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It really should only takeabout a minute to poop.

doc asking about your fiber intake.

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South Carolina-based gastroenterologist and author ofFiber Fueled

Here, he highlights the top five he sees.

What causes constipation?

Here are 5 sneaky triggers, according to a G.I.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

doc:

1.

It could be a medication or supplement youre taking.

If you cant figure out why youre constipated, Dr. Bulsiewicz says to check your medicine cabinet.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

The classic medications for causing constipation are prescription pain pills, he says.

(Over-the-counters, like Advil and Tylenol, dont have the same constipating effect, he adds.)

Dr. Bulsiewicz says blood pressure medication is also a common culprit.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

South Carolina-based gastroenterologist and author ofFiber Fueled

Ditto some anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Anti-histamines are another common medication people take that can be constipating, he says.

Its not just medicationssupplements could cause constipation, too.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

The biggie here, according to Dr. Bulsiewicz, is calcium.

The reasonswhy all these medications could cause constipationvary.

Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications also affect nerve endings in the gut, which can cause constipation for some.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

In fact, he says most calcium supplements have magnesium in them already.

Youre sitting too much.

(Unfortunately, you probably cant get any workers comp for this one.)

Your gut moves whenyoumove, he says.

The key takeaway is simply to get moving to get things moving.

Hypothyroidism can cause constipation.

In fact, Dr. Bulsiewicz says its one of the most common symptoms of the condition.

It could be because of your pelvic floor.

It shouldnt take a great effort to pass just a small bowel.

Pregnancy can cause constipation.

The last sneaky constipation Dr. Bulsiewicz wants more people to know about is pregnancy.

One reason why pregnancy can cause constipation is changes in hormones.

Progesterone in pregnancy causes muscle relaxation, and your bowels are composed of smooth muscle.

Another reason is increased iron intake.

While its important to up the intake of this nutrient during pregnancy, it can lead to some constipation.

And just remember, you dont have to play detective on your own.

Booking an appointment with a gastroenterologist can also help you get to the bottom of your constipation causes.

A doc can help pinpoint exactly whats causing the discomfort and offer up solutions.

Then you’re able to spend less time sitting on the john and more time actually living life.

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