{"id":7439,"date":"2026-01-30T07:05:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T07:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/?p=7439"},"modified":"2026-02-02T05:00:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T05:00:48","slug":"what-causes-constipation-common-triggers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/what-causes-constipation-common-triggers\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Constipation? A Look at Common Triggers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"7439\" class=\"elementor elementor-7439\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-68db40b e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"68db40b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa5ff74 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aa5ff74\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Many people deal with constipation at some point. For some it\u2019s temporary, but for others it becomes a regular problem with bloating and discomfort. This often leads to the question: <strong>what causes constipation?<\/strong><\/p><p>At <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/\"><strong>Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, we regularly meet patients looking for answers. This blog clearly explains the causes of\u00a0 constipation and what may be behind the change.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce77255 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ce77255\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What is constipation?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba6ceb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ba6ceb9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Constipation generally means going to the toilet less than three times a week, passing hard or dry stools, or feeling like you still haven\u2019t fully emptied your bowels. Understanding what causes constipation starts with recognising that digestion <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/healthy-diet-for-liver-protection-daily-tips-for-stronger-liver-health\/\">depends on diet<\/a><\/span>, hydration, gut movement, and lifestyle habits working together.<\/p><p>When any of these factors change, bowel movements can slow down.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a764420 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a764420\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Low fibre intake<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77048b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"77048b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When asking what causes constipation, <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/the-role-of-low-dietary-fiber-in-digestive-health\/\">low fibre intake<\/a><\/span> is often a key reason. Fibre supports smooth digestion and stops stools from hardening. Eating fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow things down. A sudden shift to processed or low-fibre foods may quickly affect bowel regularity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e67af65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e67af65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Not drinking enough fluids<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cb2dda elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cb2dda\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Water plays a key role in digestion. When fluid intake drops, the body absorbs more water from stool, making it dry and hard. Dehydration is a frequent but overlooked reason what causes constipation, especially in older adults and people who drink a lot of tea or coffee without balancing it with water.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84556ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"84556ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Lack of physical activity<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e843d29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e843d29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The body\u2019s digestion works better with regular movement. A sedentary routine can slow bowel function and increase the chances of constipation. Spending long periods sitting, resting in bed, or moving less due to illness or surgery is a common reason behind what causes constipation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dceffcc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dceffcc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Ignoring the urge to go<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78a1fc9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78a1fc9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Delaying bowel movements can train the body to ignore natural signals. As this continues, bowel movements may become less regular and stools harder to pass. Busy days, travel, or difficulty finding a restroom can make this problem worse.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b59823 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9b59823\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Medications and supplements<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9111fa4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9111fa4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Several medications affect bowel function. Painkillers, iron tablets, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and some antacids can slow digestion. When patients ask what causes constipation, medication review often provides the answer.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-72e5e27 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"72e5e27\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Digestive and medical conditions<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59d4b47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"59d4b47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Constipation sometimes signals an underlying condition.<a href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/effective-constipation-and-ibs-relief\/\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"> Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/span><\/a>, thyroid disorders, diabetes, <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/understanding-bad-gut-health-causes-and-how-to-fix-it\/\">gut narrowing<\/a><\/span>, or neurological conditions can all affect bowel movement. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause may also play a role.<\/p><p>Long-lasting constipation should not be ignored without medical advice.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0914e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a0914e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When to seek medical advice<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a24d3d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a24d3d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">You should speak to a specialist if constipation:<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-228aa56 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"228aa56\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>Lasts longer than three weeks<\/li><li>Is accompanied by weight loss or bleeding<\/li><li>Causes severe abdominal pain<\/li><li>Alternates with <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/why-am-i-still-having-diarrhoea-chronic-diarrhoea-treatment\/\">diarrhoea<\/a><\/span><\/li><li>Appears suddenly without clear cause<\/li><\/ul><p>At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, careful assessment helps identify what causes constipation and guides safe, effective treatment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14044a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"14044a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Final word<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01ce6ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"01ce6ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Constipation is uncomfortable, but it is rarely random. Understanding <strong>what causes constipation<\/strong> allows you to make small, meaningful changes that improve bowel health. At <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/\"><strong>Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, with the right guidance, most people find relief and regain digestive comfort.<\/p><p>Book a consultation or screening today: <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff; text-decoration-line: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/partner.pabau.com\/online-bookings\/HARMONY-DIGESTIVE-AND-LIVER-WELLNESS-LLP?groupCategory=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click Here.<\/a><\/span><\/p><p>To book a private liver consultation or second opinion, <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff; text-decoration-line: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/contact\/\">Get in touch with us<\/a>.<\/span><\/p><p>Had a great experience with us? We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts! <span style=\"color: #3366ff;\"><a style=\"color: #3366ff; text-decoration-line: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/g.page\/r\/Ce8qUvKQFM0AEBM\/review\">Click here to leave a Google review<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people deal with constipation at some point. For some it\u2019s temporary, but for others it becomes a regular problem with bloating and discomfort. This often leads to the question: what causes constipation? At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we regularly meet patients looking for answers. This blog clearly explains the causes of\u00a0 constipation and what may be behind the change. What is constipation? Constipation generally means going to the toilet less than three times a week, passing hard or dry stools, or feeling like you still haven\u2019t fully emptied your bowels. Understanding what causes constipation starts with recognising that digestion depends on diet, hydration, gut movement, and lifestyle habits working together. When any of these factors change, bowel movements can slow down. Low fibre intake When asking what causes constipation, low fibre intake is often a key reason. Fibre supports smooth digestion and stops stools from hardening. Eating fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow things down. A sudden shift to processed or low-fibre foods may quickly affect bowel regularity. Not drinking enough fluids Water plays a key role in digestion. When fluid intake drops, the body absorbs more water from stool, making it dry and hard. Dehydration is a frequent but overlooked reason what causes constipation, especially in older adults and people who drink a lot of tea or coffee without balancing it with water. Lack of physical activity The body\u2019s digestion works better with regular movement. A sedentary routine can slow bowel function and increase the chances of constipation. Spending long periods sitting, resting in bed, or moving less due to illness or surgery is a common reason behind what causes constipation. Ignoring the urge to go Delaying bowel movements can train the body to ignore natural signals. As this continues, bowel movements may become less regular and stools harder to pass. Busy days, travel, or difficulty finding a restroom can make this problem worse. Medications and supplements Several medications affect bowel function. Painkillers, iron tablets, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and some antacids can slow digestion. When patients ask what causes constipation, medication review often provides the answer. Digestive and medical conditions Constipation sometimes signals an underlying condition. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid disorders, diabetes, gut narrowing, or neurological conditions can all affect bowel movement. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause may also play a role. Long-lasting constipation should not be ignored without medical advice. When to seek medical advice You should speak to a specialist if constipation: Lasts longer than three weeks Is accompanied by weight loss or bleeding Causes severe abdominal pain Alternates with diarrhoea Appears suddenly without clear cause At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, careful assessment helps identify what causes constipation and guides safe, effective treatment. Final word Constipation is uncomfortable, but it is rarely random. Understanding what causes constipation allows you to make small, meaningful changes that improve bowel health. At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, with the right guidance, most people find relief and regain digestive comfort. Book a consultation or screening today: Click Here. To book a private liver consultation or second opinion, Get in touch with us. Had a great experience with us? We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts! Click here to leave a Google review.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7441,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","two_page_speed":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Harmony-Blog-Images-2.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7439"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7460,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7439\/revisions\/7460"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}