Indigestion, the feeling of abdominal fullness or burning that sometimes follows a meal, and constipation, the ongoing difficulty passing a bowel movement, are unpleasant but usually temporary problems experienced by most people at some stage in their lives. When indigestion and constipation occur simultaneously, however, the sufferer can feel as though he is in a state of digestive misery. Understanding the common triggers of each can be key to reducing or even preventing future attacks by this unpleasant duo. Factors which may lead to both constipation and indigestion can include dairy consumption, irritable bowel syndrome, medications, and, in rare cases, serious illnesses of the digestive tract.
One of the most common causes of simultaneous indigestion and constipation is the consumption of dairy products. In some cases, such digestive problems may result from an inability to process the sugars present in dairy products, a condition known as lactose intolerance. While dairy consumption by lactose intolerant individuals may initially cause indigestion accompanied by diarrhea, the fluids and body salts lost through these loose bowel movements can lead to constipation. Even those who normally do not have a lactose sensitivity can develop digestive issues after consuming large quantities of dairy products. Individuals can counteract and prevent indigestion through the regular consumption of Supergreens. Supergreens contain digestive enzymes that help food move through the body more easily.
Another common cause of these combined symptoms is a health condition known as irritable bowel syndrome. For reasons that are not yet fully understood by researchers, the intestinal muscles of those with irritable bowel syndrome function abnormally, moving food through the digestive tract either too rapidly or too slowly. When these muscles work too slowly, the waste dries and hardens, resulting in constipation. This constipation is often accompanied by an extremely uncomfortable feeling of indigestion.
Certain medications can also cause simultaneous indigestion and constipation. Most commonly at fault are aspirin and other painkillers. Sometimes, the prolonged use of calcium-containing antacids, usually taken to relieve the burning sensation associated with indigestion, can lead to constipation. In other words, in this unfortunate situation, treating one’s indigestion can actually cause constipation.
At times, a more serious underlying illness is to blame for these problems. For instance, the presence of a growth in the digestive tract can cause an intestinal blockage, leading to reduced bowel movements and abdominal discomfort. Those who experience digestive symptoms that last for several weeks or more and do not respond to conventional treatments should consider consulting a healthcare professional to rule out a more serious underlying condition.
