By Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
Mrs. Peterson is 71 years old. She has type 2 diabetes and arthritis; otherwise, she describes herself as healthy. When I started working with Mrs. Peterson, she began to reveal how constipation is also a problem including occasional bouts of hemorrhoids.
Mr. Silverton is 89 and has multiple comorbidities including heart disease, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis and hearing loss. The thing that bothers him the most is his chronic constipation.
Jane is 62 and suffers from periods of depression, thyroid disease and irritable syndrome. She is either dealing with constipation or diarrhea.
Our bowel habits are something no one really wants to talk about, but we need to. Over 60% of older adults have issues with their bowels at some point. It’s important to try to understand what changes are taking place, what may be contributing to bowel issues and how to improve bowel habits. Our bowels greatly affect every aspect of our bodies and overall quality of life.
Like with all things in life, there is no magic formula, pill or answer to simply resolve our bowel issues. Everyone’s system is unique, changes over time, responds and reacts differently. It takes time, effort and ongoing monitoring to try to help ourselves or a loved one maintain the best possible bowel routine. And it’s worth it!
Why is it harder to go as we age?
- Our digestive system slows down: Muscles that move food through our digestive system weaken and slow the process down.
- Physical activity: The less we move, the more we are contributing to the slowing down of the digestive process.
- Changes in diets: As we age, we tend to eat less fiber and take in less fluid, which contributes to harder stool.
- Medications: Many medications can cause constipation, including pain relievers (ibuprofen, opioids), some blood pressure medications, iron supplements, antihistamines, anti-depressants, antacids and diuretics, to name a few.
- Loss of sensation: Just as our thirst sensation changes as we age, so can the sensation or urge to have a bowel movement.
- Hormones decrease throughout our bodies as we age, affecting every one of our systems.
- Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological conditions like Parkinsons, MS, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and more all can contribute to a change in the bowels.
- Magnesium, iron and calcium deficiencies can also contribute.
- Stress, anxiety and changes in your daily routine are contributing factors.
Why should you peek at your poop? Because it tells a lot about our digestive health.
- Rocks & Pebbles: A sign of constipation, even though you are going some. Things are working slowly, not flowing through the system, so waste is being left in the large colon, potentially resulting in hard stools.
- Color Changes: The food we eat, the kinds of bacteria living in our colon and added food colorings are frequent culprits of color changes. Typically, this is not a concern unless poop appears black or bloody, which could signal other problems with the digestive system.
- Black and Tarry: The most common cause is taking iron supplements or a medication containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol. However, it could also mean loss of blood somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach or small intestine.
- Pencil-Thin: Stool that is occasionally very thin is not a cause for concern. If there is a sudden and consistent change in one’s stool always being thin, it could mean there is a blockage in the colon, and you should seek medical input.
- Greasy-oily: Poop that appears oily, greasy consistency and is difficult to flush, it could be a signal the body is not able to properly digest fat. The consistency changes could be caused by an infection, nutrients not being digested due to celiac disease or a problem with the pancreas.
What can we do to help manage our bowels
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- Diet: Increase fiber (which needs to be done slowly). Remember, the amount needed is different for each individual and will fluctuate. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Prunes, fennels and hot beverages such as coffee and tea can help stimulate bowel movements. A fiber supplement may also be beneficial.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water. It helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass. Stay away from sugary drinks, which can cause inflammation to the digestive system.
- Get Moving: Moving, walking, any type of exercise is helpful; just get the system moving. This will help move stools through the digestive tract.
- Work on a routine: Help create a regular routine for your system. Some recommdations: Have a glass of water first thing when you wake up, don’t ignore the urge to go, set a time to go to the bathroom (30 minutes after a meal, morning, etc.) raise your knees by placing your feet on a small stool creating a natural, relaxed posture to help eliminate the waste.
- Seek Professional help: If dietary and lifestyle changes are not effective or if you experience severe constipation, persistent abdominal pain, or other concerning symptoms, consult with a health care professional.
Having regular bowel movements as we age can be a real challenge. Talk to your health care provider if you struggle, strain or experience regular constipation or bowel irregularities. It may take time, work and learning new ways of doing things, but well worth it for many reasons, including simply feeling better.
Original Article: https://www.northeastohiothrive.com/blogs/boomerbloggers/another-age-related-taboo-bowel-issues/