3. You are depressed
Depression is a mental health issue that involves a low mood, a loss of interest in activities and a difficulty in passing stools. Yes, you read that right! So, if a bout of depression has you gaining weight or feeling constipated, there’s a reason for that. “Depression slows your overall metabolism,” Dr. Iqbal explains.
Worse, the medications most commonly prescribed to treat depression are also constipating. A review of studies in BMJ Open shows that there are many non-pharmaceutical therapies for depression, some of which have been shown to be as effective as meds. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and meditation.
