Constipation is a rather uncomfortable condition, which can have a number of ill effects on overall health. In most people constipation is more likely to be a food sensitivity problem or a living habit issue rather than an irreversible pathological disease. Fairy often this delicate problem can be alleviated by knowing which foods contribute to it and what lifestyle changes should be made. So, here are 7 causes of constipation you probably didn’t know about:

1. Sedentary lifestyle. Exercise helps the body to keep up its metabolic rate. When moving our body also produces mucus to lubricate the anus. Sedentary behavior is characterized by slow metabolic rate, leading to constipation. Just a short walk around the neighborhood can go a long way in helping you remain regular.

2. Dehydration. Low water intake makes our body use up its resources quickly, compensating the lack by absorbing fluid from any sources it can, including the bodily waste. This makes feces dry and difficult to pass out. To cap it all, the slower the food passes along the intestines, the more water the colon absorbs from the food, making the problem even worse.

3. Resisting the urge to visit the washroom. Sometimes we get so busy that may ignore the urge because it is inconvenient or impossible at that time. Although some situations may warrant this, controlling the bowel movement on a regular basis can lead to constipation. Controlling yourself, you make feces move up in the rectum, which results in incomplete elimination.

4. Dairy products. Most dairy products, including hard cheeses and yougurts, contain casein – a sticky protein, which is very hard to digest. Some people can suffer from lactose intolerance, i.e. are allergic to milk and dairy products. This can cause either constipation or diarrhea.

5. Chocolate. As sad as it sounds, sometimes chocolate is a root cause of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome in many chocolate lovers. While this fact hasn’t been scientifically proved yet, it is advisable to limit chocolate consumption if you are experiencing constipation.

6. Vitamin supplements. While vitamins themselves do not cause constipation, certain nutrients, most of the multivitamins and mineral complexes contain, do. And namely calcium and iron can be a problem. Stop taking them unless it is really needed.

7. Painkillers. Most of the receptors for the narcotic class of drugs are located in the digestive tract, so it can bring everything to a halt. Therefore, it is a good idea for people who are chronically administered painkillers to buy online drugs like gentle laxatives to counteract that.