Fortunately, digestive issues usually resolve themselves in a matter of weeks. While they are not pleasant, don’t let the discomforts derail your quit program. In addition to nicotine withdrawal, it is also possible that other changes you may have made since quitting tobacco are contributing to the constipation that you’re experiencing. This article discusses a few common causes of constipation that are associated with quitting smoking. It also covers what you can do to treat and cope with this symptom.
Constipation Symptoms
Signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements that occur less than two to three times per week. Other common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain and discomfortBloated bellyBloody stoolHard stoolPain while using the bathroomStraining while passing stool
While not common, sometimes people may experience feelings of nausea or vomiting due to constipation. If this happens, contact a healthcare provider. You may also experience other intestinal problems when quitting smoking including feelings of nausea or gas that are related to nicotine withdrawal.
Causes of Constipation When Quitting Smoking
There are a number of different factors that can play a role in causing constipation when you are quitting smoking. These include nicotine withdrawal and other changes in your diet, activity, and stress levels.
Nicotine Withdrawal
Nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes that makes quitting so challenging. It also leads to withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking, including constipation. Because nicotine affects the small bowel and colon, your body needs to adjust when levels of the substance suddenly decrease or disappear. Because constipation is connected to nicotine withdrawal, it may begin to gradually subside along with other withdrawal symptoms after a few weeks.
Quit Aids
Two prescription quit aid medications list nausea and constipation as side effects: Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion). Research has found that taking varenicline for longer than six weeks was associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects including constipation, flatulence, and nausea. If you are using one of these, check in with your doctor for advice on how to proceed.
Changes in Diet
It is not unusual to experience dramatic changes in what you eat when you first quit smoking. Many people turn to food to bridge the gap between the hand-to-mouth activity that smoking was, as well as to use food for comfort when cigarette cravings hit. Often, the foods that you choose might leave your daily diet less than balanced. This can then lead to digestive disturbances. Take a good look at what you’ve been eating since you quit smoking. Certain foods such as high-fat meats, eggs, dairy, sugary sweets, and other foods low in fiber can contribute to constipation. Work on adding more high-fiber choices to your daily diet, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Increased Stress
Leaving cigarettes behind will eventually bring more peace to your life than you had as a smoker. But smoking cessation may increase the stress and anxiety you feel in the short term. Emotional stress can have physical effects on your body, including digestion. If this strikes a chord with you, try incorporating some tension-tamers into your daily routine. A few minutes of meditation when you wake up, deep breathing when stress bubbles up during the day, and a hot bath or time with a good book before bed will help you keep stress at bay. Reducing your stress may then help keep your bowel movements regular.
Changes in Activity
Smoking cessation throws life out of whack for many people, both physically and psychologically. You might feel tired and cranky, and often, less active than normal. While this is fine and to be expected, less exercise than what you are accustomed to, along with some or all of the other issues listed above, can be a significant contributor to constipation. If you haven’t been active recently, be sure to check in with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen.
Constipation Relief
If you are experiencing constipation related to quitting smoking, there are some ways you can find relief. Making sure you are consuming enough fiber and getting regular physical exercise can help combat constipation caused by quitting smoking. Also, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water. Other options that may help relieve constipation include over-the-counter fiber supplements and laxatives or prescription medications. Before taking any of those, talk to a healthcare provider, particularly if: you are using a quit aid, you have other medical conditions, or your constipation is severe. If any symptoms of intestinal pain persist or increase over time, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor for a check-up.
A Word From Verywell
The effects of nicotine withdrawal can be unpleasant, and it does take time for our bodies to find a new normal once we stop using tobacco. But the balance will return eventually. Remember that you are doing the absolute best thing you could for your health and well-being by quitting tobacco. Don’t let temporary discomforts deter you. Better days are coming, and they are not far off. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
