The Struggle of Constipation During Weight Loss
Constipation is an uncomfortable and often painful condition that occurs when you have difficulty passing stool or have infrequent bowel movements (less than three times per week). When combined with the strain involved with losing weight, which already places an additional level of stress on your body, constipation can become even more troublesome.
Causes of Constipation During Weight Loss
There are many factors that can cause constipation during weight loss including lack of fiber in your diet from not incorporating enough fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, not drinking enough water during the day, or dehydration from excessive sweating after workouts as well as changes in routine or eating habits.
Symptoms of Constipation During Weight Loss
Bloating and discomfort, infrequent bowel movements, and straining during bowel movements are all common symptoms of constipation when you are trying to lose weight. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important that you take steps to address the issue so that it doesn’t become a bigger problem down the road.
How Constipation Impacts Weight Loss
Constipation has several negative consequences for your weight loss journey. It can slow down your metabolism which makes it more difficult for your body to burn off fat. Additionally, water retention in your intestines due to constipation can cause bloating and swelling which is often mistaken as weight gain. Lastly, constipated individuals tend to eat more than normal because they feel full from the buildup in their digestive system despite not having passed stool.
Prevention and Treatment of Constipation During Weight Loss
The best way to prevent and treat constipation when losing weight is by increasing fiber intake through fruits and vegetables or supplementing with psyllium husks or flaxseed meal; ensuring adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day; taking regular breaks from sitting; using a step stool or sitz bath after meals; practicing stress-reducing activities such as meditation or yoga if stress is an underlying cause for this condition.
Final thoughts
We hope this article has provided some valuable insight into the relationship between constipation and weight loss. If you’re struggling with this issue, we highly recommend implementing some of the prevention and treatment methods outlined above. By doing so, you’ll be improving your overall health while also making it easier to reach your desired weight.
