Although
we make light of ALS and constipation, it is a horrible experience that should
never be overlooked by an ALS patient. Weight loss, weakness, and dehydration
result from frequent constipation-induced appetite loss.
Constipation
can lead to intestine blockage, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
(Vomiting is extremely dangerous for someone who is unable to turn over while
lying on his back because it causes choking.).
One
early symptom of clogging is frequently overlooked. Small loose or liquid
stools may be ignored or thought to be sufficient when, in fact, they are the
result of a large amount of hard stool blocking the bowel and only liquid stool
passing around it.
The blockage can become severe enough to necessitate
hospitalization and, in extreme cases, surgery.
What is Constipation?
Constipation
occurs whenever the colon soaks up too much water or when the muscle
contractions that cause bowel movement are slow and sluggish. It makes using
the bathroom difficult, painful, and less frequent during these times.
Constipation
causes the stool to become hard and dry, making it more difficult to pass.
Everyone’s body has its own elimination schedule based on dietary and lifestyle
habits, but constipation occurs when you go three days or longer without a
bowel movement.
Read also: Meditation For Constipation
Causes Of Constipation In People With ALS
Many factors contribute to constipation in people with ALS, including:
- Medications used to control saliva or pain, for example
- Decreased stomach emptying or transit time
- Reduced fluid intake due to swallowing difficulties
- Difficulty pushing due to abdominal and/or pelvic muscle weakness
- Decreased physical activity due to muscle weakness and fatigue
- Reduced dietary fiber intake as a result of changes in food preferences
Symptoms Of ALS and constipation
There
is a wide range of symptoms associated with ALS. Constipation can be a problem
from the beginning of the disease and become increasingly difficult to manage
as it progresses.
Maintaining a healthy fluid intake and eating enough
high-fiber foods can help with health and well-being in the short and long
term.
How To Manage Or Treat Constipation
To treat and manage ALS and constipation, a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses hydration, diet, mealtimes, bowel routines, and medications is required. A team-based approach could address the following issues:
- Increase Fluid Intake
- Avoid Unhealthy Foods
- Regular Physical Activity
- Stress Reduction
- Fiber-Rich Diet
- Regular Evacuation of Bowels
- Monitor Medication Intake
- Taking Vitamins
- Fruits
Increase Fluid Intake
A
healthy person should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. You may
require more water if you are physically active.
Water helps the body’s
biological functions, regulates body temperature, and eliminates waste.
Constipation can be relieved by drinking plenty of water. Fruit juices can also
be included in your diet.
Avoid Unhealthy Foods
Cheeses,
dairy products, unripe bananas, meat, fatty foods, high protein foods, fast
foods, preservatives and dyes, and processed foods are all common causes of
hard stools.
These foods tend to disrupt your digestive tract’s natural rhythm
and make it difficult for your body to process and assimilate the foods you’ve
eaten.
Regular Physical Activity
Constipation
is common in sedentary people. Physical activity improves circulation and
digestion. It aids in the removal of waste.
Constipation can be treated with
yoga and breathing exercises. Walking can also help if your bowel movements are
irregular.
Read also: Can Constipation Cause Back Pain Near Kidneys
Stress Reduction
Tension
can cause constipation. Stress has an impact on the entire body; you may become
fatigued, your immune system may be compromised, and your gastrointestinal
processes may be disrupted. When you are stressed, foods ferment and stagnate
in your intestines for a longer period of time, allowing constipation to
occur.
Fiber-Rich Diet
Constipation
is primarily caused by junk foods and highly processed foods. Dietary
fiber-rich foods must be included in your diet for a healthy digestive system.
Green leafy vegetables, apples, papaya, pineapple, oranges, oats, beans, whole
grain bread, brown rice, and so on are examples.
Limit your consumption of meat
and white bread. Fiber bulks up your feces, making them easier to expel.
Regular Evacuation of Bowels
Use
the restroom, when necessary, rather than waiting until you are unable to wait
any longer. Delaying going to the bathroom can disrupt your body’s natural
processes.
You should try to have a bowel movement every day at the same time
of day so that your body is ready to do its job.
Monitor Medication Intake
Some
medications, such as pain relievers, can cause constipation. Stool hardening is
also caused by iron supplements.
Monitoring your medications and researching
their potential side effects can help you avoid bowel irregularities by taking
the necessary steps to treat constipation.
Taking Vitamins
Adequate
vitamin intake allows the entire body to function normally. When you get enough
vitamins, your body can digest foods better, break them down, and convert them
into energy more efficiently. Take a vitamin supplement every day to ensure you
get the right number of vitamins.
Read also: Chiropractor For Leg Pain
Fruits
Fruits
are high in fiber, which aids in colon cleansing and prevents constipation.
Except when they have pesticides and preservatives in their outer skin, they do
not leave any slime residue on the body when eaten.
They do not ferment or
putrefy in our intestines like processed foods, dairy products, and meats do.
Fruits
should be consumed when fully ripe. If they are underripe or overripe, do not
eat them. They may be acidic if they are underripe, and they may contain more
natural sugar if they are overripe.
Apples,
apricots, avocados, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupes, cherries, figs and
dates, grapes, lemons, papayas, peaches, pears, persimmons, plums, prunes, and
raspberries are all good for constipation.
Fruits
are an effective natural remedy for ALS and constipation. To relieve
constipation, eat fruits every day and between meals. Aside from these fruits,
there are numerous herbs that can be used to treat constipation
naturally.
Triphala,
a herbal combination of three natural herbs (haritaki, amalaki, and bibhitaki
in equal parts), has also been found to be beneficial in the treatment of
constipation. It is a natural colon cleanser that helps to prevent
constipation.
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A Word From GetMe Treated
I
recommend that you experiment with your diet and other treatments to see what
works best for you.
This will necessitate that you are serious about finding a
solution to your ALS and constipation problem because if you are committed
enough, you will be able to be constipation-free.
The
key to relieving constipation will be patience and taking one step at a time,
but I can guarantee that life is so much more joyful without constipation, and
I hope to see you on the other side.
