Can Constipation Cause Loss Of Appetite

How Can You Avoid Constipation

How to manage loss of appetite due to gas & bloating? – Dr. Suresh G

Try these steps to help your body adjust to your new diet and help you avoid or conquer your constipation:

But keep this in mind: Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or manage constipation. If you start depending on the use of a laxative to relieve constipation, talk to your doctor.

How Can You Treat Loss Of Appetite And Nausea At Home

If your loss of appetite and nausea are caused by mild dehydration, taking small sips of clear fluids or beverages containing electrolytes may help relieve your symptoms.

If theyre are caused by stress or anxiety, it may help to take a walk, conduct rhythmic breathing exercises, or practice other stress-relief strategies.

Certain foods may also help settle your stomach, including:

How Are Abdominal Pain And Loss Of Appetite Treated

To treat your abdominal pain and loss of appetite, your doctor will try to identify and address their underlying cause. Theyll likely start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. Theyll want to know about the quality of your pain. Theyll also ask about when it started, what makes the pain worse or better, and whether you have other symptoms.

They may also ask if youve taken a new medication, consumed spoiled food, been around anyone with similar symptoms, or traveled to another country. In some cases, your doctor may also order blood, urine, stool, or imaging tests to check for potential causes.

Your doctors recommended treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis. Ask them for more information about your specific diagnosis, treatment options, and outlook.

If you suspect that a medication is causing your symptoms, dont stop taking it until you talk to your doctor first.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Over The Counter Heartburn Medicine

Identify Medications That Might Cause Constipation

Balance the risk of constipation versus the benefit of the medications. If possible, decrease the dose, discontinue the medication, or switch to another agent with a lower incidence of constipation.

Numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause or contribute to constipation .1,4,8,14 The Beers and STOPP criteria are often used to identify medications that might be unsuitable for elderly patients.15 17 Both lists include medications that can cause or exacerbate constipation in older adults.15 17

Bloating Or Fullness Constipation Decreased Appetite And Diarrhea

Medical Author: Melinda Ratini, DO

Last Editorial Review: 6/15/2020

When someone is very constipated, they will typically feel full and bloated. They will likely not be very hungry. If the stool is blocking the way out of the rectum, some liquid stool may pass around it and it may look like diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause a combination of diarrhea and constipation as well.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

You May Like: What Do Probiotics Do For Your Body

When To Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if your diarrhea and loss of appetite are accompanied by dizziness, blood or pus in the stool, or a fever higher than 101°F .

See your doctor if your symptoms dont go away or improve after five days. Children should see a doctor if symptoms persist after two days.

You should also see your doctor if you have dehydration symptoms, such as a lower than usual amount of urine, dry mouth, and dizziness. In addition to dehydration, diarrhea causes your body to lose electrolytes, which can cause muscle cramps, heart arrhythmias , and low blood volume. People who are very young, very old, or sick can quickly develop life-threatening symptoms.

Speaking With Your Doctor

You should handle these symptoms individually if possible Your doctor will ask you about your medical history Theyll also ask about any other symptoms you may have and any medications that youre taking. When discussing your fatigue, your doctor may also ask you questions related to your mental health.

Its helpful to come prepared. You should jot down a list of any of the other medical and physical problems youve been experiencing. You should take note of:

the frequency of your bowel movements
the color of your stool
the texture of your stool
the feel of your stool

Stools that are separate, hard lumps or are lumpy typically indicate constipation.

You should also note any feelings of fatigue that you may be experiencing. You may want to consider:

when you began feeling fatigued
how often you feel fatigued
how long the fatigue lasts

If your doctor suspects you may also have another condition, they may run more tests or refer you to a specialist. If youre a woman of childbearing age, your doctor may also give you a pregnancy test to see if your symptoms are due to early pregnancy.

Follow these tips to help prevent fatigue and constipation:

Get regular exercise

Recommended Reading: Does Coffee Give You Heartburn

Recommend Lifestyle Changes For Patients With Deficiencies And When Interventions Are Safe

There is limited evidence that lifestyle changes resolve constipation, but it is universally accepted as a first-line approach. Studies assessing the effect of physical activity on constipation in the elderly were unable to show an improvement in bowel movements however, exercise has been shown to enhance quality of life in this population.23 Low fluid intake has been associated with constipation in nursing home residents,24 but there was no association in older individuals from a variety of settings.25 Increasing fluid intake can be recommended for patients with low intake or who are taking bulk-forming agents, provided there are no fluid restrictions however, there is little guidance on how much fluid should be consumed. Apple, pear, and prune juices contain sorbitol and might assist with laxation.

A regular toilet routine is also recommended for elderly individuals suffering from constipation. For example, recommend that within 1 hour of waking patients engage in mild physical activity and consume a hot beverage and a fibre cereal. They should also have regular toileting in the morning, even without urge, and end the day with a fibre supplement.1

What Causes Loss Of Appetite

Dementia, Weight Loss, and Loss of Appetite: Cause and how to help

People with cancer might have many factors that affect their appetite, most commonly it’s the cancer itself and treatment for the cancer.

