Gut health is more than just a fancy social media buzzword; it is the foundation of our health and digestive system.¹ Gut health is a major marker of overall health and wellbeing. The digestive system is responsible for converting the food we eat into the nutrients and energy we need to live a healthy lifestyle.² Experiencing something like a hernia can have negative effects on the digestive system and can present problems such as constipation—but why?³

To understand the relationship between hernias and constipation, it’s important to know what a hernia is.
 

Hernias are common. Over 5 million people in the United States will experience a hernia every year, while only 15% seek help.⁴ These are the main types of hernias to be aware of: 

• Inguinal: Also known as groin hernias, inguinal hernias occur when part of your bowel protrudes into the passageway that goes down your inner thigh.⁵ This hernia type is commonly associated with constipation.⁶
• Femoral: Femoral hernias occur when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pokes through into your groin at the top of your inner thigh.⁷
• Ventral: Ventral is an umbrella term for hernias that occur along the vertical midline of your abdomen and can be broken into three categories:⁸
  • Hiatal: Hiatal hernias can occur when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest. 
  • Incisional: Incisional hernias occur when an intestine, organ, or other tissue protrudes at or near a previous surgical incision.
  • Umbilical: Umbilical hernias can happen when a portion of the intestine, lining of the abdomen, or fluid from the abdomen pushes through the muscle near the belly button. This type of hernia can also contribute to constipation.⁶
     

Hernias can happen when an activity leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, or the weakening of abdominal muscles. Common risk factors that are associated with hernias include:

• Family history
• Male sex
• Obesity 
• Pregnancy
• Weightlifting
• Chronic lung infections or coughing
• Smoking
   

It is possible for a hernia to cause constipation. This can show up in different ways such as:

• Bowel obstruction: Hernias, particularly in the abdominal area, can sometimes lead to constipation. This happens when part of the intestine or abdominal fat pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, creating a bulge. When this bulge blocks the bowel, it can disrupt normal bowel movements, leading to constipation.⁶ With inguinal hernias, the intestine can push into the groin area. The blockage caused by the hernia can make it difficult for bodily waste to move through the intestine, leading to pain and irregular bowel movements.⁶
• Pain and discomfort: Sometimes, the hernia may not be the direct cause of the constipation. The discomfort and pain that comes with the hernia may be the cause for avoiding going to the bathroom. This can result in a cycle of constipation, where a person holds back from making bowel movements to avoid the pain, worsening the constipation over time.⁶
• Concerning constipation symptoms to watch for: Experiencing constipation while having a hernia can become a serious issue. These symptoms could indicate a strangulated hernia, where the trapped part of the bowel has its blood supply cut off. This can lead to tissue death and severe complications if not treated quickly.⁶ It’s important to pay attention to symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following:⁶ 
  • A painful bulge that doesn’t go away when lying down
  • Worsening pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fever
     

Eating a hernia-friendly diet can help prevent constipation during your hernia journey. Below are some general tips to help prevent constipation and additional gastrointestinal issues. Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.