Stress and constipation
When we feel overwhelmed by our busy lives or if we're stressed for too long, our digestive systems can pay the price. Thankfully, our bodies send us signals when they're not happy. And one of these is constipation. Stress and constipation often go hand in hand.
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10 min read
How can stress affect your body?
Work stress and constipation
Deadlines, presentations and workloads can all cause stress - and this can have an impact on your gut. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that trigger your fight or flight response. When this happens, your body diverts the flow of blood from your intestines towards vital organs, including the heart, lungs and brain. As a result of all this, your intestinal movements slow down, and you can become constipated5,2.
Anxiety and constipation
Anxiety and depression are both linked to functional gastrointestinal disorders like constipation. Studies show high rates of constipation in people who suffer from anxiety3. Emotional stress can also exacerbate pain in the bowels, and this can lead to constipation2. If you have symptoms of anxiety or depression, you should speak to your doctor who will be able to help.
Disturbed sleep and constipation
When you aren't getting enough sleep, your tummy might feel bloated or uncomfortable. Poor sleep can also affect your bowel functions and lead to constipation7. To run as it should, your body needs rest and routine.
How does stress trigger constipation?
Although science has shown a strong link between anxiety disorders, stress and constipation, the cause hasn't yet been confirmed1. However, we do know that stress hormones - and their effect on the body - can cause constipation2. Stress can also lead to unhealthy habits that are associated with constipation. For example, when someone is stressed, they are less likely to exercise and get good sleep, and more likely to eat unhealthy food.
Second brain (gut-brain axis)
Science has discovered that we have an entire nerve system that lines our digestive tracts. These nerves, consisting of millions of neurons, control the digestion of food. In states of stress and anxiety, disruption to this system, known as the gut-brain axis, can reduce the speed at which food moves through the gastrointestinal tract. And this can cause constipation3,4.
Abdominal fullness
During stressful times, you might experience feelings of abdominal fullness. Better known as 'bloating'. This could be from what we call 'intestinal permeability'. This is when inflammatory compounds get into the intestines. Stress can create this condition in your body, and it could be the cause of your discomfort5,2.
Stress hormones
When you experience high-level stress, your body reacts by releasing a hormone called epinephrine (or adrenalin). When this happens, your body goes into survival mode and diverts the blood flow away from the intestines, towards vital organs such as the heart, lungs or brain. As a result, intestinal movements tend to slow down and this triggers constipation5,2.
A few tricks to move things along
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed can be a real challenge for your body, including your digestive system. And when your body tells you it's unhappy by becoming constipated, it might be time to make some changes to your life to reduce your stress levels.
The Dulco® range
Dulco® products help get your digestive system moving again. We have different types of relief available, including gradual relief, overnight relief and fast relief. All will help your mind and body feel lighter, brighter and clearer.
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DulcoEase® Capsules
DulcoEase® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
Get fast relief in 10-30 minutes with this quick-acting stimulant laxative. Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories work quickly to stimulate bowel muscles and soften poo, making it easier to pass.
-
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
-
DulcoEase® Capsules
DulcoEase® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.
-
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
Get fast relief in 10-30 minutes with this quick-acting stimulant laxative. Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories work quickly to stimulate bowel muscles and soften poo, making it easier to pass.
Stay in the know
Constipation can be bothersome and persistent. And because we know how frustrating and stressful it can be, we can help you identify the causes of your constipation and how to prevent it.
Why does pregnancy cause constipation?
During pregnancy, certain hormones increase and trigger lots of changes in the body. Pregnant women often suffer from difficult and irregular trips to the toilet, as well as abdominal pain and discomfort. Although not dangerous in most cases, it's important to deal with constipation properly in pregnancy.
Which daily habits can cause constipation?
There are things we do during the day that can have an impact on our digestive system. Stress, travel, diet and lifestyle can all cause constipation. But fear not, there are some simple changes you can make to get things moving again.
Why can travel cause constipation?
Constipation can happen when your life or daily routine changes. For example, travelling can sometimes shake things up and change your bowel movements. Adapting to new time zones, new foods and new environments can trigger your digestive system to get constipated.
Why does getting older cause constipation?
As we get older, our bowel muscles need a little more time to move food and poo through the intestines. That's why constipation is common in elderly people - and it can have a considerable impact on their quality of life. Understand how age can change your body and how to adapt to help yourself feel better.
1. Jessurun JG, van Harten PN, Egberts TC, Pijl YJ, Wilting I, Tenback DE. The Relation between Psychiatric Diagnoses and Constipation in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychiatry J. 2016;2016:2459693.
2. Chang YM, El-Zaatari M, Kao JY. Does stress induce bowel dysfunction?. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;8(6):583-585. doi:10.1586/17474124.2014.911659
3. Mindsethealth - Anxiety and Constipation - Can Stress Cause Constipation? 2019 https://www.mindsethealth.com/matter/anxiety-and-constipation Accessed 14/11/2022
4. Duboc H, Coffin B, Siproudhis L. Disruption of Circadian Rhythms and Gut Motility: An Overview of Underlying Mechanisms and Associated Pathologies. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2020 May/Jun;54(5):405-414
5. Nall R. How is stress linked with constipation? 2019. MNT (Medical news today). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326970 Accessed 14/11/2022
6. Soares RL. Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Sep 14;20(34):12144-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.12144
7. Gwee KA. Disturbed sleep and disturbed bowel functions: implications for constipation in healthy individuals. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2011;17(2):108-109.