How to deal with constipation during old age

At old age, people generally deal with hormonal shifts and gastrointestinal problems. They suffer from digestive issues, such as slow intestinal movement and constipation. It is because of the decrease in physical activities . In comparison to young individuals, the functioning of older people’s digestive system is slow. So, they experience constipation and other digestive issues often. However, there are many other reasons for the same.

We know that with every passing year, the human body gets weaker and the requirement for medication increases. This can also be one of the reasons for causing difficulty in passing stool. Constipation at old age gives rise to many other issues such as severe abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, stress, etc. Fortunately, this problem can be effectively managed by following some simple steps.  

Let’s move ahead and talk about the ways to deal with the symptoms of constipation.

Ways to manage constipation

Most people deal with constipation as they get older that can be cured by following the below-noted tips for relieving constipation.

Stay active

It is recommended to be active during old age by doing resistance exercises for core body muscle building. Along with it, doing activities such as, running, cycling, walking, swimming, dancing, rowing, etc., can relieve constipation. Also, don’t forget to stay hydrated because we sweat more while doing physical activity and increasing the water intake during this time is important.

Eat more fiber

Increasing the intake of fiber helps in speeding up the digestion process. It is recommended to do some dietary changes by substituting regular food with high-fiber foods to eliminate constipation. Some fibrous food that can become part of your diet is whole grains such as brown rice and bran flakes, vegetables such as broccoli and peas, fruits such as raspberries, apples and pears, legumes such as lentils and nuts and seeds.

Keep a check on your medication

See which of your medications may cause constipation. If you suspect a medicine that you are taking is causing a constipation problem, get in touch with your doctor to resolve this issue.

Take a stool softener

If you have tried lifestyle changes to get rid of constipation, the next step is to take a stool softener or ayurvedic medicine for constipation like Kabzend. Trying these will make the stool soft, add bulk to it, eliminate strain and help you keep constipation at bay.

You can also try different types of laxatives, such as docusate or senna, which can help if the problem is more severe.

Conclusion

If the dietary changes, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners are not working, then reach out to a gastroenterologist. He or she will find out the root cause of constipation and help you in getting rid of it.

This blog is solely intended for educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.