Given our busy lifestyles, it's not surprising that constipation affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. Fortunately, if we are aware of what tends to cause constipation we can take steps to help prevent it…or at least have a good idea of how to recognize and treat constipation when it occurs.

Often constipation is simply the result of "not enough": not drinking enough fluids, not including enough fiber in our diet, not getting enough exercise. Other times, constipation is the result of just "too much": too much stress from diet changes or travelling here and there.

Many people are unaware that constipation is also associated with many prescription and over-the-counter drugs (View list now.). Surgery, pregnancy or hospital stays are other contributing factors.

Ignoring the urge to move your bowels — perhaps because it’s inconvenient at that particular moment, or you’re not at home — is another common cause of constipation. Children often ignore the urge to go to the bathroom because they are busy playing or in an unfamiliar setting.

What happens when you ignore the signal to go to the toilet? Too much water is absorbed in the colon, and the stool becomes hard and dry, making a bowel movement more difficult. Over time, the nerves tend to stop sending your brain the message "it's time to go" and the bowel becomes constipated. Should this happen, it is important to take steps to relieve your constipation immediately and reestablish more responsive habits.

Of course, if constipation persists for more than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor to make sure it’s not a sign of something more serious.