Constipation is a common symptom in the elderly. Most elderly people suffer from constipation due to deteriorating gastrointestinal function and low water intake. So, what should be done to prevent constipation in the elderly?
Main Causes
1. Consuming refined food or having a low food intake, inadequate water intake, and low fat intake;
2. Lack of sleep, continuous stress at work, or changes in the environment, emotional fluctuations;
3. Frequent use of laxatives, low physical activity, lack of exercise, old age, prolonged bed rest;
4. Constipation can also occur during periods of depression;
5. Caused by certain medications: such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, atropine, diuretics, opioid analgesics, antipsychotic drugs, etc;
6. Secondary to other diseases: such as diabetes, stroke, dementia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hemorrhoids, colon cancer.
What to Do
Pay Attention to Diet
1. Lettuce: It has a laxative effect, rich in vitamin C, natural folic acid, and iron. Consuming lettuce regularly promotes intestinal peristalsis and prevents constipation.
2. Hollow-stemmed Chinese Celery: It contains a large amount of dietary fiber, semi-fiber, mucilage, and pectin. It has the effect of treating constipation, hemorrhoids, and rectal bleeding.
3. Chinese Chives: Known as the "intestinal cleansing herb," it contains a significant amount of rough fiber that is tough and not easily digested and absorbed by the digestive system. Regular consumption of Chinese chives promotes large intestinal peristalsis. It is recommended to occasionally consume them in the summer.
4. Spinach: Spinach is cool and sweet in nature. It has the functions of nourishing blood, stopping bleeding, moisturizing dryness, lubricating the intestines, and promoting bowel movements.
5. Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes cool the blood, invigorate the stomach and intestines, and relieve constipation. They are especially suitable for chronic constipation.
6. White Radish: Eating raw white radish promotes digestion. Its spicy ingredients stimulate gastric secretion and regulate gastrointestinal function. In addition, the abundant dietary fiber in white radish promotes intestinal peristalsis and maintains smooth bowel movements.
7. Sesame, Astragalus, and Honey Paste: Grind black sesame into a paste, cook it and mix it with honey and astragalus decoction, and drink it after removing the residue.
8. Potato: Eating potatoes is a good way to relieve constipation. You can also squeeze potatoes into juice, cook it in a pot over low heat until it becomes sticky, and add an appropriate amount of honey before consuming. The honey should be mild, as hot honey can worsen the condition. Good honey is light yellow, while hot honey is dark yellow.
Other Tips
1. Drink Water on an Empty Stomach in the Morning
The main cause of constipation is insufficient water in the body, resulting in the absorption of water from food residues in the intestines by the body. This slows down the peristalsis of the large intestine and leads to constipation. In the morning, before eating, the gastrointestinal tract works faster than usual, and water can be quickly transported to the large intestine, increasing the water content of the stool and facilitating smooth bowel movements. Therefore, drinking two cups of water, approximately 240 ml, on an empty stomach in the morning can effectively alleviate constipation.
2. Exercise Moderately
Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, and frequent changes in body position.
