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What to eat with gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis: What to Eat and When to Seek Medical Help

July 28, 2026

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal concerns seen in clinical practice. It occurs when bowel movements become difficult, infrequent, or incomplete. While occasional constipation may happen due to diet, dehydration, travel, or changes in routine, persistent constipation can affect daily comfort, appetite, energy levels, and overall well-being. At shafimed, we understand that bowel health is an important part of your general health. Constipation should not be ignored if it becomes ongoing, painful, or associated with concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain. Early medical advice can help identify the cause and guide safe, effective treatment. What Is Constipation? Constipation refers to a change in normal bowel habits where stools become hard, dry, difficult to pass, or less frequent than usual. For some people, this may mean having fewer than three bowel movements per week. For others, constipation may involve regular bowel movements but with excessive straining, incomplete evacuation, or discomfort. Common symptoms of constipation include abdominal bloating, cramping, excessive gas, reduced appetite, rectal pressure, hard or lumpy stools, and the feeling that the bowel has not emptied properly. In some cases, repeated straining may lead to haemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal pain, or minor bleeding. Common Causes of Constipation Constipation can occur for several reasons. One of the most common causes is a low-fibre diet. Fibre helps add bulk to stool and supports normal intestinal movement, also known as peristalsis. Diets low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds may slow bowel transit and make stools harder to pass. Inadequate fluid intake is another major contributor. When the body does not receive enough water, the colon absorbs more fluid from the stool, making it drier and firmer. Reduced physical activity can also affect bowel motility, especially in people who sit for long periods or have limited mobility. Other common causes include ignoring the urge to defecate, irregular eating habits, stress, poor sleep, travel, changes in daily routine, and limited access to toilets or privacy. Over time, these factors can disrupt normal bowel patterns and contribute to ongoing constipation. Medication-Related Constipation Some medications can slow bowel movement or reduce stool moisture. These may include opioid pain medicines, iron supplements, calcium supplements, some antacids, antidepressants, antihistamines, anticholinergic medicines, diuretics, and certain blood pressure medications. If constipation begins after starting a new medicine, it is important not to stop the medication without medical advice. A shafimed doctor can review your symptoms and medications and recommend suitable options to manage constipation safely. Medical Conditions That May Cause Constipation Constipation may sometimes be linked to an underlying medical condition. Gastrointestinal causes can include irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, slow-transit constipation, diverticular disease, bowel narrowing, pelvic floor dysfunction, or bowel obstruction. Other medical conditions may also affect bowel function. These include hypothyroidism, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high calcium levels, electrolyte imbalance, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or autonomic neuropathy. Because constipation may have many possible causes, a medical review is important when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or different from your usual bowel pattern. Constipation in Pregnancy and Older Adults Constipation is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, reduced intestinal motility, pressure from the growing uterus, and iron supplementation. Pregnant patients should always seek medical advice before using laxatives, as some treatments may not be suitable. Older adults are also more likely to experience constipation due to reduced mobility, lower fluid intake, multiple medications, and chronic health conditions. New or worsening constipation in older adults should be assessed carefully, especially when associated with rectal bleeding, anaemia, unexplained weight loss, or a sudden change in bowel habits. How to Prevent Constipation Preventing constipation often starts with healthy daily habits. Increasing fibre intake gradually can help improve stool consistency and bowel regularity. Good sources of fibre include oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice, lentils, beans, vegetables, fruits, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and bran. Hydration is also essential. Drinking enough water helps soften stool and support smooth bowel movement. This is especially important when increasing fibre intake, as fibre works best when combined with adequate fluids. Regular physical activity can also help stimulate bowel movement. Walking, stretching, swimming, cycling, or light exercise can support digestion and improve intestinal motility. Establishing a regular toilet routine may also help. Try not to ignore the urge to pass stool, and allow enough time in the bathroom without rushing. For some people, sitting on the toilet after breakfast can be helpful because eating naturally stimulates bowel activity. Treatment Options for Constipation Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration of constipation. For mild constipation, lifestyle changes are usually the first step. This may include increasing dietary fibre, drinking more fluids, exercising regularly, and improving bowel habits. If symptoms continue, fibre supplements such as psyllium may be recommended. Osmotic laxatives may help draw water into the bowel and soften stool. Stool softeners may be useful in selected cases where straining should be avoided, such as after surgery or childbirth. Stimulant laxatives may be used for short-term relief when other options are not effective. Laxatives should be used carefully, particularly in children, pregnant patients, older adults, or people with chronic medical conditions. Long-term or inappropriate laxative use may cause dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, abdominal cramping, or reduced bowel responsiveness in some individuals. A doctor can advise which treatment is most appropriate for your situation. When to Seek Medical Advice You should seek medical advice if constipation is persistent, recurrent, severe, or not improving with self-care. It is especially important to see a doctor if constipation is associated with rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, severe bloating, or iron-deficiency anaemia. Urgent medical assessment is required if you are unable to pass stool or gas and have severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, or repeated vomiting. These symptoms may indicate bowel obstruction or another serious abdominal condition. How shafimed Can Help At shafimed, our doctors provide professional medical care for constipation and related digestive symptoms, including abdominal bloating, rectal discomfort, altered bowel habits, and abdominal pain. During your consultation, the doctor may ask about your bowel pattern, diet, fluid intake, medications, medical history, and associated symptoms. Depending on your condition, further tests such as blood tests, stool tests, thyroid function tests, abdominal imaging, or specialist referral may be recommended. Final Thoughts Constipation is common, but ongoing symptoms should not be ignored. In many cases, constipation improves with fibre, fluids, physical activity, and healthy bowel habits. However, persistent or severe constipation may be linked to an underlying medical condition that needs proper assessment. If constipation is affecting your daily life or you are concerned about changes in your bowel habits, book an online consultation with shafimed for timely medical advice and personalised treatment guidance. Frequently Asked Questions What are the common causes of constipation? Common causes include low fibre intake, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications, pregnancy, stress, and changes in routine. How can I prevent constipation naturally? You can help prevent constipation by eating more fibre, drinking enough water, staying active, and not ignoring the urge to pass stool. When should I see a doctor for constipation? You should see a doctor if constipation is persistent, painful, recurrent, or linked with bleeding, weight loss, vomiting, fever, or severe abdominal pain. Can medications cause constipation? Yes, some medicines such as opioid painkillers, iron tablets, calcium supplements, antidepressants, antihistamines, and some blood pressure medicines can cause constipation. Is constipation common during pregnancy? Yes, constipation is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, reduced bowel movement, pressure from the uterus, and iron supplementation. What treatments are available for constipation? Treatment may include dietary changes, fluids, exercise, fibre supplements, stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, or other medicines, depending on the cause. Can shafimed help with constipation? Yes, shafimed doctors can assess your symptoms, review possible causes, and provide personalised treatment advice for constipation and digestive concerns.

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