Reset your system

Winter may seem like a distant memory thanks to the unseasonably high temperatures much of Australia has experienced in recent days. 

But the earlier cold weather – and your response to it – may have contributed to a condition suffered by many seniors. 

Those precious weeks of eating hearty and warm comfort foods, perhaps with full-bodied wines, may contribute to constipation. Sadly, over-imbibing and under-exercising conspire against ageing digestive and bowel health. 

Medications and the absence of a full set of teeth to break up foods can also slow the metabolism, leading to a feeling of always being full and bloated. 

In turn, this can lead to excessive concern about bowel movements and chronic constipation. 

Another major cause is prolonged bed rest after an accident or illness, resulting in a lack of movement and exercise. 

Normal transit constipation: This is the most common subtype of primary constipation. Despite the stool passing through the colon at a normal rate, patients have trouble evacuating their bowels. 

This is commonly seen along with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The primary distinction between chronic constipation and IBS is the abdominal pain or discomfort seen in the latter. 

Slow-transit constipation: This condition is seen more commonly among women. There are infrequent bowel movements, limited urgency, or straining to defecate. The colonic movements are slow. 

Pelvic floor dysfunction: There is a problem in the muscles of the pelvic floor or around the anus. Those who experience this have a poor ability to co-ordinate these muscles during defecation. There is a feeling of incomplete evacuation. 

Causes of constipation include: 

• Eating too many stodgy carb-heavy foods and not enough fibre

• Not drinking enough water 

• Not getting enough physical activity 

• Ignoring the urge to defecate when you need to 

• Being stressed or having a change in your environment.

You can also get constipation when you: 

• Are pregnant 

• Take certain medicines, such as some pain killers or iron tablets 

• Have a medical condition such as a thyroid problem, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or depression 

• Have a problem with your digestive tract, such as IBS, coeliac disease, or diverticulitis. 

Constipation can affect urinary incontinence such as having trouble with bladder leakage – an over-full bowel can press on the bladder reducing its capacity or making it unstable.