Constipation: Causes
If you are often constipated, remember that you are not alone with this problem: overall, 18% of the Australian population aged 16 years and older suffer from constipation at least once a month*! Although the causes of constipation are many and varied, the people affected all have one thing in common: if they can’t obtain safe and predictable relief, they suffer great discomfort.
Causes of constipation
Diet
- Faulty nutrition (too little fibre and fluid intake, irregular meal times, improper eating habits)
Travel
- Reluctance to evacuate to avoid using unfamiliar toilets
Insufficient exercise
- Temporary immobility or after an operation
- Insufficient exercise
Hormones
- Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause
Medication
- Regular intake of some medication (e.g. pain relievers, antihypertensive, sedatives /strong pain killers, iron supplements)
Illnesses
- Acute illnesses (e.g. intestinal obstruction)
- Chronic illnesses (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal constrictions)
- Other illnesses (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, thyroid underactivity)
Help with constipation
Household remedies can often help you with constipation – although they generally don’t take effect until a few days later. MICROLAX® acts fast (within 30 mins) and is well tolerated by the body. It brings about a gentle evacuation, when and where you prefer – without any negative effects on your intestine.
NB: if the constipation persists you should always consult your doctor so as to rule out the possibility of illness.
Find out more here about the mode of action of MICROLAX®.
*Market research data, 2011.
