11/06/2026
Factors that affect your P**p 💩
Too little fibre → harder, less frequent stools. Too much fibre all at once → loose stools and gas. The key is a steady, well-hydrated intake.
Stress & anxiety
The gut-brain axis is real. Anxiety can speed up transit (diarrhea) or slow it down (constipation). It’s one of the main reasons IBS flares up during stressful periods.
Medications
Opioid painkillers, aluminium-based antacids, some antidepressants - many drugs cause constipation. Others, like magnesium or certain antibiotics, can accelerate transit.
Hydration
Not drinking enough water leads to drier, harder stools. It sounds obvious, but I regularly see patients who genuinely don’t drink enough throughout the day.
Physical activity
Exercise stimulates gut motility. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher rate of constipation — another good reason to keep moving.
Travel & routine changes
Jet lag, new foods, and different schedules during travel all disrupt bowel habits. “Traveller’s constipation” is a very real phenomenon and extremely common
Ready to improve your gut health? Start with the root cause. DM me “GUT” to learn more.