continued.....(back to previous page)
The causes of constipation are complex. NOT EATING ENOUGH overall, is one.
Another, as most people know, is EATING cheese and meats, as well as other HIGH
PROTEIN FOODS. (Nuts are an exception: they are high in fiber as well as protein.)
A third is NOT EATING ENOUGH FIBER. Yet another is NOT DRINKING ENOUGH.
You should drink 2-3 liters of fluid every day!
Medical causes include thyroid problems, lack of exercise, Parkinson’s disease, and
other illnesses. Antacids, treatments for upset stomach, and iron pills are also
constipating as are prescriptions causing constipation include treatments for urinary
incontinence, Parkinson’s, some antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers
(used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure) and narcotic pain medications.
Many false beliefs exist concerning proper bowel function. These misconceptions
have led to a marked overuse of laxatives. One of these is that a bowel movement is
important every day. Another is that wastes stored in the body are absorbed. Recent
research has not borne out these ideas.
The causes of constipation are complex. NOT EATING ENOUGH overall, is one.
Another, as most people know, is EATING cheese and meats, as well as other HIGH
PROTEIN FOODS. (Nuts are an exception: they are high in fiber as well as protein.)
A third is NOT EATING ENOUGH FIBER. Yet another is NOT DRINKING ENOUGH.
You should drink 2-3 liters of fluid every day!
Medical causes include thyroid problems, lack of exercise, Parkinson’s disease, and
other illnesses. Antacids, treatments for upset stomach, and iron pills are also
constipating as are prescriptions causing constipation include treatments for urinary
incontinence, Parkinson’s, some antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers
(used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure) and narcotic pain medications.
Many false beliefs exist concerning proper bowel function. These misconceptions
have led to a marked overuse of laxatives. One of these is that a bowel movement is
important every day. Another is that wastes stored in the body are absorbed. Recent
research has not borne out these ideas.
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Medications that can Cause Constipation (selected from Many)
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Constipation
from Living Older, Living Better! by Katrina Gwinn, MD
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Things You can Do to Prevent Constipation include:
• Increase dietary fiber. (see Rancho Recipe).
• Try to go at the same time everyday: eventually, your body may get the
message.
• Be sure to exercise to the extent you are able.
• Don’t Obsess: It is important not to focus excess attention on being “Regular”.
Some people “go” less than others and sometimes, our bodies are more likely to
have a bowel movement; our bowels, like the rest of nature, have their active and
less active periods.