Allergies
Lack of Exercise
Beyond relieving stress, exercise can be useful to “get things moving.” If you sit too much, your digestive system might not function properly.
Stress
The gut and brain are connected. If you experience chronic stress, the bacteria in your gut can change, potentially leading to depleted magnesium.
Hormone Imbalance
Low thyroid hormone can lead to constipation. A sluggish thyroid could be to blame — even if you’re not diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Constipation is also connected to insulin, as well as female hormones and adrenals.
Other Diet Choices
Your body has unique nutritional needs. Constipation could be caused by an unknown allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity. Or, you could be eating too much sugar or processed food.
Lack of Hydration
If you don’t drink enough water, you might have hard stool that’s difficult to pass. A general rule of thumb: What’s half your body weight in pounds? That number is how many ounces of water you should drink each day.
Poor Fiber Intake
It’s important to eat the right amount of fiber — and the right kind. This helps keep the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract strong.