Expert: Margot RN BScN CGN - 1/10/2009

Question
My mom is 81 years of age and not mobile. she continues to be constipated. I had her change some nutrition like white bread to 7 grain or 12 grain bread. Oatmeal instead of greasy eggs. She still has this problem. Can you offer any insight. I do understand it can also just be related to age.            thanks lori

Answer
Hi Lori and thanks for writing,

Constipation is a common challenge with older adults and it helps to understand what it is to help treat it.  Constipation is simply dehydrated stools which are difficult and often painful to pass as they are dry and hard; the dryness is caused by inadequate fluid intake (common in seniors), or stool moving too slowly through the colon and having too much water absorbed from it before it reaches the rectum (which can be a side-effect of some medications).  If left untreated, constipation can lead to fecal impaction or even an obstructed bowel which can be life-threatening if not caught immediately.

The best way to treat and avoid constipation is:

-ensure adequate daily fluid intake (water is the best fluid to hydrate, tea and coffee and sodas actually increase dehydration so don’t count),

-ensure adequate daily fiber intake by either adding natural fiber to the diet (by consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole meal breads, baked beans and chick peas and by adding linseeds to one's diet) or supplementing with Flax Seed (avoid products like Metamucil unless you are can drink a minimum of 8-10 oz water right after it or it will turn into concrete in the gut), of course nothing beats prunes and apricots!

-LBT3 by Wild Rose is an excellent herbal supplement which prmotes healthy bowel function and prevents constipation,

-getting daily exercise to promote digestion and bowel motility,

-seeing your family doctor to rule out other possible causes like Hypothyroidism, Hypokalemia, or obstructions in the colon.

I hope this helps relieve the discomfort and promote healthy bowel function,

All my best,
Margot