Little Known Ways to Prevent Constipation in the Elderly

By: Hill

Constipation effects 30% of people over the age of 65, and is closely linked to the way the elderly perceive their quality of life. One important fact is that some of the elderly believe that they are experiencing constipation when in fact, they are not. Having a bowel movement on a regular basis 3 times a week means you are not experiencing constipation. Straining yourself when passing stool also does not necessarily indicate that you have constipation. But, when you experiencing constipation, it is important to remember that constipation can be a sign of a serious illness like colon cancer or a symptom of hypothyroidism. It is important that a doctor will rule out illnesses as the cause of constipation. So, what can be done when the bowel movement in the elderly is not regular?

1. Medications. Most elderly take many kinds of medications on a daily basis. These medications, helpful to other situations as they may be, can play a major part of the constipation problem. Pain killers especially are responsible to many of the constipation cases. Checking the label of each medicine the elderly takes can point out if constipation is likely to be one of the side effects. If medications are a part of the problem – consult the doctor. Maybe a change of dosage or switching to another medicine altogether is possible and can help relieve the constipation.

2. Fluid intake. Elderly in general suffer from weakening of the muscles. This includes the muscles that help passing stool. In order to make it easier for the muscles to pass stool, it should be soft. If fluid intake alone does not help, prunes which function as a natural stool softener, can help in achieving the wanted result.

3. Regular fiber consumption. What is true for treating constipation in everyone, is even more so when it comes to the elderly. A daily dose of fruit and vegetables can help soften the stool, and softer stool means the elderly don't have to strain themselves in order to defecate.

The important thing to remember is that many things can be done to relieve constipation in the elderly, and many constipation remedies that are efficient for other age groups can also tremendously help the elderly.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

For more articles by Robera Hill on constipation cures, visit her constipation remedies site.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated