Most people suffer constipation at some point in the lives, but doctors are now warning patients to act swiftly if it’s an ongoing problem after linking it to a major health risk.
A study by American researchers has found there is a strong link between constipation and kidney disease, which can lead to life-altering health issues.
The researchers, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, examined 3.5 million American veterans and found that those who developed ongoing constipation also fell ill with kidney disease.
After years of analysis, doctors found patients with constipation were 13 percent more likely to develop chronic kidney disease and 9 percent more likely to have kidney failure.
While constipation has previously been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the correlation with kidney disease was largely unknown.
The discovery has doctors urging patients to take ongoing conception seriously and act quickly to to something about it.
Dr. Keiichi Sumida who worked on the study said intestinal health and our kidneys just goes to prove how important our gut health is.
“Our findings highlight the plausible link between the gut and the kidneys and provide additional insights into the pathogenesis of kidney disease progression,” he said.
Our results suggest the need for careful observation of kidney function trajectory in patients with constipation, particularly among those with more severe constipation.”
While laxatives are often used as a quick fix for those suffering from constipation, ongoing sufferers are encouraged to change their diet as and visit their GP as a first step.
Increasing fibre in your diet is often one of the first steps towards combatting constipation as well as increasing your daily water intake.
Doctors recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your bowels moving and eating roughly 30 grams of fibre per day for men and 25 grams per day for women.