It's not something we like to talk about, but constipation happens—to some people more than others. It is three times more common in women than men and the likelihood increases with age.
"Everybody is different, and it's considered 'normal' to have as many as three bowel movements daily to only three per week," says Matthew Steenblik, MD, a gastroenterologist at University of Utah Health. "If you have fewer than three, you're probably constipated."
The good news: Constipation is usually avoidable through diet and lifestyle changes. Here are four of the top causes for constipation and tips for preventing it.