Constipation is one of the most common and overlooked issues people face. Because it’s so widespread, many see it as just a minor inconvenience that can be fixed with more fiber, water, or a laxative.
But researchers are beginning to look at constipation more seriously. Beyond discomfort, it can cause hemorrhoids, fissures, or even severe blockage in the intestines, greatly affecting quality of life.
Here in Texas, we often see patients who assume constipation is simply part of aging or stress. But new research shows it may also be linked to something deeper, like changes in the nervous system that affect how your intestines move.
In this article, we will explain what science is uncovering about this gut-brain connection and what you can do to protect your digestive and neurological health.
Constipation & Brain Health
Constipation affects about 16% of adults around the world. For older adults, the numbers are even higher. That’s often because of less physical activity or taking certain medications that can slow the bowels down.
But you should know that constipation is more than just about digestion. Scientists are beginning to understand how gut health and brain function are deeply connected.
- A recent study found that people who had both Parkinson’s disease and constipation were more than twice as likely to develop memory problems or dementia as those who didn’t have constipation.
- Another large study also suggests that constipation may slightly raise the risk of memory loss, especially in older adults, because it can affect the gut-brain connection
Constipation doesn’t directly cause dementia or Parkinson’s, but it might be an early warning sign of changes in the gut and nervous system. Since the gut and brain constantly communicate, when digestion slows or inflammation builds, it may also affect how your brain functions over time.
Why Constipation Impacts More Than Your Gut
Your gut and brain are in constant conversation, what happens in one affects the other. This link is called the gut–brain axis. When your gut slows down and waste stays in your colon too long, toxins can start to leak back into your bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Low energy
- Inflammation
- Early signs of nerve dysfunction
That’s why constipation affects more than your gut. It can also influence how your brain and body feel and function over time.
Hidden Causes of Chronic Constipation
Some of the most common causes of constipation include:
- Gut Imbalance (Dysbiosis): When the good bacteria in your gut are outnumbered by harmful ones, it can disrupt your digestion and slow your bowel movements.
- Medications: Everyday medicines like painkillers, antacids, antidepressants, and iron supplements can quietly slow your digestive system and make constipation worse.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is one of the most overlooked causes, especially in Texas heat, where your body loses fluids faster.
- Nerve Issues: Conditions like diabetes, low thyroid (hypothyroidism), or Parkinson’s disease can affect how your nerves signal your intestines to move.
- Lack of Movement: A sedentary lifestyle means your gut muscles don’t get the stimulation they need to keep things moving regularly.
When Constipation Deserves a Closer Look
If you live around Houston or Sugar Land and notice your constipation is not improving with more fiber or water, it might be time to look deeper. Constipation can sometimes signal underlying issues that go beyond digestion.
You should talk with your functional healthcare provider, especially if you see:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, even after making diet changes
- Feeling constantly bloated or heavy
- A history of neurological or autoimmune conditions
- New constipation that comes with brain fog or tremors
How to Relieve Constipation, The Functional Medicine Way
At Kairos, we help you understand why it’s happening and how to get things moving naturally.
1. Eat for Your Gut
A healthy gut starts with the right foods. Add plenty of fiber-rich options like vegetables, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, along with fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, or Greek yogurt, to feed good bacteria. Also, add prebiotics like garlic, onions, and oats to support your good bacteria.
2. Hydration & Mineral Balance
Constipation often is not just low water. Low magnesium, potassium, or sodium can also stall gut motility. A pinch of mineral salt or an electrolyte drink may help if you live in a hot climate like Houston.
3. Stress and the Nervous System
Chronic stress shifts your body into “fight or flight,” shutting down digestion. Breathing exercises, yoga, or adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha can help regulate nerve flow to your intestines.
4. Magnesium for Constipation
If you’ve ever felt backed up for days, magnesium might become your new best friend. It helps relax your intestinal muscles and pull water into your colon, making stools softer and easier to pass.
- Magnesium citrate works fast and is gentle enough for occasional use.
- Magnesium glycinate is great if you deal with constipation often, as it supports both relaxation and better sleep while keeping things moving.
Always talk to your provider before supplementing, especially if you have kidney issues or are already on medications.
5. Simple Home Remedies
Try these small changes before reaching for medication:
- Start your morning with warm lemon water.
- Add chia or flaxseeds to smoothies or yogurt.
- Drink peppermint or ginger tea after meals.
- Sit on the toilet for a few minutes after breakfast to train your bowels.
Bottom Line
Constipation may seem like a small issue, but growing research shows it can be a window into what’s happening between your gut and brain. If it’s happening often, it’s worth paying attention, your body might be signaling that something deeper is out of balance.
At Kairos Integrative Care in Texas, Lola, one of our board-certified nurse practitioners, takes a functional medicine approach to find the root causes behind your gut and neurological issues.
We see patients in Houston, Sugar Land, Richmond, and nearby areas (77046 & 77478), and accept major insurance plans including Blue Cross, Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna, and more.
New patients are always welcome, and if visiting the clinic isn’t possible, telemedicine appointments are available across Texas.
