In the busy
world of today, almost no one can escape the effects of stress
on the body. Many health conditions are caused or exacerbated by
stress. Constipation is no different.
There are
two major ways in which stress can affect constipation. First,
stress causes us to make lifestyle choices that are unhealthy
for the intestinal tract. Secondly, stress can directly cause
patterns of digestion.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Stress and Constipation
So many
of the choices we make each day will impact our health. When
we’re busy and stressed, we tend not to take care of our bodies.
Being
busy can cause many to wait to go to the bathroom. Delaying a
bowel movement is one of the most common reasons that people
become constipated.
A
stressful schedule can also lead many people to eat on the run.
Most “fast-food” diets include large portions of meat, fat, and
soda and very few portions of vegetables, whole grains, and
water. This type of diet can often lead to stress and
constipation.
People
often skip meals and eat hurriedly, not taking the time to chew
their food. Because a regular schedule of eating leads to
regular bowel movements, irregular eating can lead to problems
with stress and constipation.
Direct Effects of Stress and Constipation
The
nervous system is very sensitive to stress. Constipation may be
a direct result of changes in the nervous system during stress.
Normal
bowel movements are a result of complicated nervous system
signals. Too much stress can cause an interruption of these
signals that will affect many parts of the digestive tract. It
can slow the intestinal movements that result in bowel
movements.
Preventing Stress-Related Constipation
If you
have constipation as a result of stress, there are many options
that you can choose to help prevent this problem.
Exercise
can be a great stress-reliever and has the added benefit of
promoting healthy digestion. It may seem like just one more
thing to add to your schedule, but it will be worth it.
Planning
meals ahead of time can help with some constipation problems.
Instead of skipping meals, keep healthy snacks on hand for busy
days.
If you have to eat on the run, choose options with healthier
meals. Many fast food restaurants are offering healthy options
that include lean meat and vegetables.
Keep
water
with you at all times. If you have a bottle of water on your
desk or in the car, you’ll be more likely to stay hydrated.
If you’re
suffering from severe symptoms of constipation as a result of
stress, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.
Together you can come up with a solution to improve both your
physical health and your mental health.
by Dr.
Edward F. Group III
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