Eating a high-fiber diet but still cant go?

An expert shares the surprising culpritsand what to do.

Backed up, and not sure why?

a photo of a person drinking from a glass of water

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It can happen to all of us, though.

So if it’s not food causing constipation, what could it be?

Regular exercise can improve bowel movement, especially for those who are older or tend to be more sedentary.

You’re Stressed

That’s right.

The bacteria in your GI tract help to break down your food and create stool.

However, under stress, those gut bugs can alter the digestion process, resulting in getting blocked up.

No wondergut inflammation has been linked to bowel diseases.

That’s because your circadian rhythms are actually connected to the digestion process.

And the likelihood of dealing with constipation increases with age, according to theNational Institute on Aging.

“These foods add bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines.

Gradually increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated is important to avoid discomfort.”

(Other unsweetened or low-sugar beverages are also fine.)