What is constipation
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from April 1986.
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How does the bowel work? One of the functions of the bowel is elimination of waste matter from the body. Usually about once per day, a natural process called "mass peristalsis" occurs in the large bowel. At this time a progressive wave of contraction in the bowel forces waste towards the rectum. Peristalsis occurs often when one eats or drinks since it is stimulated by filling the stomach. This is why the urge to move the bowels is often felt after a meal.
Food waste entering the rectum causes the pressure there to increase, and the rectum stretches to accommodate it. The stretching stimulates the nerves in the wall of the rectum, and one feels the urge to move the bowels. Is constipation very common?
Many people see their doctors about constipation. Elderly people complain of constipation five times more than younger people. Why is it common among older people?
The varied reasons include constipating drugs, poor diet and insufficient intake of fluids, lack of exercise and poor bowel habits.
Constipating drugs. Antacids, antihistamines, tranquillizers, antiparkinson. sonism, drugs, and water pils are some of the drugs that can cause constipation. It is a fact that elderly people use most of these drugs.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you develop constipation after you begin a new medicine. They can recommend a naturallaxative while you are still on medication.
Poor diet.
Low fibre diet is one of the causes of constipation. Vegetables, beans, fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals contain fibre. Meats, dairy products, eggs and most desserts have no fibre.
The fibre in the cereal grains are most important in keeping our digestive tracts healthy; thus we can have easier and more regular bowel movements, freeing us from the discomforts of constipation.
Be certain that you have enough fibre in your diet by taking daily high-fibre supplements with natural food fibre from corn, wheat and oats. Ask your dietician, pharmacist or physician for more information.
Lack of interest in eating.
This is a common problem for people who live alone, especially the elderly. These people tend to eat convenience foods which tend to be low in fibre. In addition, older people who have already lost some of their teeth make a habit of using soft, processed foods that contain little or no fibre. all too often they do not have regular or varied meals and don't drink enough water and beverages, which make bowel movements softer and easier.
Lack of exercise. Reduced activity and lack of exercise can also lead to constipation. Some moderate routine exercises can help tone up your whole body and your 'sluggish' bowel, too. Staying active helps you feel good. Prolonged bed rest can contribute to constipation.
For bed-ridden people who suffer from chronic constipation, a natural vegetable laxative can help.
Ignoring the signal. Disregarding the urge to move the bowels is another cause of constipation. People prefer to use the toilet where they live, but delaying bowel movements too long can cause ill effects. When the urge to move the bowels is ignored, too much water is absorbed from the waste, and the stool becomes had and dry making a bowel movement more difficult. The nerves also tend to stop sending their message and the bowel becomes 'lazy". When the bowel is truly constipated in this manner, it is necessary to relieve constipation immediately and to reestablish correct individual habits of bowel evacuation. Ten rules for relieving constipation.
(1) Eat a variety of foods. Include in your diet plenty of fresh foods such as fish, chicken, turkey, low fat dairy products; fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, beans, peas and lentils. (2) Drink six to eight 8 oz. glasses of fluid each day. (3) Relax and enjoy your meals in a leisurely manner at regular times.
(4) Some moderate routine exercise can tone up your whole body and your sluggish bowel, too. Try taking a walk after lunch or after dinner. (5) Establish a regular time for going to the bath room. (6) Do not ignore the urge to move your bowels. Take all the time you need for comfortable bowel evacuation. (7) Consult your physician or dietician about a proper diet and water intake for your needs.
(8) Consult your physician or pharmacist if constipation develops after you begin a new medicine.
(9) When you have constipation consult your pharmacist who can recommend a natural vegetable laxative or follow your physician's instructions.
(10) If there is any sudden unexplainable change in your bowel function, in the colour or size of your stools, or if constipation persists or recurs consult your (GIS)
