Unexpected Triggers That Can Instantly Change Your Poop Habits

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions that can significantly impact the normal functioning of the GI tract, leading to alterations in bowel habits and overall digestive health. For example, the Cleveland Clinic lists irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a disorder where the intestinal muscles either contract too frequently or seldom do so, creating an irregular muscle activity that can disrupt your normal bowel habits, leading to issues like constipation or diarrhea. On the other hand, conditions like diverticulosis, marked by the presence of small pouches in the large intestine's muscular wall, can lead to constipation-like symptoms when inflamed or infected.

In addition, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, often manifesting with symptoms like diarrhea, which may alternate with periods of constipation (per the Cleveland Clinic). Lastly, celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten ingestion, also causes damage to the small intestine, leading to symptoms that span both chronic diarrhea and constipation, among many others (via Celiac Disease Foundation). Treatment options for these conditions vary depending on the type and severity. Still, many of them have in common the need to adhere to specific dietary guidelines, stress management, and medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent both flare-ups and further intestinal damage. In severe cases, some may require surgical interventions.

It is incredibly common to experience difficulty going number two while traveling, so much so that this phenomenon has its own term: travel or vacation constipation, which can throw a wrench into your trip when you find yourself unable to go according to your usual schedule. As gastroenterologist Dr. Leyla Maric, MD, explains via the Cleveland Clinic, travel constipation can happen after a prolonged flight, road trip, or train journey, primarily due to changes in your routine. Yet, multiple factors may lead to this unfortunate outcome. For starters, a major contributor to travel constipation is inadequate water intake, seeing that dehydration can hinder the movement of waste through your intestines. Additionally, eating unfamiliar foods or drinking more alcohol than usual during your trip can further contribute to this discomfort. Also, travel-induced disruptions to your exercise routine can create a blockage since physical activity has a direct effect on bowel movements by stimulating the muscles of your intestines. Lastly, simply waking up, eating, or going to bed at a different time can mess with your body's internal clock, including your pooping schedule.

The good news is that you can easily combat travel constipation by trying some simple yet effective strategies. Per Healthline, drinking more water, incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet, staying physically active, responding promptly to the urge to poop, and attempting to maintain your usual sleep, diet, and exercise routine can help alleviate symptoms by restoring the natural flow of your digestive system.

Examining your medicine cabinet could unveil the potential culprit behind your constipation, seeing that certain medications and supplements have been associated with it, highlighting the need to be aware of this undesirable effect. Per GoodRX, the list of drug-related triggers may begin with opioid medications, often prescribed for pain relief, because they may slow down intestinal activity, making regular bowel movement challenging. Similarly, tricyclic antidepressants, which help treat depression and anxiety, pose a risk of constipation by causing the same effect on your bowel movements.

In addition, certain blood pressure, nausea, and overactive bladder medications carry a higher likelihood of causing constipation. Plus, the site explains that antihistamines (allergy medications) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), commonly used for pain and inflammation, can, in some cases, lead to constipation, especially when consumed at higher doses or when taken consistently for an extended period. Lastly, when it comes to mineral supplements, iron takes the lead in this arena, with constipation as a typical side effect. If you suspect a medication or supplement is causing constipation, try consulting with your healthcare provider, as they may suggest adjustments to your medication routine, alternative supportive care measures, or the use of a laxative (per GoodRX). Yet, don't forget that simple lifestyle changes, including increasing your fiber and water intake and physical activity, can play a pivotal role in mitigating constipation, whether it is medication-related or not.

Feeling nervous, stressed, or anxious can change your poop habits in a heartbeat, whether by blocking you up or making you run for the nearest toilet. This is because the connection between your emotions (especially stress and anxiety) and changes in poop habits is a direct result of the complex relationship between the brain and the gut, known as the gut-brain axis (via PsychCentral). Stress has the potential to exacerbate stomach issues, including constipation. When you're under stress, your brain triggers the fight or flight response, releasing hormones that redirect blood flow toward the organs that would ensure your survival in a dangerous situation. This means that blood flow to your gut becomes secondary, and as a consequence, digestion slows down, often leading to constipation.

Interestingly, the hormonal cascade induced by stress and anxiety can also have the opposite effect, stimulating muscle contractions in your intestines, which can result in diarrhea or what you may know as nervous poop (via the Cleveland Clinic). Furthermore, according to a study in Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, evidence suggests that stress can lead to imbalances in your gut's friendly bacteria, causing issues like inflammation and irregular or slowed-down bowel movements, all of which contribute to changes in bowel habits when stress is prevalent. Managing these stress-related changes in poop habits involves addressing the root cause of stress and employing stress-reducing techniques. Practicing mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively influence the gut-brain axis, promoting digestive well-being and reducing the impact of stress and anxiety on your poop habits (per PsychCentral).

