Why Constipation Problems Increase As We Age
ConstipationPeople define constipation in different ways. Some define it as having less than three bowel movements a week. Others define it as a difficulty of passing stool. And still others define it as the inability to completely empty the large intestine. However it is defined, it is one of the illnesses that affect more Americans than practically any other condition. The causes of constipation are many, but nearly all of them come down, in one way or another, to food choices. Whether it is not eating enough fiber, taking too many laxatives, or taking medicines that cause constipation - most instances involve food choices.
Studies have shown that those who eat a high fiber diet are least likely to experience constipation. The USDA Food Pyramid has breads, cereals, rice and pasta on the bottom layer. Just above it are vegetables and fruits. If Americans were simply to follow the suggestions of the food pyramid, they would get enough fiber in their diet through simply eating their normal meals each day. Unfortunately, most people don't follow the food pyramid. In the high stress world of today more and more people are eating unhealthy refined foods and fewer are eating the types of foods that would alleviate most of their digestive problems.
Once people reach the age of sixty or so, the incidences of constipation begin to rise dramatically. This is mainly due to two things that happen as we get older. One is that we tend to drink less water as we get into our sixties, seventies, and so on. There are various theories for why this happens. One theory is that the elderly drink less water consciously so that they can avoid having to go to the bathroom as much. Another is that the thirst mechanism works less well as we age, so the proper triggers that prompt us to drink, don't kick in as well.
The second reason that incidences of constipation increase as we age is that we exercise less. Studies show that those who lead a sedentary life style experience much more incidences of constipation than those with an active lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise.
Most people with constipation try to treat it themselves rather than going to a doctor. And the way that most consumers choose to treat it is via laxatives. This is good news for the laxatives industry which enjoys increased profits year after year. Currently, the sale of laxatives in the U.S. is nearly a quarter of billion dollar business. And until we, as a nation, start to eat smarter, their profits are guaranteed to increase.
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