What are the causes of constipation in the elderly? How to prevent constipation in the elderly

Constipation is a common symptom in the elderly, which seriously affects the quality of life of the elderly. With the increase of age, the intestinal function of the elderly gradually declines, coupled with changes in diet and exercise, which can easily lead to constipation. This article will discuss the causes of constipation in the elderly from physiology, diet, exercise and other aspects, and give corresponding prevention and mitigation measures.

1. Physiological causes

1. Intestinal function declines: With age, the intestinal smooth muscle of the elderly gradually atrophies, and intestinal peristalsis slows down, resulting in the prolongation of the time for food to pass through the intestines and the formation of constipation.

2. Intestinal nerve dysfunction: intestinal nerve dysfunction will affect intestinal peristalsis and bowel function, leading to constipation.

3. Changes in intestinal hormone levels: With age, hormone levels in the elderly change, such as the decrease in the levels of serotonin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and other hormones in the intestines, resulting in slowing down intestinal peristalsis, thereby causing constipation.

2. Dietary reasons

1. Insufficient dietary fiber intake: Dietary fiber is an important substance to promote intestinal peristalsis, and if the elderly lack sufficient dietary fiber in their diet, it is easy to cause constipation.

2. Excessive protein intake: Excessive protein intake will lead to an increase in putrefaction products in the intestines, affecting intestinal peristalsis, and thus causing constipation.

3. Insufficient drinking water: The elderly are prone to neglect drinking water due to decreased thirst, resulting in reduced intestinal water and dry stool, which is difficult to discharge.

3. Reasons for exercise

1. Reduced exercise: Due to the decline in physical function of the elderly, the amount of exercise is generally reduced, resulting in slowing down intestinal peristalsis and easily causing constipation.

2. Sedentary lifestyle: If you are sedentary for a long time, the intestines are compressed, which affects intestinal peristalsis and leads to constipation.

Fourth, the reason for living habits

1. Poor bowel habits: The elderly may neglect bowel movements due to changes in the rhythm of life, resulting in feces staying in the intestines for too long and forming constipation.

2. Life pressure: The elderly may face pressure in life, children, etc., resulting in mental tension, affecting intestinal peristalsis, and then leading to constipation.

5. Causes of disease

1. Intestinal diseases: intestinal diseases such as intestinal tumors and inflammatory bowel disease can lead to impaired intestinal function and constipation.

2. Systemic diseases: such as diabetes, hypertension, depression and other systemic diseases, which will affect intestinal peristalsis and bowel function, leading to constipation.

6. Measures to prevent and relieve constipation

1. Reasonable diet: The elderly should maintain a balanced diet, increase the intake of dietary fiber, such as eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt foods.

2. Moderate exercise: The elderly should choose appropriate exercise according to their physical condition, such as walking, tai chi, square dancing, etc., to increase the amount of exercise and promote intestinal peristalsis.

3. Regular work and rest: The elderly should maintain a regular work and rest, develop good bowel habits, and avoid holding stool.

4. Adequate water intake: The elderly should maintain adequate water intake, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day to ensure that there is enough water in the intestines.

5. Psychological adjustment: The elderly should learn to adjust their psychological state, maintain an optimistic and positive attitude, and reduce the pressure of life.

6. Medication: Under the guidance of doctors, the elderly can use some drugs to relieve constipation, such as laxatives, intestinal prokinetic drugs, etc.

In short, there are various causes of constipation in the elderly, and physiological, dietary, exercise and other factors need to be comprehensively considered. The elderly should develop good living habits, reasonable diet, moderate exercise, and maintain an optimistic attitude to prevent and alleviate the occurrence of constipation. If in doubt, you should seek medical attention and seek help from a medical professional.