According to Medical News Today (MNT), GI infections include a range of illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, each with the potential to disrupt regular bowel habits and induce symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, gas, and bloating (to mention a few). Starting with bacterial infections, these can be attributed to harmful microorganisms (pathogens) like Salmonella or E. coli and are often associated with food-related causes. These infections typically lead to digestive discomfort and are characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea. On the viral front, norovirus stands out as a common culprit, causing what people commonly refer to as the stomach flu. Lastly, parasitic GI infections are caused by intestinal worms or protozoans and include prevalent conditions like giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis (via Healthline).

While parasitic GI infections may call for prescription medications, viral and bacterial infections are typically resolved without specific medical intervention. In fact, hydration plays a pivotal role in self-care for both adults and children dealing with these types of infections, seeing that it helps counteract the effects of diarrhea and vomiting and, thus, prevents dehydration (per MNT). Staying vigilant about hygiene practices is crucial in avoiding GI infections.

Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. As a review in Nutrients explains, a specific enzyme called lactase is needed to break down lactose for absorption in the small intestine. However, after weaning, the activity of lactase decreases as part of a natural process, leading to lactose intolerance. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are diverse and can include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and occasionally nausea and vomiting (via the Mayo Clinic).

Lactose intolerance-induced diarrhea happens when lactose remains undigested in the colon, causing it to attract water into the intestines, affecting bowel movements and resulting in loose, watery stools. Yet, surprisingly, about 30% of people with lactose intolerance may also experience constipation as a symptom. This happens when methane, a byproduct of flatulence or gas, delays intestinal transit and slows bowel movements. To manage the discomfort associated with lactose intolerance, you can adopt a low-lactose diet. This involves avoiding or minimizing the consumption of dairy products or choosing lactose-free alternatives (per the Mayo Clinic).

The thyroid gland is a crucial regulator of various bodily functions. Thus, it can lead to changes in poop habits when its hormone production is disrupted. According to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, while the mechanisms linking thyroid disorders to GI symptoms are not fully understood, in hyperthyroidism, an excess of thyroid hormones can lead to increased metabolic activity, which affects the gut and results in frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and even malabsorption with steatorrhea, where fats are inadequately absorbed, resulting in fatty stools. On the flip side, hypothyroidism, characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, manifests in decreased metabolic function, impacting the GI tract with sluggish intestinal motility. This often translates to constipation, as the bowel movements become slower.

Nevertheless, you could adopt preventive measures to support thyroid and gut health. The GI Associates and Endoscopy Center suggests trying out strategies that contribute to overall digestive well-being, such as eating more veggies due to their high fiber content, adding probiotics to your diet through fermented foods like yogurt or kefir, including starchy carbs, as well as potassium- and magnesium-rich foods, and staying hydrated with sufficient water intake. Lastly, avoiding foods high in mercury and BPA can also help reduce your chances of triggering an autoimmune reaction or further disturbing your endocrine function.

Changes in poop habits can sometimes indicate underlying issues that require medical attention. Both diarrhea and constipation can lead to complications, and recognizing potential red flags is crucial for seeking timely medical help. According to Stanford Medicine, constipation, while often causing discomfort and irritation, can lead to more serious consequences, such as hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, and tears around the anus (anal fissures). However, constipation may also lead to severe complications, including rectal prolapse, which is when the large intestine pushes out of the rectum, and fecal impaction. Per the NIDDK, seeking immediate medical attention is essential if, besides having trouble pooping, you notice bleeding from the rectum or bloody stools, abdominal pain that doesn't go away, inability to pass gas, vomiting, fever, or unexplained weight loss.

On the same note, the NIDDK warns that diarrhea, if left unaddressed, can result in complications like mild to severe dehydration and malabsorption, both of which are cause for concern and require prompt medical intervention. When dealing with diarrhea, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider if it lasts more than two days, you have a high fever and frequent vomiting, you count six or more loose stools per day, you have severe abdominal pain, or if stools are black and tarry or contain blood or pus. Additionally, symptoms of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness) should not be ignored. Recognizing these red flags and seeking prompt medical help ensures that potential complications are addressed early, leading to better outcomes.