Written by: Dr Subita Alagh
22 July 2025
Feeling bloated or blocked when anxious? You're not imagining it. Stress might be the reason you're constipated.
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Constipation means fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, hard stools, and difficulty passing them.
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Stress impacts the gut by slowing digestion, triggering muscle tension, and altering gut bacteria, all of which can lead to constipation.
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Your gut has its own nervous system. When your brain is stressed, it can disrupt bowel function, causing bloating and constipation.
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Poor sleep, unhealthy eating, skipping water, and inactivity are common during stress, and all worsen constipation.
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-Fewer bowel movements -Straining or incomplete evacuation -Hard, dry, or lumpy stools -Abdominal discomfort
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-Fewer bowel movements -Straining or incomplete evacuation -Hard, dry, or lumpy stools -Abdominal discomfort
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If you have IBS, stress can make constipation worse. Managing stress is key to managing symptoms.
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Drink more water, eat fiber-rich foods, exercise, and take time to relax. Yoga, meditation, and walking help.
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See a doctor if constipation lasts weeks, gets worse, or comes with pain, bleeding, or weight loss.
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