Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry.
You may also be constipated if you experience straining, hard stools, a feeling of being blocked up or a feeling that you don’t completely empty your bowels. “If you’re constipated, you may also feel cramping, bloating, nausea or pain in the rectum from straining,” says Dr.
Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, your stool gets harder and more difficult to pass.
Regularly consuming fluids such as water and tea is one of the best ways to prevent constipation or treat it when symptoms develop. The more hydrated you are, the better lubricated your intestines are and the more moisture remains in your stools.
