Though often dismissed, chronic constipation can lead to dangerous health problems. A striking case involved a young woman who hadn’t had a bowel movement in over two weeks. Her colon became so distended it pushed into her chest, nearly touching her heart. “The colon’s natural folds and wrinkles were almost erased,” doctors warned, a sign of extreme damage.

One major danger is colon distension, which weakens the colon’s ability to contract, worsening the blockage. Another is toxin buildup — waste left too long in the body can cause fatigue, acne, bad breath, and a weakened immune system.

Constipation can also lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even life-threatening bowel obstruction, where “parts of the gut can lose blood supply and die.” Long-term constipation may raise the risk of colorectal cancer due to prolonged exposure to toxins.

Preventing constipation is often simple: eat more fiber (fruits, vegetables, seeds), drink 2–3 liters of water daily, and exercise regularly. Herbal teas and magnesium can help. “Ignoring the urge to go” can make things worse, while maintaining a bathroom routine helps train the body.

Constipation shouldn’t be ignored. Small daily changes can prevent serious complications.