Aging is a natural process that is accompanied by changes in the working of various organs, including those of the gastrointestinal tract. Although constipation can strike at any age, it is considerably more common among older people, who are 20% more likely to experience it than the young.
It is vital to recognise constipation promptly, and to not delay in addressing it. First it is important to determine whether it is organic or functional constipation: the first is caused by certain diseases (diabetes, cancer, depression, hyperthyroidism, gluten sensitivity, etc.), medications, or allergies, while the second is most often linked with a lack of a balanced diet, inadequate fluid intake and other unhealthy habits. In cases of organic constipation it is necessary to identify the cause, and to consult a doctor to find the best way of treating it, but cases of functional constipation can largely be treated with home remedies, by making lifestyle changes and by regularly drinking Donat natural mineral water. We should keep in mind that constipation is not a disease, but a symptom, and that the essential thing is to treat the cause rather than the symptom.
Aging is a natural process that involves changes in organs, including those of the gastrointestinal tract.
Highlights:
- Constipation in old age can have several causes. These might be anatomical and neurodegenerative changes, or a decline in tone in the muscles important to digestion.
- Other factors alongside physiological issues affecting the prevalence of constipation in old age are certain medications, certain diseases linked with constipation, changes in dietary habits, and reduced physical activity.
- Treating constipation in old age requires considerable caution, as older patients are more sensitive to the consequences. Constipation should never be ignored.
- The first step to remedying constipation in old age is a balanced diet, with more exercise, and an adequate fluid intake. If this is not enough, the next step is an osmotic laxative.
- One very effective aid for treating constipation in old age is Donat natural mineral water, which works as an osmotic laxative without causing any dependency.
Causes of constipation in old age
Constipation in old age has many possible causes.
- Age-related anatomical changes in the lower gastrointestinal tract can contribute to slower digestion, and reduced water content in the stool.
- Neurodegenerative changes also have an adverse impact on digestive function. Scientists have determined that people aged 65 have 37% fewer enteric neurons in the large intestine than younger adults.
The enteric nervous system controls the contraction and expansion of the intestinal muscles, which moves food through the digestive tract. Since it regulates the intensity and frequency of muscle contraction, it is no surprise that a fall in the number of enteric neurons results in decreased intestinal motility.
The reduced tone of intestinal muscles (intestinal atony) is one of the main causes of chronic constipation in older people. It is brought about by physiological aging that sees a decrease in motor function in the intestinal muscles. The anal sphincter muscle also loses sensitivity, and the pelvic floor muscles lose strength.
Some studies show a decline in the functioning of the pelvic floor muscles in more than 50% of older people. This change is more frequent in post-menopausal women, with vaginal birth injuries regarded as one probable cause.
Constipation in old age and medications
Along with physiological causes, there are also several clinical factors linked with constipation in old age. Older people often take medications that can cause constipation (antacids containing aluminium and calcium, antidepressants, antihistamines, calcium supplements, certain diuretics, iron supplements, etc.).
Alongside these medications, there are also a number of diseases that occur in old age and are linked with constipation. These includes Type 2 diabetes, depression, Parkinson’s, dementia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and imbalances in electrolytes.
Changes in eating habits or reduced food intake, reduced physical activity, and inadequate fluid intake can also lead to this common problem.
How can we beat constipation as we age?
Treating constipation in old age requires considerable caution, as older patients can be more sensitive to the potential consequences. We should never just accept this problem and do nothing, as it can have an extremely bad impact on quality of life.
So what should we do to promote healthy digestion? The first and most obvious step in treating constipation in old age is to make a lifestyle change based on a balanced diet (rich in fibre), sufficient fluid intake, and plenty of exercise. This natural approach can already do a great deal to fix constipation.
Only if switching to a healthier lifestyle does not help is it worth turning to osmotic laxatives. Osmotic laxatives are the most suitable first step if a diet rich in fibre fails to free up the digestion. It is best to consult a doctor when choosing the type of laxative. Your doctor can advise on the most effective laxative to try, based on an assessment of your state of health, in particular the heart and kidneys. Medical professionals will also take account of any other medications that you might be taking, thereby preventing unwanted side effects.
Donat is also an effective tool in the fight against constipation in old age
Natural mineral water containing magnesium, such as Donat, can also help with constipation. Its efficacy against constipation was confirmed by a 2015 clinical study by an independent research institute based in Berlin.
Donat natural mineral water works as a mild natural laxative, which in moderate quantities has no side effects and does not cause dependency, and whose properties make it particularly recommended for older people:
- Mechanical function without causing intestinal dependency. Laxatives can over time make the intestinal muscles lazy, thereby causing dependency if they are taken for too long, which is often the case in old age. Donat works solely on an osmotic (mechanical) basis by binding water from the intestinal wall, and the gut does not adapt to it.
- Compensation for loss of the enteric nervous system in old age. Declining nerve impulses mean that the intestines contract less strongly and less often in old age. The magnesium in Donat works directly on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, relaxing them and helping to push stool through the weakened system.
- A solution for reduced thirst. Older people often lose their natural sense of thirst and do not drink enough fluids, which leads to dehydration and harder stools. Donat is not aimed at hydration – you still need to drink enough water for that purpose – but its high mineral content allows it to soften stool more effectively than ordinary water, while even a small amount can ease bowel movements.
- Doubly beneficial effect of magnesium in old age. The body’s need for magnesium increases as we age, while its absorption from food decreases. Donat helps older people take in enough magnesium, thereby not only relieving constipation but also preventing night cramps, supporting the function of cardiac muscle and the nervous system, and helping to maintain bone density.
Get a digital assistant for drinking Donat to relieve constipation
Drinking Donat regularly is vital when dealing with constipation. If you only drink it occasionally, the effect is just fleeting, and the issue will return. Make use of the free Donat Moments app to make it easier to get into the habit of drinking Donat. With reminders and handy advice, it will guide you in the right way to drink Donat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the causes of constipation in older people?
There are several causes of constipation in old age. First up are anatomical changes in the digestive tract and the weakening of the enteric nervous system, which together slow the working of the entire digestive system. Scientists also cite loss of muscle tone in the intestinal wall, and weakening of the anal sphincter and pelvic floor as some of the major factors. Medications and lifestyle changes, most notably getting less exercise, also play their part.
2. What is the difference between organic constipation and functional constipation?
Organic constipation can arise from various disorders of the intestines, muscles, nervous system, etc., whereas functional constipation results from an unhealthy lifestyle (lack of a balanced diet, insufficient fluid intake, etc.) and is not associated with underlying medical conditions.
3. Which medications can cause constipation?
The medications that most commonly cause constipation are antacids containing aluminium and calcium, antidepressants, antihistamines, calcium supplements, certain diuretics, and iron supplements.
4. Which diseases occurring most often in old age are linked with constipation?
The diseases most often linked with constipation in old age include Type 2 diabetes, depression, Parkinson’s, dementia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, and imbalances in electrolytes.
5. What is the best way to fix constipation in old age?
Older people suffering from constipation should first make lifestyle changes and include more fibre in their diet. Other healthy habits such as exercising more and drinking enough water are also important, while drinking Donat can also be an effective tool. If these methods do not work, it is time to consult a doctor, who can prescribe a suitable osmotic laxative.
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