In addition to inflammation, ignoring nature’s call on a regular basis may eventually cause constipation. This is because when we squeeze our rectal muscles to keep stool from being excreted from the body, it has nowhere to go but backwards into the large intestine. As the body reabsorbs the water from our poop, it leaves our stool hard and dry, making defecation more difficult.

2012 research findings presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) showed that people with chronic constipation were 1.78 times more prone to developing colorectal cancer compared to individuals without constipation. The researchers emphasized, however, that more research is still needed, particularly as to whether this same risk is evident in patients who are actively treating their constipation. Furthermore, some alternate research has shown no such connection between constipation and colon cancer risk.

To learn more, check out another type of colon disease that has also been linked to constipation.