,7
Many of us are shy about eating our daily dietary recommendations of 3 cups of whole fruits and vegetables. One hack to help with constipation is to increase your ‘roughage’ as much as possible. Salads and lightly steamed veggies are a great source of tasty fiber. Be sure to leave cooked veggies on the ‘al dente’ side to keep as much fiber as you can. If salad and broccoli are not your thing, think of popcorn as a good source of ‘roughage’, but be sure to go easy on the salt. Prunes and plums are also good sources of fiber that help with digestion. Smoothies with added fiber, such as chia seeds or flax meal, can also help you start your day right and help to keep you full. Drinking coffee can be a good laxative in some cases. In one abdominal surgery study, coffee helped with the time to first bowel movement over tea by 10 hours.8
Some supplements can help with easing constipation. Magnesium citrate is one supplement that has many uses. It can help with sleep, muscle recovery and brain function, but also has a laxative side- effect and can help with constipation.9 Check with your doctor to be sure you can take magnesium supplements with your current medications.
Constipation is often a slow process, no pun intended. It can be difficult to know when to consult a physician. Here are some worrisome signs and symptoms that would need a trip to the physician or Emergency Room:
Constipation can be a normal occurrence or a side effect of medications, but being proactive can help you get it under control. If you know your medication is going to cause constipation, it is best to start increasing fiber a day or two before starting the medication. Finally – don’t suffer in silence, as sometimes ‘routine’ constipation can be a sign of bigger problems that should be addressed by your physician.
