The older you get, the more constipated you become. Constipation can occur at any age. But it is more common and common in the elderly. In Thailand, up to 20-25% cases of constipation have been found in elderly people. If you look at older people, We will find that these people have intestinal problems. Whether it's digestion, bloating, constipation, what are the causes of constipation in the elderly? And how can we help solve the problem of constipation in the elderly?
Source of constipation Thai people Department of Medical Services
Why do elderly people get constipated?
The reason why older people are constipated is not just that they don't eat enough fiber. But it may be caused by the body's system changing. Metabolism starts to fail. Hormonal imbalances, such as decreased thyroid function Including the balance of microorganisms in the intestines that has decreased Because from age 40+, probiotics in the intestines begin to decrease. This causes the microorganisms to work poorly. Therefore, constipation occurs more easily in the elderly.
Once we know this, we must look back at our lifestyle habits. We may begin to adjust our diet. adjust exercise Drinking water and balance the microorganisms in the intestines Because even though we think we eat all organic food But don't forget that Our body may not be suitable for that type of food. The older we get, the body and digestive system are no longer the same. Eating the same way may not be effective.
Because the balance of microorganisms in the body has changed. And if it is good, it is recommended that the microbial balance should be checked. You will know which microorganisms your body lacks. We will have supplements to match our body and symptoms. for best results
What are the causes of constipation in the elderly?
- Body movement: Less exercise or less movement compared to before May cause the digestive system to work slower. This makes digestion and bowel movements smaller.
- Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels during middle age can result in changes in gastrointestinal function. and cause constipation problems
- Emotions and Stress: Stress and anxiety can affect gastrointestinal function. Can cause constipation problems.
- Food: You should choose to eat foods that are easily digested. Because food consumption at an older age May affect digestion and intestinal function.
- congenital disease: People with chronic illnesses such as depression, liver disease, or gastrointestinal disorders may be at increased risk for constipation.
- Immune system: As we enter middle age, the body undergoes changes in the immune system, intestinal health, and digestion.
- Intestinal health: If the body has poor intestinal health May cause constipation problems more easily.
Caring for intestinal health is considered an issue that should be given great importance in the elderly. Especially in the matter of food. exercise and maintaining a balance of microorganisms in the organism. And if we can know what kind of microorganisms our body lacks. Taking the right kind of supplement will help improve the bowel movement of the elderly.
Probiotics decreased Affects health
- Constipation, difficult to pass bowel movements
- Low immunity, easy to get sick
- metabolism decreases
- I don't sleep well.
- poor digestion
Have you ever noticed? The older you get, the more easily you get sick. That's because the immune system's 80% is in the intestines. Because in addition to the constipation problem that the elderly have to face, Healthy intestinal problems also affect other aspects of health, such as the immune system. decreased metabolism, sleep, stress management Subprocess and slower cellular energy generation It can be seen that intestinal health problems are not just a matter of digestion or excretion alone. But digestion itself is where it all begins in our body.
“Probiotics” are good microorganisms that help in excretion.
Probiotics are living microorganisms. These microorganisms have been selected as being beneficial to the body. When ingested, it will colonize in the large intestine. To help balance the microorganisms that originally lived in the intestines. Makes good bacteria increase in number and the number of bad bacteria decreased As a result, the health of the intestines works better. It also helps solve the problem of constipation.
Therefore, for good intestinal health and taking probiotics to see results It is recommended that the balance of intestinal microorganisms should be checked (Gut Microbiome DNA Test) before supplementing with probiotics. for best results