Can cholesterol medicine cause constipation?

Have you started taking a new medication to lower your cholesterol levels but have noticed some unwanted bathroom-related issues? Well, my dear reader, let me tell you that constipation is a common side effect of some cholesterol-lowering medicines.

Before we dive deeper into this topic, let’s first understand what cholesterol and constipation are.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our blood. Our body needs it to make hormones and Vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to health problems like heart disease and stroke.

So, doctors may prescribe certain medications called statins to their patients with high levels of cholesterol or those at risk for heart disease. These drugs work by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.

What is Constipation?

Constipation occurs when an individual has trouble passing stools or has fewer bowel movements than usual. It can be caused by various factors such as inadequate fiber intake, dehydration, lack of exercise or stress.

People who experience constipation usually feel bloated and uncomfortable due to difficulty passing stool from their body. They use over-the-counter laxatives or natural remedies like drinking more water or eating fruits rich in fiber for relief.

How do statins affect digestion?

Now coming back to our main question- How do statins affect your gut?

Statins work on specific enzymes involved in producing cholesterol inside our liver namely HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. They help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) also known as “bad” cholesterol production inside the liver which ultimately decreases total serum lipid levels (goodbye arteries plaque!)

But what really happens once one starts consuming these medicines?. The problem lies where these same enzymes also play an important role outside our liver tissues – specifically intestinal cells responsible for normal bowel functioning(unfortunately!). This process can lead to constipation by slowing down the intestinal motility or progression of food in itself (queue long Poo-pains).

To put it simply, statins affect the liver and intestine cells that ultimately slow down digestion causing a person to experience constipation.

Which Statins cause Constipation?

Not all cholesterol-lowering medications result in constipation. The most common ones known for affecting bowel movement include:

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)
  • Lovastatin
  • Fluvastatin

Patients taking these medicines have higher chances of experiencing gut problems such as bloating and symptoms similar to IBS.

However this side effect is usually dose-dependent i.e lower doses tend not to impact normal digestive functioning

How can you prevent or manage constipation while taking cholesterol medicine?

During your routine physical exams with your doctor, if you are prescribed any medication, do not hesitate to ask about possible side effects before starting them.
Here are some ways how one could save oneself from getting “Plop!ped” due to consumption of Cholesterol medicaments:

Increase fiber intake

Your diet should ideally be rich in fiber content which keeps stools soft and promotes regular bowel movements(prevent awful anus-hurt too!). Foods like flaxseed , chia seeds , lentils beans and vegetables like broccoli,mushroom works wonder for boosting Fiber intake (Eat more Fiber = Risk less bummer-time)

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day(around 8 cups atleast) prevents dehydration . Dehydration can exacerbate constipation symptoms which might lead folks feeling grumpy!

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise helps keep our body systems including bowels functioning optimally(relieve inner tensions too!) A brisk walk after dinner / yoga routines work wonders! If unable due time constraints?, find activities within schedule like stairways and park walk often

When should you see a doctor?

If the constipation becomes severe, faces symptoms like vomiting( do not vomit here , please move sideways before doing so!), abdominal pain, weight loss or if one has not had a bowel movement in over 3 days consult your practitioner! These could be signs of more serious issues than just constipation.

As always when beginning medication talk to your Doctor. With this I hope you were able to find some insights on Statins and its relationship with constipation!(Do-tell me how jolly my tone is in person!).

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