Constipation is very common in the elderly. Although it is not a serious illness, it often causes discomfort to patients. By adjusting the diet, symptoms can often be improved.
(1) Eat a diet high in fiber, which contains a high amount of food fiber. Dietary fiber cannot be digested and absorbed in the intestines, but it can absorb a large amount of water, significantly increasing the volume of stool. This stimulates intestinal peristalsis, pushes the stool downward, and causes the urge to defecate. Foods high in fiber include celery, leek, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and sweet potato.
(2) Drink plenty of water. The hydrolysis and expansion of dietary fiber require water. Cold water stimulates colon peristalsis. Drinking a large glass of cold water 10-20 minutes before going to the toilet every day can cause the urge to defecate.
(3) Increase fat intake appropriately.
(4) Eat less spicy and stimulating foods.
(5) Strong tea and apples contain a high amount of tannic acid, which has an astringent effect and can cause constipation. It is best to avoid them as much as possible.
(6) Honey and bananas have a laxative effect and can be eaten regularly.
Examples of dietary therapy for constipation:
(1) Pollen and cassia seed porridge: 30 grams of pollen, 30 grams of cassia seeds, 60 grams of rice. First, boil the pollen and cassia seeds with water for 20 minutes, remove the residue and take the juice, then cook the rice into porridge, and add an appropriate amount of brown sugar. Take it in the morning and evening. It is suitable for those with dry stools, short red urine, flushed face, irritability, dry mouth, and abdominal distension.
(2) Betel nut porridge: 15-30 grams of betel nut, 60 grams of rice. First, boil the betel nut for 20 minutes, remove the residue and take the juice, then cook the rice into porridge. Take it in the morning and evening. It is suitable for those with difficulty in defecation, dry or not dry stools, bitter taste in the mouth, frequent belching, chest tightness, rib distension, and irritability.
(3) Astragalus porridge: 30 grams of astragalus, 60 grams of rice. First, boil the astragalus with water for 40 minutes, remove the residue and take the juice, then cook the rice into porridge. Take it in the morning and evening. It is suitable for those with dry stools, hard like sheep feces, unable to be expelled, dull complexion, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, and laziness in speech. If the above prescription is ineffective, you can eat sesame astragalus honey paste: 60 grams of black sesame seeds, 30 grams of astragalus, and an appropriate amount of honey. First, grind the sesame seeds into a paste, cook it, and then add honey; boil the astragalus with water, remove the residue and take the juice, and mix it with the sesame paste. Take it in the morning and evening.
