Has stress got you constipated?

It's a common and somewhat embarrassing problem for people. While some get constipated on few occasions, for others it's more like a daily routine. Constipation is no longer a problem affecting only the middle-aged and the elderly, even people in their twenties suffer from this problem. Do you spend a lot of time in the loo to answer nature's call? Do you have irregular timing for emptying your bowels? Do you experience pain while passing stools and feel exhausted after visiting the toilet? If yes, then you might be suffering from constipation. Definition Constipation can be defined as a condition wherein one experiences difficulty in passing stools coupled with fewer frequency of stools. When constipation occurs, the stools are difficult to pass as they are hard and dry. Some people also experience pain while passing stools or a sense of bloating or sensation of a full bowel. Constipation symptoms vary from person to person. Causes There are various causes for constipation. One of the reasons is lack of fibre in the diet. Gastroenterologist Dr Viral Patrawala says, "Consumption of fibre in the diet helps in the production of stools as fibre forms the bulk of stools. If there is no fibre in the diet, the stools will be less and there's less urge to pass stools." He says that thyroid problems like hyperthyroid and hormonal changes in the body too can cause constipation. Other reasons for constipation include insufficient intake of liquids, lack of exercise, poor bowel habits, and excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine that causes dehydration in the body. People suffering form Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can suffer from constipation. Can stress cause constipation? Dr Patrawala says that stress is not a direct cause of constipation. However, stress can alter the body's rhythm because of which the motility of the large intestine is reduced. Gastroenterologist Dr Prasanna Shah says, "There is no proven study that stress causes constipation.With patients suffering from IBS, stress can lead to constipation or loose motions or both. A constipated patient has slow transit time. With stress, the problem worsens. Diabetic and thyroid patients have low motility, which worsens with stress." General physician Dr Monica Goel explains how stress may worsen constipation. She says that because of long working hours, erratic schedules, less sleep and lack of exercise can decrease the motor tool and the pelvic tone too.