Constipation in Connecticut
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Find a ProviderWhat is constipation?
A gastrointestinal symptom, constipation, is generally characterized by having fewer than three bowel movements over one week. Constipation happens when the stool in the gastrointestinal tract is too hard and dry. The stool will become dry if it passes too slowly through the GI tract or remains in the colon for an extended time. If you have fewer than three bowel movements in one week, it may be time to meet with a digestive health specialist at your nearest Connecticut GI location. Reach out to our GI team in Connecticut today to request a consultation.
What are the causes of constipation?
There could be many reasons why stool might move slower than normal through your GI tract. Common causes of constipation include:
- Anal fissure
- Colon cancer
- A bowel obstruction
- Cancer of the rectum
- Colon stricture
- Rectum bulge through the back wall of the vagina
- Damaged nerves around the colon or rectum
Are there ways to relieve constipation?
Adding healthy habits to your lifestyle can help alleviate problems with constipation. Good habits to incorporate to help you reduce the risk of constipation involve:
- Regular exercise
- Drinking more water
- Taking probiotics and prebiotics
- Eating more dietary fiber
- Avoiding dairy
Some nonprescription medication options are a great way to alleviate constipation. Still, we advise consulting with one of our Connecticut gastrointestinal specialists first, given that constipation can sometimes be a symptom of a more concerning condition.
What foods are high in fiber?
Several foods can increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Some of these fiber-rich foods include:
- Apples, tangerines, peaches, raspberries
- Whole-grain cereal, cold All-Bran®, Total™ Bran Flakes, hot oatmeal
- Acorn squash, raw broccoli, raw Brussels sprouts, raw cabbage, raw carrots, raw cauliflower, raw spinach
- Cooked black-eyed peas, cooked zucchini
- Lima beans, kidney beans
- Wheatena®, whole-wheat bread, seven-grain bread
For more in-depth information about altering your dietary habits, please call a Connecticut GI location near you to connect with one of our licensed dietitians.
When should you see a gastroenterologist about constipation?
Most individuals deal with constipation at some point during their lives. Frequent constipation, however, could be a sign of a more concerning health issue. If constipation has consistently been affecting your quality of life, we encourage you to meet with a gastrointestinal provider as soon as you can. Along with identifying, treating, and helping manage digestive health conditions, the gastroenterologists at Connecticut GI can evaluate for any more serious illnesses. To receive help for constipation in Connecticut, please reach out to one of our locations today.
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