When you’re not constipated, your colon absorbs water from the food you eat, transforming it into a stool. The muscles in your colon contract and push the stool toward your rectum.
When the colon absorbs too much water, or when the colon’s muscle contractions slow down, constipation can occur. The stool moves through the colon too slowly, causing it to get hard and dry.
No matter how hard we try to avoid it, constipation happens to the best of us. Here are some of the most common causes:
Constipation can also be a side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Check to see if you’re taking any of the following:
Always take your laxative treatment two hours before or after your other medication to ensure that it doesn’t alter how your body absorbs it. Always consult a healthcare practitioner prior to using a new medication.
