What does constipation really mean?

When your digestive system isn’t functioning properly—causing difficult or infrequent bowel movements, you might be constipated. Being regular can range from three bowel movements a day to three times a week depending on your age, what you eat and your daily exercise. 1

So what causes it, anyway?

Every action has a reaction. Certain diet and lifestyle choices, as well as physiological changes, surgery and medications can trigger constipation. When stool cannot quickly pass through your digestive system, it becomes hard and dry. 1

Let’s talk digestion.

You eat, food travels through your body, you poop. When movement stops or excess water absorbs into the bloodstream, constipation occurs. 2

Tooting. What makes us gassy?

Gas is simply air entering your digestive tract. But unlike burping, gas passing through the anus may contain sulfur (i.e. unpleasant odors). 1

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HOW I GET RELIEF

Relief is on the way.

Learn how to prevent constipation before it happens and what to do if it does.

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TRAVELING TIPS

Avoid getting stopped up while on the go.

Heading out of town? We’ll help you mark constipation off your to-do list.

WOMEN & PREGNANCY

Pregnant and constipated?

Get helpful tips on how to deal with discomfort over the next 9 months.

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AVOIDING CONSTIPATION

How to avoid constipation.

Learn how to recognize and dodge constipation.

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DIET RECOMMENDATIONS

Eat your heart out, constipation.

Check out the best foods (and beverages) to help keep your system on track.

TALKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR

We’ve got you.

Don’t be shy. We’ve heard it all and have answers for pretty much every scenario.

1. Sibanda M, Meyer JC, Maponya M, Motha T. Chronic constipation in adults. SA Pharm J 2018;85(1):34–42

2. Roerig JL, Steffen KJ, Mitchell JE, Zunker C. Laxative Abuse. Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management. Drugs 2010;70(12):1487–1503.