A key part of improving the quality of their lives is managing chronic constipation. There are many options available to assist them with constipation. You can also help manage constipation with medication.
The first step to resolving constipation is to increase fiber in their diet. Fiber helps move food through the colon. It also reduces hard and dry stool. To soften stools, you should add water into their bowels. Some older adults will need to use suppositories to soften impacted stools. These suppositories will not cause harm to the colon.
Keep track of all bowel movements. This will help your healthcare provider identify the source of the constipation. This will help you to spot any new symptoms. If you are concerned about constipation in an older adult, talk to their health care provider. They may be willing to prescribe an enema and another laxative for the relief of constipation.
Lifestyle choices can often be the reason for constipation in elderly adults. Constipation may be caused by lifestyle choices. Certain medical conditions, medications, and hormone imbalances are also possible causes of constipation. Because each individual is different, diagnosing constipation may be difficult. There are several tests you can use to determine the cause.
American Society for Gastroenterology suggests that older adults should be evaluated for pelvic dysfunction. Biofeedback may be an option to manage the condition. It is also possible to have a rectal examination. This will enable you to tell your health care provider if constipation is a serious condition.
For older adults who are diagnosed with constipation, they should also take steps to increase their fluid intake. This is particularly important for older adults who are on medications that can affect bowel movement. These medications include pain medicine, iron supplements and calcium channel blockers. It is also a great way to increase your level of physical activity.
It is possible to identify the root cause by keeping track of your bowel movements each day. Keep track of the medicines that you take and the stools that you pass. Noting any changes to your diet is another way. Some examples of foods that can trigger a bowel movement are prunes, applesauce, prune juice, prunes, and prune liqueur.
Constipation can cause discomfort and make it difficult to manage. It can make it difficult to do normal activities like walking or eating. There may be abdominal pain, bloating and difficulty passing stools. You may also experience nausea and bloody stool.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about constipation in a family member. They will be able determine if constipation is an urgent condition and can help you devise a plan.
FAQ
Why should we have a healthy lifestyle to begin with?
Healthy lifestyles lead to happier and longer lives. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and good sleep habits will prevent the development of diseases such as stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
A healthy lifestyle will also improve our mental health by helping us cope better with everyday stresses. A healthy lifestyle will help you feel more confident and younger.
How can I tell what is good for me?
Listen to your body. Your body knows best when it comes to how much exercise, food, and rest you need. It's important to pay attention to your body so you don't overdo things. Listen to your body and make sure you're doing everything you can to stay healthy.
How much should I weigh for my height and age? BMI calculator & chart
The best way to determine how much weight you need to lose is to use a body mass index (BMI) calculator. A healthy BMI range should be between 18.5- 24.9. Aim to lose 10 pounds per month if your goal is to lose weight. Simply enter your height/weight into the BMI calculator.
Check out this BMI chart to determine if you are overweight or obese.
What is the problem with BMI?
BMI is the acronym for Body Mass Index. It measures body fat based upon height and weight. The following formula is used to calculate BMI:
Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
The score is expressed as a number between 0 and 25. A score of 18.5 indicates that you are overweight and a score of 23 indicates that you are obese.
A person who weighs 100 kg and has a height of 1.75 m will have a BMI of 22.
Statistics
- In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake. (who.int)
- Extra virgin olive oil may benefit heart health, as people who consume it have a lower risk for dying from heart attacks and strokes according to some evidence (57Trusted Source (healthline.com)
- This article received 11 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)
- WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. (who.int)
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How To
What does the word "vitamin" mean?
Vitamins are organic compounds that can be found in foods. Vitamins allow us to absorb nutrients from food. The body cannot make vitamins; therefore, they must be obtained from food.
There are two types of vitamins: water soluble and fat soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve quickly in water. Some examples include vitamin C,B1 and B2 vitamins (thiamine), B2 and riboflavin, B3 and niacin, B6 vitamins (pyridoxine), B6 vitamins (niacin), folic acids, biotin, pantothenic acids, and Choline. The liver and fatty tissue are the main storage places for fat-soluble vitamins. Examples include vitamin D, E, K, A, and beta carotene.
Vitamins are classified based on their biological activity. There are eight main types of vitamins:
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A - vital for normal growth and maintaining good health.
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C - essential for proper nerve function, and energy production.
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D - Essential for healthy teeth and bones.
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E - needed for good vision and reproduction.
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K - Required for healthy nerves and muscles.
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P - vital for building strong bones andteeth.
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Q - aids in digestion of iron and iron absorption
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R – Required for making red blood vessels.
The recommended daily allowance for vitamins (RDA) varies according to age, gender, or physical condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets RDA values.
For adults aged 19 and older, the RDA for vitamin B is 400 micrograms daily. Pregnant mothers need 600 micrograms a day to ensure fetal growth. Children ages 1-8 require 900 micrograms per day. Infants under one year of age require 700 micrograms per day, but this amount decreases to 500 micrograms per day between 9 months and 12 months of age.
Children aged 1-18 require 800 micrograms of sugar per day, while those who weigh more than 1200 need 1000. For their nutritional needs, underweight children need 1200 mg per day.
Children aged 4-8 years old who have been diagnosed as having anemia require 2200 micrograms of vitamin C per day.
Adults over 50 years of age need 2000 micrograms per day for general health. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need 3000 micrograms per day due to increased nutrient requirements.
Adults over 70 need 1500 micrograms daily, since they lose around 10% of their muscle mass every decade.
Women who are pregnant, nursing or breastfeeding need more than the RDA. Pregnant women require 4000 micrograms daily during pregnancy, and 2500 micrograms every day after birth. Breastfeeding moms need 5000 micrograms per daily when breastmilk production occurs.