The most common constipation symptoms are difficulty passing stool when pooping, dry stools, bloating, straining when pooping, abdominal cramps, general malaise, and feeling you haven't fully eliminated all your stool.

The symptoms of constipation are associated with great discomfort, and are more likely to happen in those with low fiber intake, low water intake, and are sedentary. Constipation symptoms are also more likely too occur in women and older adults, as well as anyone with fluctuating hormone levels.

To relieve constipation symptoms, it is important to increase your water and fiber intake, and to exercise regularly. If you have not had a bowel movement in more than 5 days, or if your symptoms are very intense, you are advised to see your doctor for assessment.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of constipation are:

Straining when pooping
Very hard and dry poop
Stools that cause bleeding when released
The sensation of incomplete evacuation
Constant abdominal pain and cramping
Feeling of excess gas
Bloating
Bad mood and easy irritability
General malaise

Some people may also experience a stabbing pain in the chest area, which occurs from the build-up of gas and pressure in the gut.

Pooping when you are constipated can be challenging and painful, and it is common for people with prolonged periods of constipation to develop anal fissures and hemorrhoids.

How to relieve

To get rid of constipation, you should consider implementing lifestyle changes that promote bowel movements like:

Increase your intake of high-fiber foods, like fruits with their peel and whole grains
Increase your water intake
Exercise regularly
Eat more good fats, such as avocado, coconut oil and olive oil, for example;
Consume probiotic foods, such as natural yogurt.

It is also important to poop when you feel the need to, and to sit properly on the toilet to promote easy passage of the stool. Check out home remedies for constipation that you can prepare to help you poop more regularly.