Constipation is a common problem that people of all ages may face. This condition becomes more critical in old age, especially among the elderly, due to decreased physical strength. This problem causes difficulty in defecation, pain and discomfort, and may even disrupt a person’s daily activities. Approximately half of people over 65 years of age suffer from it. If we want to talk about home remedies for senior constipation, the main one is that the elderly should increase their consumption of water, fiber, yogurt, and probiotics. In this article from humanhealthmag, we will examine home remedies to get rid of constipation in the elderly and traditional medicine methods to resolve this problem.
What is Constipation in the Elderly?
Before discussing home remedies to relieve constipation naturally, it is better to familiarize ourselves with this disease a little. Constipation is a common problem in the elderly that occurs due to the weakness of the internal organs of the body, especially the intestinal muscles. In old age, the deterioration of the internal organs of the body and the decrease in the efficiency of the intestines cause digestive problems and constipation.
Constipation can be a symptom of other diseases such as intestinal and digestive problems in the elderly. That’s why you should take this problem seriously. The number of times you defecate varies from person to person and depends on the speed and movement of the intestines. In some people, defecation occurs several times a day, and in others it may only be three or four times a week, both of which are normal.
If the elderly person experiences constipation, it is best to first see a doctor to make sure that this problem is not due to intestinal obstruction. If the problem is not serious, you should focus on correcting the elderly’s eating habits to prevent digestive problems.
How to Diagnose Constipation in the Elderly
How to tell if an elderly is constipated? To diagnose constipation in the elderly, you can ask him/her about the following symptoms. If he/she experiences at least two of these symptoms, it will be a sign of constipation:
- If your stool frequency is less than 2 to 3 times a week
- If you feel that you have not emptied properly after each time you go to the toilet
- If there is too much pressure on the bowels during defecation and it is painful for you to perform this
- The stool is dry and painful.
- Swelling and cramps in the anus
- Needing to strain hard to defecate
- You feel a burning, cramping, or pain in the abdominal area
- Severe nausea and bloating
What Are the Main Causes of Constipation in Elderly People?
What causes constipation in older adults and how to relieve it naturally? Constipation is not a disease in itself. In fact, it is a type of functional disorder that originates from other diseases. Constipation in the elderly may be caused by underlying diseases such as: heart disease, brain disease, diabetes, depression, thyroid, lazy bowel, Parkinson’s, etc.
As time passes and people approach old age, they are susceptible to various diseases that require them to take medication to relieve them. The use of these medications leads to constipation in the elderly. Some of these medications include: painkillers, antihistamines, antacids, anticonvulsants, and medications related to the nervous system and psyche.
Other causes of constipation in the elderly include low mobility and prolonged sitting. Also, improper eating habits such as eliminating fibrous foods and liquids from the diet will cause constipation in the elderly.
10 Fastest Home Remedy for Senior Constipation
Knowing the home remedies for senior constipation can be effective in improving the treatment process of your elderly. In this section, you will learn about the immediate constipation relief at home.
- Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Drink enough water to help soften the stool
- Consume yogurt and foods containing probiotics to improve intestinal flora
- Add turmeric and ginger to foods as anti-inflammatory and digestive enhancers
- Consume a tablespoon of olive oil as a natural laxative
- Encourage regular walking and physical activity
- Consume herbal teas such as peppermint tea or valerian tea
- Consume strawberries and dates as natural laxative foods
- Consume prunes daily, as they are known as a natural laxative
- Consume nuts such as almonds and walnuts, which are high in fiber (don’t forget the benefits of nuts for the elderly)
Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation Naturally in Old Age
If, after seeing a doctor, it is determined that constipation is not caused by intestinal or digestive diseases, it can be largely resolved by modifying dietary habits. High fiber foods for elderly constipation provides immediate treatment for constipation in the elderly. Fiber, this beneficial substance is also found mostly in the skin of fruit. Most elderly people cannot eat fruit with the skin due to gum and tooth loss and the use of dentures, which is why their body fiber decreases. Below, we will discuss some effective home remedies for senior constipation.
Exercise and physical activity
As we mentioned earlier, constipation in the elderly can be caused by inactivity. Therefore, the elderly should take exercise seriously to maintain their health. Due to physical weakness, exercise is a bit difficult for the elderly; but light exercises such as walking can be included in their life plan. Do you know how to get elderly walking again ? Read this article from humanhealthmag to tell you the answer to this question.
Elderly people who are unable to move can also use stretching and flexibility exercises like hamstring stretches for seniors in a wheelchair. Movement will regularize bowel movements and ultimately treat constipation in the elderly.
Figs
Figs are very effective in treating constipation in the elderly due to their high fiber content. You can consume this fruit in both dry and fresh forms. You can also soak one dried fig and two almonds in water, then peel the almonds and mix them together until they form a paste-like consistency, then consume this mixture with a spoonful of honey. It is very effective in relieving constipation. You can repeat this every night until you see results.
