Living with IBD and Constipation? Here’s What You Need to Know

Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can bring unpredictable challenges. While many people associate IBD with diarrhea, constipation is also a common and often overlooked symptom. Constipation in IBD may be related to inflammation, structural changes in the gut, medication side effects, or diet and lifestyle triggers.

At The Green Leaf Clinic, we take a functional medicine approach to gut health — looking beyond symptoms to explore how nutrition, hydration, movement, stress, and environment affect your digestive system. Addressing constipation in IBD often requires a personalized strategy, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Why Constipation Matters in IBD

• Inflammation impact – Ongoing inflammation can alter gut motility.

• Medication effects – Certain pain medications and supplements may worsen constipation.

• Diet & hydration – Low fiber, dehydration, or trigger foods can slow digestion.

• Pelvic floor dysfunction – In some patients, muscle coordination also plays a role.

Where to Find Trusted Resources

For patients and families looking for additional support, education, and advocacy, organizations like the American College of Gastroenterology and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation provide excellent, evidence-based information on IBD management, treatment options, and lifestyle tips.