Constipation's Causes
One of the reasons constipation is so common is that it has a wide range of potential causes, from diet to disease. Sometimes the problem derives from not having enough fiber or fluid in the diet. Insoluble fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, pulls water into the intestines, helping to soften the stool. A lack of physical activity also appears to contribute to constipation, though it's not understood how exactly exercise improves bowel habits.
These lifestyle factors are often partially to blame for the prevalence of constipation among people older than 65. "In older people, you tend to see constipation from medications, poor food or water intake, or poor muscle tone," says Dr. Jamie Barkin, chief of gastroenterology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. "Usually, they just have a feeling of incomplete evacuation or a feeling sometimes of bloating, but don't have pain with their constipation."
Still, younger people have trouble with regularity as well. If they also have bloating and abdominal pain, some of them—particularly if they're women—may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to Dr. Lin Chang, an associate professor of medicine in the division of digestive diseases at the University of California, Los Angeles, people with IBS may find relief with stool softeners or with a drug that affects serotonin, a nervous system chemical that helps regulate digestive function. The higher rate of IBS among women is one reason they are particularly prone to constipation and diarrhea; the hormonal changes that come with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy are another.