Various types of soaked leaves such as peach, plum, fig, etc. are useful for the immediate treatment of constipation in the elderly. To consume these leaves, a person should consider their temperament and consume it according to their temperament.
Whole-wheat bread
Whole-wheat bread prevents constipation. It is recommended that the elderly use whole-wheat bread instead of other breads.
Plum
Plums have been used for home remedies for senior constipation since the past. To treat constipation in the elderly, you can consume about 7 plums throughout the day. Medical research shows that plums have the greatest effect in relieving constipation. You can also use plum juice; because sufficient consumption of water and fluids is very important in relieve constipation naturally.
Various herbal teas
You can drink herbs that are suitable for relieving constipation as herbal teas. One of these herbs is mint. Mint is useful for improving the functioning of the digestive system, and you can use mint tea after each meal. Consuming mint tea relieves stomach problems and makes it easier to defecate.
Ginger is a medicinal herb with a warm nature that is very effective for digesting food and reducing fat. Consuming ginger tea twice a day can help digest food easily and quickly. If you also use chamomile tea after each meal, bowel movements will be faster and you will have more stools. It also makes defecation smoother and no longer painful.
Consuming coffees that contain caffeine can greatly stimulate the intestines for bowel movements. The effect of caffeinated coffee is about 60% greater than drinking water. Descurainia sophia is also a useful seed for relieving various mood diseases. If you dissolve a spoonful of descurainia sophia in warm water daily, it is very useful for relieving constipation.
Soup
Soups that are cooked in a thin state make stools soft and easier to pass. In general, warm liquids and foods facilitate digestion.
Olive oil and flaxseed
Olive oil and flaxseed make digestion easier due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties and are very useful for home remedies for senior constipation.
Sesame
Due to its high fiber content, sesame seeds soften the stool and make it no longer painful for you to pass it. To relieve constipation, you can use about 30 to 35 grams of sesame seeds throughout the day. Keep in mind that if you consume sesame seeds, be sure to drink enough water.
Lemon
Lemon and lemon juice, due to their citric acid properties, act as a strong stimulant and remove all toxic and undigested substances in the intestines. Using lemon and lemon juice helps regulate the digestive system and ultimately relieving constipation in the elderly.
Probiotics
Probiotics increase bowel movements and create a balance in essential intestinal bacteria. By balancing the amount of intestinal bacteria, constipation improves. Foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, which is easily available to the public. After a month of consuming probiotics, you can see its effect on relieving constipation.
Laxatives
Some people who suffer from advanced constipation and their problem is not solved by consuming various types of fiber, are prescribed a laxative supplement, the dosage of which for each person depends on the diagnosis of the treating physician.
Traditional Medicines
Some traditional medicine medicines that are useful for home remedies for senior constipation include: rose, senna leaf, aloe vera, and black cumin.
Constipating Foods
After learning about old age constipation home remedies, it is important to avoid some foods that can aggravate this problem. In order to prevent or treat constipation, you should reduce your intake of foods with low or no fiber. These foods include:
- Crisps
- Fast foods
- Meats
- Prepared and some frozen foods
- Processed products such as hot dogs and some microwaveable foods
Some foods and drinks that can aggravate constipation:
- Alcohol
- Gluten-containing foods
- Processed grains
- Milk and dairy products
- Red meat
- Fried or prepared foods
As for fruits, some of them may also contribute to constipation. Below is a list of effective fruits in this regard:
- Persimmon
- unripe banana
- Cooked carrots
Concluding Remarks
Constipation is a common problem in the elderly that can lead to serious consequences for their health. Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Every day, nutrients and vitamins in food are absorbed into the body, and toxic substances are eliminated from the body through the intestines, breathing, and urine. However, when constipation occurs, these toxic substances are not excreted from the body and are gradually absorbed into the body. In this situation, two cases may occur:
- The body tries to expel these substances through the skin, which may appear as skin spots and lung diseases.
- These toxic substances accumulate in the body and can cause tumors and other serious problems.
Therefore, immediate treatment of constipation in the elderly is of particular importance. Walking and exercise are effective factors in preventing constipation. Most elderly people have reduced bowel movements because they have little mobility, which causes this disease. If your elderly person is constipated, it is better to treat it immediately.
In this article from humanhealthmag, we reviewed home remedies for senior constipation. In the elderly, several factors can lead to constipation, including certain medications, aging, and decreased bowel function. To prevent constipation, it is recommended to eat fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, and consume vegetables and chia and flax seeds, which have laxative properties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases are caused by constipation?
Constipation and its treatment may lead to other chronic diseases, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, and abdominal distension.
What is the effect of medications on constipation in the elderly?
Antidepressants are one of the categories of drugs that can cause constipation in the elderly. These medications are usually associated with central nervous system activity and may cause a decrease in bowel movements, resulting in constipation. In addition, medications used to treat chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease may also have a negative effect on bowel function.
