They may also suffer symptoms of feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. A hypersensitivity to cows milk may trigger constipation in infants and young children researchers conclude. Lack of fiber in the diet and not enough liquids. Lack of exercise, medications, pregnancy, older age, and travel, laxatives, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and some specific diseases. People who eat plenty of foods high in fibre are less likely to become constipated.
Liquids add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools making bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
Lack of exercise may also lead to constipation although doctors do not know why. Pain medications, antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, and anticonvulsants for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements. During pregnancy women may become constipated because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. Ageing may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. Laxatives used over pong periods of time may damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with the colons natural ability to contract.