Constipation is a digestive ailment that affects a large population of the world and is even more progressively dominant in the United States.
However, the usual symptoms of chronic constipation don't just limit themselves to stomach pain and abdominal pain, but bring about things like fever, chest pain, and more importantly, nausea.
Does constipation cause nausea? If we're keeping it short, yes, it can. Constipation causes bowel obstruction in the digestive system, and when food takes longer than normal, there's a dispersion of toxins in the body, which can cause nausea.
Though there are a lot of other things that might play a role in causing the sensation of nausea, constipation is just one of them. We suggest sticking to the end of this guide and finding out everything crucial about this constipation-nausea connection.
Table of Contents
Some Background On Constipation
Constipation is a common issue that many of us experience at some point in our lives. In simple terms, it's having difficulty passing stools or having bowel movements less often than usual.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of fiber in your diet, not drinking enough fluids, or not exercising enough. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to constipation.
It's essential to listen to your body and try to address the underlying cause of constipation so you can find relief. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor if you're struggling with this issue.
They may be able to provide guidance and suggest lifestyle changes or medications that could help. Remember, being informed about your health is the first step in taking control of it.
Common Symptoms Of Constipation
Constipation shows itself in the form of various symptoms and isn't just limited to slowed digestion and fewer bathroom times. Here are a few constipation symptoms you should be looking out for:
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Infrequent bowel movements: Typically, having fewer than three bowel movements in a week may indicate constipation.
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Difficulty passing stools: You may experience straining, pain, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation during bowel movements.
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Hard or lumpy stools: Stools may be dry, hard, and difficult to pass. They may also appear in small, pellet-like formations.
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Abdominal discomfort: Constipation can cause abdominal bloating, cramping, or general discomfort.
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Reduced appetite: Constipation can be accompanied by a decreased desire to eat due to feelings of fullness.
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Foul breath and body odor: In severe cases, constipation can lead to bad breath and an unpleasant body odor.
It's important to note that occasional constipation is common and usually resolves on its own or with simple remedies. However, chronic or recurring constipation may require medical attention, especially if it is accompanied by severe pain, bleeding, weight loss, or other concerning symptoms
Why Are You Getting Constipated?
There are a lot of reasons that bring constipation into your body and mainly revolve around your lifestyle habits and dietary choices. Though there are a lot of reasons you might be constipated, here are three of the most common culprits behind it:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive ailment that affects the large intestine, and as the facts state, it affects more than 10% of the population. IBS is a chronic condition of the digestive system, which causes weak bowel movement contractions, and as a result, brings about problems like constipation, IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), bloating, and more on the regular.
If you’re someone that’s often constipated, we recommend getting checked for IBS, as it’s often the underlying cause behind constipation.
Not Drinking Enough Water
We’ve mentioned before that constipation happens if you don't get enough fiber in your diet or if you're not, you know, "regular." But did you know that dehydration can also cause your bowels to slow down and make it harder to go number two?
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're reaching for a glass of H2O, but staying hydrated is super important for keeping your digestive system happy and healthy. When you're dehydrated, your body pulls water from wherever it can find it--including your poop.
And when your poop is dry and hard, it's harder to pass through your intestines. So if you're struggling with constipation, try upping your water intake and see if that helps things get moving again. Trust us, your gut will thank you.
Lack Of Exercise
You might not realize it, but getting your blood flowing with regular exercise does more than just improve your mood and physical health—it can also help your digestive system run smoothly.
On the flip side, a lack of exercise and body movement can cause some pretty unpleasant consequences, including constipation.
When you're not regularly active, it can slow down the movement of stool through your digestive tract, resulting in hard, dry stool that can be difficult to pass.
Plus, sitting for extended periods can compress your colon, causing even more digestive issues. So, if you want to stay regular, getting up and moving around regularly is key.
Can Constipation Cause Nausea? What's The Connection?
Constipation is a classic example of how our bodies respond to changes in our dietary habits or other factors. It's a common health problem that affects everyone and can be quite frustrating because it can lead to multiple issues, including nausea.
The human body is like a machine that needs to run smoothly and constantly, and when it doesn't, it can be quite a pain (no pun intended).
When your bowels are backed up with stool, it can lead to nausea because of the chemicals and toxins that remain in your digestive system, which can make you feel unwell. This feeling of unwellness can lead to nausea, and a lot of other things, such as loss of appetite, feeling of fullness, drowsiness, and more.
It's important to listen to your body and take the necessary steps to deal with constipation to avoid any unwanted ailments like nausea.
How To Get Rid Of Constipation
Now that you know that constipation might be the reason behind your intense feeling of nausea, it's time to look into ways that you can use for treating constipation, and eventually, treat nausea as well. There are a lot of different ways to get rid of constipation, but here are three specific ways you can do that:
Probiotic Supplements
Dealing with constipation and other gut problems is no fun, but there's a natural solution that could help. Enter probiotics. These tiny supplements, chock-full of beneficial bacteria, can do wonders for your digestion.
Studies have shown that taking probiotics can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. And it doesn't stop there.
Probiotics, such as IBSupport from Gistive, have also been found to improve the overall health of your gut, making it easier to absorb nutrients and fend off harmful bacteria. So if you're tired of dealing with stomach pains and bloating, skip that laxative or stool softener, and shift over to probiotic supplements.
Orange Juice
The cure to constipation doesn't just lie in prescription medications, but in mother nature as well, and the biggest example of that is orange juice.
Not only is orange juice a refreshing beverage, but it's also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It has been scientifically proven that consuming orange juice regularly can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
The high fiber content in orange juice helps to soften the stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive system. So next time you're feeling a bit backed up, reach for a glass of OJ. Your taste buds AND your digestive system will thank you!
Apple Juice
Apple juice contains sorbitol, a natural sugar that acts as a gentle laxative. This means it can help soften stool and make it easier to pass.
And the best part? Apple juice is a delicious alternative to less flavorful remedies like prune juice. Why settle for orange juice when you can sip on a sweet and healthy glass of apple juice to keep things moving smoothly?
Bottom Line
Constipation can bring a lot of different ailments to the side, whether it's stomach cramps or intense nausea, but luckily, as painful as they are, there are a lot of things you can try out to relieve constipation, as well as treat your nausea, and the above guide accurately explains all the steps you need to take for that to happen
However, we always recommend getting checked by a professional if your issues persist, as there could be other underlying problems that bring out things like constipation, and the earlier you get yourself medically reviewed, the better!