Today I’m going to share some reasons for why you might be bloated and constipated.

Someone messaged me,

Why am I still bloated and constipated when I eat all the ‘right’ foods and exercise daily?

So I’ll tell you my real and honest thoughts, based both on personal experience and research. 

Why You Might be Bloated and Constipated

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This question is easy for me to address because that was me for 10+ years.

It was like I was a dog constantly chasing her own tail. 

Eat well, workout, repeat…..bloated and constipated?! Nothing added up.

4 Reasons

So let’s break this down with 4 reasons you might be bloated and constipated (still) even after seemingly doing all the right things.

1. Infection and/or overgrowth

   My first question would be, “Have you been tested for various things, including infections and/or overgrowths?” This one is almost completely out of your control because you could be doing all the ‘right’ things with an underlying condition that needs specific assistance.

   In fact, this was me to a ‘T,’ prior to the 2014 SIBO diagnosis that would finally put me on a path to forever healing. If you’ve never gotten any tests done, but you’re not sure where to start, the Beginner’s Guide to Digestive Health Testing is a must-read for you today.

2. ‘Right’ foods

   No matter what the discussion and topic, ‘right’ foods is 1,000% subjective. It’s a loaded phrase that can mean anything from fruits and vegetables to (these days) the Keto diet. Just because you think, saw, or once heard that it’s ‘right,’ does not mean right for you.

   If you’re constantly bloated and constipated, perhaps your right-foods are part of the problem. The only way to know, though, would be to eliminate numbers 1, 3, and 4 as culprits in conjunction with food journaling

    

   .

3. Too much exercise?

   What exactly do you mean when you say you’re “exercising daily?” You have to be very honest with yourself. Is it a nice, gentle walk or Crossfit? Are you actually doing an intense workout daily or is it basic yoga a few days a week? This matters; it matters more than most people think.

   I learned my lesson the hard way, not just once. Instead, I battled with it, constantly telling myself, “No way. It’s not the workout.” In the end, after research and practicing on myself I came to the conclusion that (hard) workouts and gut healing cannot coexist. You can read all about it HERE.

4. Lifestyle

   You don’t want to see this one on the list, but it’s imperative that you not overlook it if you’re wanting to feel better. You can go to the doctor (and get a diagnosis), take the supplements and medications, and eat all the ‘right’ foods, but still feel miserable; bloated and constipated.

   This is because you still have not actually gone all-in on addressing the lifestyle components for gut healing. I realized while writing this that I don’t even have my master lifestyle gut healing list published. I’ll work on that; you subscribe to my e-newsletter HERE so you don’t miss it!

Are there any other reasons?

Yes, of course. The above four reasons are just the main ones I wanted to point out, but believe me when I say that healing is extremely tricky; no matter if you are constipated and majorly bloated and/or have diarrhea.

Other (common) reasons for constipation and bloated include:

1. dehydration (drink more water!)
2. blockages in the colon or rectum
3. not enough magnesium
4. problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum
5. changes in life or routine
6. a diet with too little fiber, especially over any given length of time
7. difficulty with the muscles involved in elimination (i.e. weakened pelvic muscles)
8. pregnancy (I wouldn’t know this one; research)
9. hormonal problems (i.e. hypo and hyperthyroidism)
10. certain medications
11. abuse of laxatives
12. ignoring the urge to go (you know, “holding it” due to embarrassment; p.s. there is something for that, you know –> Poo-Pourri)
13. lack of exercise (yes, “too little” exercise can be a reason)

Sources: HERE, HERE, and HERE

Dealing with Constipation

So what’s a girl (or guy) to do?

Start HERE with these 15 ways to deal with constipation.

In most cases of diarrhea and/or constipation, any underlying condition also includes a gut that is leaky. If you want to know more about leaky gut syndrome, click HERE.

Each day you can get one step closer to forever healing. Some other resources to start:

1. The Leaky Gut Meal Plan: 4 Weeks to Detox and Improve Digestive Health (my new book; learn about it HERE, purchase it HERE)
2. 28-Day Leaky Gut Group Program
3. The Gutsy Girl’s Bible: an approach to healing the gut
4. REASONABLE SIBO
5. Free 21-Day Gut Healing Inspiration Journey

You can and will heal! Just imagine your gut healed. Is THIS what it might look like?

p.s. During my research, I noted Mayo clinic said “being a woman” was a factor that may increase your risk of chronic constipation. I’ll never stop helping the darlings in this Gutsy community!

Xox,
SKH