Yes, Constipation and Dizziness Are Linked — Here's How

When you're constipated, you might pass hard, dry, lumpy stools, have trouble pooping in the first place, or get that feeling that not everything came out that needed to, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

But what you might not expect is dizziness.

Why You Might Get Dizzy When You’re Constipated

First, know that constipation isn't a common cause of dizziness, says Michael D. Brown, MD, a gastroenterologist and a professor of medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. But in certain circumstances, it might contribute to it. Here's what might be going on.

Straining or having a relatively large or voluminous bowel movement (usually in the context of explosive diarrhea) or a gastrointestinal bleed can cause what Dr. Brown calls a vagal event.

Vasovagal syncope, or the overstimulation of your vagus nerve, can lead to a drop in your pulse rate, and without enough blood going to your brain, you can get dizzy and even faint. A number of factors can trigger this condition, according to Cedars-Sinai, including extreme heat, dehydration, skipping meals, prolonged exercise, and, sometimes, having a bowel movement.

Sometimes, a condition called orthostatic hypotension is also to blame for fainting, according to Cleveland Clinic. It can occur when you change positions quickly (such as going from lying down to standing up) and your blood pressure drops.

If you are constipated, you might be spending a little too much time on the toilet trying to go. And so, if you spend an hour sitting down and then get up quickly, you could experience orthostatic hypotension.

Blood pools in your legs as you sit, less blood flows to the brain, and as a result, you may feel faint, dizzy, or confused, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Sitting for long periods can also make your legs go numb, Brown says.

How to Combat Dizziness in the Bathroom

Standing up and getting dizzy isn't an uncommon consequence of sitting too long, and so there are a few things you can do.

1. Take It Slow

If you're dizzy upon standing, hang on to something in the bathroom and wait a few seconds to see if you equilibrate and feel better. If you're still dizzy, sit back down. Wait, and then slowly stand up again, Brown advises.

If this happens every time you go to the bathroom, then you'll have to really take a look at what might be causing your constipation and what you can do about it so you don't have to sit on the toilet for a long time, Brown says.

2. Seek Out a Solution to Your Constipation

According to the NIDDK, constipation remedies include increasing fiber intake, taking a fiber supplement, or using over-the-counter laxatives.

Lifestyle changes like getting regular physical activity and establishing a regular bowel movement schedule can also help.

3. Consider Your Meds

Talk to your doctor about medications you might be taking that affect how you feel when you move from a sitting to a standing position, Brown says. Often, these might be medications that treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Keep in mind that you can be both constipated and dizzy, even if your constipation isn't directly causing your dizziness. Certain lifestyle habits may contribute to both, including not drinking enough fluids (read: dehydration), taking certain medications, and stress or anxiety.