Do Antibiotics Cause Constipation?

Key Takeaways

• Antibiotics may change digestive health, which may include constipation or diarrhea.
• Antibiotics work by destroying harmful bacteria, but may also unbalance healthy bacteria within the digestive tract.
• Restoring healthy digestion may include increased fluid intake, healthy digestion, and the addition of probiotics.
• Persistent constipation after the use of antibiotics requires an evaluation by the physician.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a prevalent form of digestive distress. It is infrequent, difficult, or incomplete digestion of stool. It is a temporary phenomenon for most individuals but, for some, it may become recurrent. In the typical form of constipation, stools become hardened, there is extensive straining, and a sense of a full or uncomfortable abdomen may persist, even after digestion.

There are a number of possible causes for constipation, for example, dehydration, lack of physical activity, and low fiber intake, as well as some medicines—possibly, even antibiotics. A more complete understanding of the relationship between antibiotics and your digestive system will help to avoid or minimize this complication.

Do Antibiotics Cause Constipation?

Diarrhea is a more common problem, but, in some cases, constipation and distress is also possible. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria that cause infections; however, the antibiotics will also target and kill healthy bacteria.

The body contains friendly bacteria that assist in digestion, control the bowel, and sustain the health of the intestine. When antibiotics are taken, the reduction of the population of healthy bacteria in the gut can impede digestion, lower the frequency of stool output, and result in constipation.

Not all antibiotics adversely impact the digestion. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the primary candidates for this unwanted condition due to their significant impact on gut microbiota. Furthermore, constipation while on antibiotics may occur in individuals with low fiber diets and pre-existing constipation.

Other Causes of Constipation

Antibiotics may play a role in Sluggish digestion; however, a combination of dietary and lifestyle factors is the most common reason for this condition. These factors include:

• A low fiber diet consisting of fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to constipation.
• Dehydration
• A reduction of physical activity
• The misuse of pain medications, iron, and some psychiatric medications.
• With the presence of stress, the body may shut down some of its functions, including the bowel.

Considering all of the potential causes can give a more complete picture to see if antibiotics are the only reason, or just a part of many reasons.

Reversing side effects on antibiotics

Constipation while on antibiotics is manageable, and in most cases, temporary. Here are some ideas that may help.

• Irregular bowel movements is eased with a soft and well hydrated diet (8-10 glasses of water is recommended).
• Also take some yogurts, kefir and try some of the other fermented foods like sauerkraut, which are good for gut flora.
• Some foods like bananas, garlic, and oats and foods like sauerkraut help feed the healthy gut flora.
• Whole grains, leaf greens and other vegetables and fruits are good for bowel movement normalization.
• If antibiotics are prescribed, are having constipated and stopping them, is a bad idea. Consult your doctor to find the safest antibiotics to prescribe.

Constipation Relief

Irregular bowel movements can cause other problems and skipping a day may cause the subsequent days to be worse.

• Go to the bathroom every day around the same time to, in a way, ‘train’ your bowel.
• Exercise like walking, stretching and yoga and be used as positive methods in helping the intestines.
• Meat, cheese, and fast foods are often triggers for constipation which may be aggravated by eating a lot of refined sugars.
• Constipation may also be eased by eating prunes, flaxseeds and warm lemon water.
• If constipation persists, see your doctor. You may be prescribed a stool softener.

Most people find that constipation tends to resolve after completing an antibiotic course and after some time for gut balance to restore.

When to Seek Medical Help

Irregular bowel movements that occurs on occasion is generally not a problem, but unresolved or extreme cases certainly are, and, in those situations, medical assistance should be sought. Contact your doctor in these situations or when these situations are apparent.

• No bowel movement for more than three days.
• Harsh abdominal pain or bloating.
• Blood in stool.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• You are losing weight and the weight loss is not intentional.

Your healthcare provider is likely to either alter your medication or examine you for a condition that might be impairing your digestion or recommend and prescribe a probiotic supplement.

Conclusion

Taking antibiotics is necessary when trying to clear a bacterial infection, but they also are quite necessary. and, along with constipation, side effects that antibiotics are necessary to clear a bacterial infection. This is due to the imbalance of your good gut bacteria.

However, a lot of people are able to balance and hydrate their bodies and constipating side effects. Most people are able to use probiotics to reverse this balance and hydrate their bodies constipating side effects.

If these symptoms remain after you’ve stopped taking the antibiotics, you should contact a doctor for a diagnosis. With the right care and healthy habits, your gut can recover and return to normal function quickly.