Constipation Symptoms and Quitting Smoking

Constipation Symptoms and Quitting Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use Nicotine Withdrawal Print Constipation Symptoms While Quitting Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 26, 2019 Anna Bizon / Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use Nicotine Withdrawal After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery Intestinal difficulties like nausea, gas, and constipation are all considered symptoms of withdrawal from tobacco products.?? While not pleasant, digestive issues do usually resolve themselves in a matter of weeks, so dont let the discomforts derail your quit program. Other Causes of Constipation In addition to nicotine withdrawal, it is possible that other changes you may have  made since quitting tobacco are contributing to the intestinal difficulties youre experiencing. Quit Aids Two prescription quit aid medications list nausea and constipation as side effects:?? Chantix and Zyban. 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 we eat when we first quit smoking. Many of us turn to food to bridge the gap between the hand-to-mouth activity that smoking was, as well as using food for comfort when were craving cigarettes. And often, the foods we choose leave our daily diets less than balanced, which can, in turn, lead to digestive disturbances. Take a good look at what youve been eating since you quit smoking. If your diet is laden with junk food, work on getting back to a more balanced regimen that includes leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Make sure youre drinking plenty of water too, and try to keep unhealthy snacks to a minimum. Increased Stress While leaving cigarettes behind will eventually bring more peace to your life than you had as a smoker, initially, smoking cessation may increase the stress and anxiety we feel. Emotional stress can have physical effects on our bodies, 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, and your body, regular. Changes in Activity Early cessation throws life out of whack for most of us, both physically and psychologically. Were tired and cranky, and often, less active than normal. While this is fine and to be expected, less exercise than what we are accustomed to, along with some or all of the other issues listed above can be a significant contributor to constipation. Aim for a half-hour of some form of exercise most days. It will help your body adjust to the absence of tobacco and beat back cravings to smoke as well. If you havent been active recently, be sure to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. 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. That said, if any symptoms of intestinal pain persist or increase over time, dont hesitate to contact your doctor for a check-up. Remember that you are doing the absolute best thing you could for your health and well-being by quitting tobacco. Dont let temporary discomforts deter you. Better days are coming, and they are not far off.