Have you ever wondered if you might be constipated? If you’re having fewer than three bowel movements per week, it’s something worth thinking about. While some symptoms of constipation are obvious, others are less noticeable, and this can leave you feeling unwell without understanding why—or how to fix it. If left untreated, constipation can lead to more severe health problems, like tears in anal tissue, swollen glands, or even protruding intestines.
That’s why recognizing both the common and less obvious signs is crucial. Thankfully, once you know what to look for, you can take the necessary steps to address the issue. If you’re unsure about the signs, here are some lesser-known symptoms of constipation you should be aware of:
1. Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating, feeling mentally confused, or struggling to make decisions may actually be linked to constipation. This happens because your body produces more histamine—a chemical it uses to deal with bacteria—which can leave your brain feeling “foggy.”
2. Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired is another possible sign. This can occur if your body isn’t absorbing enough nutrients or when stool buildup your colon impacts its normal function.
3. Loss of Appetite
If you’ve noticed a consistent lack of hunger, it could be related to constipation. When your stool stays in the colon for too long, it causes bloating, which can reduce your desire to eat.
4. Stomach Pain or Cramps
Lingering constipation might lead to stomach aches or cramps. Typically, this starts with bloating or excessive gas and can escalate to pain if the issue isn’t resolved.
5. Headaches
Believe it or not, headaches can sometimes be linked to constipation. Studies have shown a connection between migraines and constipation, possibly because they share similar underlying causes.
6. Persistent Fullness
Do you often feel full, even if you haven’t eaten in hours? Chronic constipation might be to blame. Blockages in your digestive system can create a sensation of fullness, even after eating just a small amount. This is usually due to gas buildup or an inability to fully empty your bowels.
Recognizing and Resolving Constipation
Now that you know the signs, it’s easier to figure out if constipation might be affecting you. Feeling fatigued or foggy, constantly bloated or full, losing your appetite, or experiencing headaches and stomach pains are all signs to watch out for.
Ignoring these symptoms can make the problem worse, so if you can’t relieve constipation on your own, it’s crucial to contact a doctor for help. Addressing this issue early can spare you from unnecessary discomfort and avoid long-term complications.
