Why does constipation cause bloating and flatulence?
Bloating and flatulence are related to two concomitant conditions intestinal inflammation and fermentation of indigestible fiber by intestinal bacteria. Since constipation leads to a considerable accumulation of stools inside the large intestine, and, sometimes, even in the small intestine, bacteria has an infinite amount of undigested fiber to ferment on, and produce copious gases and elevated acidity the primary factor behind ensuing inflammation. In turn, inflammation blocks the absorption of gases into the bloodstream for evacuation through gas exchange in the lungs. These trapped gases cause flatulence and cramps and the gases that gradually escape, cause flatulence. If you are affected by bloating and flatulence even without an apparent constipation (i.e. not moving the bowels for more than three days), you may be affected by latent constipation an abnormal accumulation of stools, even though your bowel movements are regular. I describe this condition at greater length here. Ther