Cancer itself can cause a loss of appetite for the following reasons.

If a tumor is in or around parts of the gastrointestinal tract, it might interfere with the intake of food , may cause trouble swallowing, or make a person feel full without even eating.
Some tumors release certain types of hormones that affect how the body recognizes that it’s hungry.
Things like pain, stress, depression,dehydration, and nausea that might be related to the cancer itself can reduce a person’s appetite.

Surgery and other cancer treatment-related side effects can cause loss of appetite. Some of the side effects that can affect appetite include:

Changes in taste or smell

It’s important to remember that other non-cancer health problems and medications used to treat non-cancer problems can also cause loss of appetite.

Also Check: Is Cottage Cheese Considered A Probiotic

Its Not A Helpless Abyss

Following the low FODMAP diet and IBS in general can be a kick in the guts , having to do a full 180 making dietary changes whilst having the fear of symptoms worsening. Any increased stress, lack of motivation, limited food choice or food avoidance, may impact appetite.

Theres no doubt the low FODMAP diet can be tricky, which is why we work so hard at FODMAP Friendly to give you the information, support and resources to help you through it.

In saying that, there is a big variety of foods that are low FODMAP. Check out our blogs on easy food swaps you can make on the low FODMAP diet and if youre stumped for snacks we have you covered in our 20 low FODMAP snack ideas blog post.

If youre new to the low FODMAP diet we also have a 7-day meal plan and step-by-step guide to shopping on a low FODMAP diet, not to mention hundreds of FODMAP Friendly certified products to help you eat and shop with confidence!

Dietary And Lifestyle Modifications

Diet: Eating regular well-balanced meals and snacks with high-fibre content, as outlined in Canadas Food Guide, available on the Health Canada website, and maintaining an adequate fluid intake, is the recommended approach to prevent and manage constipation.

Exercise: Exercise helps move food through the colon more quickly. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, accelerates your heart and breathing rates, and helps to stimulate the natural contractions of intestinal muscles.

Physiotherapy: Pelvic dysfunction physiotherapy may include bowel retraining, electrical stimulation, and posture correction.

Read Also: Can Beer Give You Diarrhea

Ways To Treat Constipation

As you can see, there are many things that can cause constipation. As with any multifactorial health issue, there are many factors which can help.

Once youve ruled out any underlying medical issues or food intolerances, here are some diet and lifestyle strategies that can be very effective at treating constipation:

Hopefully, by now you will agree with me when I say that constipation shouldnt be a taboo subject it affects a lot of people and can seriously impact your health.

If you havent already, join our free global challenge at www.GetOffTheGluten.com to receive daily recipes & health tips, access to our private group for support and inspiration, plus before and after testing to track your progress in key areas of your life such as weight, sleep, bloating, skin-conditions, mental health and more!

What Caregivers Can Do

Home Remedies for Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, Side Effects & Types ...

Try giving the patient 6 to 8 small meals and snacks each day.
Offer starchy foods, such as bread, pasta, or potatoes, with high-protein foods, such as fish, chicken, meats, turkey, eggs, cheeses, milk, tofu, nuts, peanut butter, yogurt, peas, and beans.
Keep cool drinks and juices within the patients reach.
If the smell of food bothers the patient, serve bland foods cold or at room temperature.
Create pleasant settings for meals, and eat with the patient.
Offer fruit smoothies, milkshakes, or liquid meals when the patient doesnt want to eat.
Try plastic forks and knives instead of metal if the patient is bothered by bitter or metallic tastes.
Dont blame yourself if the patient refuses food or cant eat.
Be encouraging, but try not to nag or fight about eating.
If the patient cant eat, you might want to offer just your company. Or offer to read to them or give them a massage.

Recommended Reading: Why Is Water Giving Me Heartburn

Why Is Having A Flourishing Appetite Important

Other than the fact that eating food is AMAZING, having a poor appetite, especially if this is long-term, isnt ideal. A compromised appetite can lead to:

Nutrient deficienciesSimply put, if we have no appetite, we arent going to meet our daily nutritional needs. Over a period of time, this opens the door to potentially suffer nutrient deficiencies, which have multiple ramifications.

FatigueIf we arent getting enough food, this can lead to a lack of energy and contribute to a feeling of fatigue and lack of motivation to do anything. This can also put a psychological strain on your daily life if it is a regular occurrence.

DiscomfortAs discussed earlier, a low appetite can be related to the feeling of nausea, where it can contribute to a general feeling of discomfort or restlessness . This in combination with other IBS symptoms can be frustrating.

