Srinagar, Dec 13: Doctors have cautioned that a low-fibre diet coupled with a sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of constipation, a common yet often neglected digestive disorder that can significantly affect daily life if left untreated.
Medical experts explained that constipation is generally characterised by infrequent bowel movements—typically fewer than three per week—along with hard or dry stools, excessive straining, or a persistent feeling of incomplete evacuation. While occasional constipation is considered normal, chronic or long-term constipation can lead to serious health complications.
Dr Gulzar Ahmad Wani, a general physician at DHSK, said dietary habits play a crucial role in bowel health. “Constipation often results from inadequate fibre intake, insufficient water consumption and excessive reliance on processed or refined foods. Fibre adds bulk to stool and helps it pass smoothly through the intestines,” he said.
He added that lifestyle-related factors such as prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, ignoring the natural urge to defecate, and high stress levels further slow down bowel movement. “Modern lifestyles, especially desk-bound jobs and irregular eating habits, have made constipation increasingly common across all age groups,” he said.
Apart from lifestyle and dietary causes, several medical conditions can also contribute to constipation. These include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological disorders, intestinal blockages and the presence of scar tissue in the digestive tract. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and natural ageing—due to slower metabolism and weakened bowel muscles—also increase the risk.
Doctors also pointed out that certain medications are known to cause or worsen constipation. These include strong painkillers, particularly opioid-based drugs, antidepressants, iron supplements and antacids containing calcium or aluminium.
Highlighting the potential complications, Dr Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh warned that untreated chronic constipation can lead to haemorrhoids, anal fissures, faecal impaction, rectal prolapse and even psychological distress. “Persistent straining puts excessive pressure on the rectal area, increasing the risk of painful and sometimes debilitating conditions,” he said.
To prevent constipation, doctors strongly advise adopting a healthy lifestyle and dietary practices. These include increasing the intake of fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, drinking at least six to eight glasses of water daily, and engaging in regular physical activity like walking or light exercise.
“Maintaining a fixed routine for bowel movements and responding promptly to the urge to defecate also helps regulate bowel function,” doctors added.
They further advised people to seek immediate medical consultation if they experience severe pain during bowel movements, blood in stools, sudden unexplained changes in bowel habits, or constipation persisting for more than three weeks, as these may indicate underlying medical conditions requiring timely intervention—(KNO)
