Constipated? 5 Reasons You're Stuck!

Nothing worse than that feeling like you have a huge rock sitting in your stomach, am I right?

Like you don’t want to leave the house until there's some action. Too uncomfortable to enjoy a meal. Or you don’t want to eat anymore because your food is just straight up chillin’ and you don’t want to add more to the problem?

Yeah, I’ve been there too. In face, desperation led me to a 2 ½ year laxative saga (which I don't recommend –– that came with it's own problems). 

To make sure I didn't’ end up in adult diapers by the time I was 35 I started a deep dive into gut health, and I want to share what I learned with you. Let's explore the true reasons behind constipation and how to find relief.

5 Reasons You’re Constipated: 

In most cases, it's not just one factor but a combination of issues. Everything in the body is interconnected, and addressing these factors collectively can help improve bowel function and overall health.

1. Poor Mineral Status:

• Think of minerals as the spark plugs for your body's engine. Without enough, things grind to a halt. Key players: potassium, magnesium, iodine.
• Try this: add high potassium foods like coconut water and potatoes (skin on) to your diet. 

2. Low Thyroid Function:

• Your thyroid sets the pace for your metabolism. When it slacks, everything slows, including your GI tract. 
• Try this: make sure you're eating plenty of protein and calories.

3. Slow Metabolizer/Oxidizer:

• Your body's energy processing speed matters. Slow metabolism means sluggish functions all around –– especially digestion.
• Try this: make sure you're eating plenty of protein and calories, and add weight lifting to improve muscle mass.

4. Sluggish Liver and Gallbladder:

• Your liver and gallbladder play crucial roles in greasing the machine, if you will. When they're sluggish, bile production stalls, hindering fat digestion, toxin removal and gut movement.
• Try this: liver loving foods like bitter greens, beets and ginger. 

5. Dehydration:

• Hydration is about so much more than just water; it's about electrolytes and minerals too. Proper hydration keeps your digestive system humming, helps break down food, transports nutrients and eliminate waste.
• Try this: add a pinch of salt to your water and/or add one of my electrolyte favs (pick a potassium heavy option)

Ok, now you've got some answers AND some actionable ways to improve. Honestly, these are strategies I give my 1:1 clients and they get amazing results! Don't let these free tips pass you by!

If you'd like more on these tips, plus some tasty recipes, check out my free Gut Glow Up guide for a smooth exit strategy!