Reduced concentrationEating less due to a low appetite can cause a drop in blood sugars which causes your body to send signals to the brain. These same signals can cause a tightening of blood vessels in your body, triggering a headache. Likewise, trying to do work on an empty stomach is a challenge it can cause headaches and impact our ability to focus.

Worsening bowel symptomsIf you arent eating or are eating significantly less due to a low appetite, it can worsen already existing symptoms such as constipation. As there is nothing going in, there can be nothing coming out.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer often doesnt cause symptoms in the early stages. As the cancer grows, it may start to cause symptoms. The symptoms may not be specific to pancreatic cancer, and they may come and go to begin with. This can make pancreatic cancer hard to diagnose.

These symptoms can be caused by lots of things, and are unlikely to be pancreatic cancer. If you are not feeling well and you have any of the symptoms on this page, speak to your GP to check if there is anything wrong.

Common symptoms include:

Don’t Miss: What To Do For Ibs Pain

Loss Of Appetite Quiz

Hyperparathyroidism, which causes the body to make too much parathyroid hormone

Dr. Rx

As we age, our sense of taste and smell decrease, leading to decreased enjoyment of food. It also becomes harder to shop and/or cook for ourselves. Luckily, many of these can be managed by eating food you enjoy and eating smaller, more frequent meals, as well as eating foods that are high in calories and/or nutrient dense. Dr. Manuelpillai

Inability To Move Bowels

IBS | Loss of appetite | Constipation & Loose motions

The most obvious symptom of constipation is the inability to pass stool. An individual may feel as if they need to or are about to have a bowel movement but cannot complete the action. When this occurs, it is important to avoid straining, as this can cause more problems, such as tearing and hemorrhoids.

Also Check: Is Tea Good For Heartburn

When Should I Seek Medical Help

Seek immediate medical attention if youre vomiting blood or you have bloody or tarry stools along with abdominal bloating and loss of appetite. Call 911 if youre experiencing chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and shortness of breath. These are symptoms of a heart attack, which can mimic GERD symptoms.

Make an appointment with your doctor if youve experienced sudden, unexplained weight loss or youre consistently losing weight without trying. You should also see your doctor if you experience abdominal bloating and loss of appetite on an ongoing or recurrent basis even if they arent accompanied by more serious symptoms. Over time, loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition.

This information is a summary. Always seek medical attention if youre concerned that you may be experiencing a medical emergency.

Not Hungry 5 Possible Reasons You’ve Lost Your Appetite

A loss of appetite is generally defined as not having the same desire to eat as you normally do. This change could come on suddenly and be caused by something obvious, like a stomach bug, or it could be due to a number of things that are less straightforward.

Video of the Day

If you’ve lost your appetite, you may have unintentional weight loss, a general loss of hunger and you might potentially feel nauseous at the idea of eating food.

Is Loss of Appetite Normal?

Short-term appetite loss is common when fighting infections or in times of sudden stress. But longer stretches of unexplained appetite loss can indicate a more serious health condition and should be discussed with a medical professional.

Don’t Miss: Can Vitamin B12 Cause Diarrhea

Constipation Symptoms And Signs

You are likely be constipated if you are experiencing any of the following:

Fewer bowel movements than normal
Pain and straining when passing stools

Lack of exercise
Some medicines, especially pain killers
Some people with neurological problems such as Parkinsons disease or Multiple Sclerosis are prone to constipation
Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome , Colitis and Crohns Disease
Ignoring the urge to open the bowels
There is a strong connection between emotional feelings and how the gut works. Feeling upset can make your bowel slow down or speed up.

What Is The Medical Treatment For Chronic Constipation In Children

Chronic constipation in infants and babies usually is medically treated by educating parents or caregivers about the cause of the constipation. It is important for the doctor and other health care professionals to reassure parents that it is neither their’s, nor the child’s fault, and that nothing is psychologically wrong. If the baby or child has fecal soiling negative attitudes about the condition need to be removed.

After parental or caregiver education about the infant or child’s cause of the problem medical treatment can begin. If a child has a large amount of hard stool present in the colon the stool needs to be removed . This is done either using oral or rectal medications, or a combination of both. The type of medication used also depends on the child’s age and exact problem.

After the stool is removed, preventing re-accumulation of hard stools is the key to maintaining good bowel habits. This usually has to be done with long-term medication.

Also Check: What Causes Leaky Gut Syndrome

Reasons For A Loss Of Appetite

Any illness may affect your appetite. However, your desire to eat should return once your illness resolves.

If you have no appetite and youre losing weight, then its time to schedule an appointment to see whats going on. Your sudden change in appetite may be a sign of colon cancer, stomach, cancer, or pancreatic cancer. It may also develop from a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease or heart failure.

A poor appetite is also a common symptom of many gastrointestinal conditions, including acid reflux, constipation, and inflammatory bowel diseases . It certainly wouldnt be surprising that you didnt want to eat if you had abdominal pain or felt nauseous regularly.