Constipation is an extremely common issue among all populations and ages in the United States. It affects about 2.5 million people in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. About 16 out of 100 young adults have constipation symptoms, and 33 out of 100 older adults experience them as well. 

This issue can be provoked by anything from depression to an improper diet. Let’s look at some of the many medical reasons why you might be constipated:

1. Eating too much fiber 

It’s known that fiber is a good treatment for constipation. So, how can eating fiber actually cause constipation? Overdosing on fiber can desensitize your stomach lining, making it less responsive to signals to evacuate. This is especially common among people who use fiber supplements. 

In fact, according to a review of studies published in 2017 in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, although fiber supplements can appear to be a healthy method to increase fiber intake, most don’t provide any health benefits linked to a high-fiber diet.  

2. Certain multivitamins 

Multivitamins that contain high levels of iron and calcium can actually cause extreme constipation. Certain minerals, especially in high doses, can make your digestive system work much slower. 

3. Laxatives 

If you suffer from severe constipation, it might be a good idea to take a laxative. However, this can worsen your issue. Laxatives are intended to be used on a short-term basis. Any longer and you run the risk of slowing down the digestion which can start a vicious cycle of diarrhea and constipation. 

4. Low-carb diet 

Following a diet that focuses on eggs, meat, and fat is often poor in fiber which means it can make you constipated. If you avoid carbs, keep in mind that they are not created equal. While fast carbs have no health benefits, fiber is essential for your overall health. 

5. Hormone imbalance 

All pregnant women experience hormone fluctuations, some of which can wreak havoc on the digestive system. High estrogen or progesterone levels and low testosterone levels can result in constipation. In the case of pregnancy, hormone imbalances are normal and will go on their own once a woman gives birth. But for other hormone imbalances, it’s important to treat the underlying health condition. 

6. Dehydration 

Being dehydrated is another common culprit of constipation. Make sure you get plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH), an average person needs to drink eight full glasses of water per day. 

7. Diet that’s rich in dairy 

In fact, cheese is the biggest culprit of constipation, among other dairy products. That’s because many people consume it instead of fiber-rich products, such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. 

According to a review of studies published in 2018 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, following a high-fiber diet lowers your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

8. Undiagnosed medical conditions 

There are lots of various health conditions that can contribute to constipation. The most common one is hypothyroidism - a condition in which the thyroid glands stop producing adequate levels of thyroid hormone, called thyroxine. 

Other medical conditions that are accompanied by constipation include Celiac disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and certain cancers. Unfortunately, constipation is so common that many people just ignore it without realizing it can be a sign of something more serious. 

If your constipation is accompanied by other symptoms, has changed significantly, or lasts longer than three months, it’s time to visit your healthcare provider to figure out what’s going on with your body.