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Nice article, Nina! Thanks. Kathleen 2009/8/27 Nina P. Brown <[log in to unmask]> > With regard to the thread on constipation... the following is an article > that I wrote for the HAPS (Houston Area Parkinson's Society) newsletter. It > may have something in it that someone will find helpful... > > for other articles, go to www.hapsonline.org > > nina > > KEEP ON MOVING... > > > Parkinson’s is a movement disorder, yet one of the least discussed > “movement” problems is constipation. Although it can be a concern for > anyone, it is a common complaint and a troublesome symptom for those living > with Parkinson's. To make matters worse, the side effects of most of the > drugs used for Parkinson’s increase the tendency toward constipation. > > The rigidity and slowness that occurs in Parkinson’s also affects the > muscles controlling the bowels. Because the bowels move slowly, stool moves > slowly; and the fluid that's required for proper consistency dries out, > making the stools hard. The longer the stool takes to pass through the > bowel, the harder it becomes, and the more difficult it becomes to pass. > Because it takes longer, one study defined constipation as less frequent > bowel movements, rather than difficulty with defecation. It’s not necessary > for most people to have a bowel movement every day. Three bowel movements > per week is considered normal; whereas two or less per week is considered > constipation. > > Constipation occurs in 30% of people with Parkinson’s. However, depending > on the length and severity of their Parkinson’s, 70% have difficulty > completing a bowel movement and may strain or not completely evacuate. > > Constipation should be well-managed otherwise chronic constipation can > cause serious complications, such as: > > Lethargy > > Nausea and abdominal pain > > Twisted or obstructed bowel > > