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Constipation Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger. Dr Caldwell Esselstyn
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e're probably all guilty of making a few jokes about constipation from time to time but a sure sign that you might actually have a problem in this area is when you can't laugh about it anymore. That's hardly a scientific explanation of course and while you should never underestimate what might be happening down there, don't think you're an exception. Gut health has become a major issue. Recent English statistics reveal one in seven adults and one in three children suffer from constipation at any one time. There's no suggestion the Brits are any exception here but you will need to do more than 'keep calm and carry on' if direct action is required. UK stats show that £168 million were spent by the National Health Service in 2018-19 on treating constipation. The problem has resulted in upwards of 200,000 GP visits per week with 211 people, every day, being admitted to hospital
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- three quarters of those are emergencies. And Australia is no exception either. According to a study published in 2014, there were 3978 emergency separations for constipation in Victoria in 2010–2011, 92 per cent in public hospitals. Of this 55 per cent were female and 38 percent were over 75 years old. One third stayed overnight and 1/3 more than one day. The cost estimate for this exceded $8.3 million. In New Zealand studies report an average of 15 per cent of adults suffer from Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. Higher rates exist among older adults, women and individuals with little daily activity or low level income. Only a minority of patients seek medical advice for constipation, yet it is one of the five most common diagnoses made at gastroenterology outpatient clinics. It's costly due to consultations, investigations, treatment, time off work and negative effects on physical and mental wellbeing.
More plants can certainly help
hile they may not provide the complete answer, more plants can certainly help so a good first step is to increase your comsumption of plants, especially leafy greens. Fibre is crucial to the gut and studies reveal that most of us just don't get enough of it. But what if you start eating more plants and the problem becomes worse than before? Gut health specialist Dr Will Bulsiewicz says don't panic, you may need help from a laxitive first. As he sees it, the first step in dealing with constipation is
to clear out the drain. When that happens, bowel movements often return to a more regular pattern. For those that become steady plant consumers, he says, pleasurable pooing should happen twice a day. According to nutritionfacts.org plant-based eaters, on average, have the healthiest stools and are the most regular. On a traditional African diet, which consists largely of plants, constipation is essentially nonexistent. In addition to fiber, appropriate water intake should also help.
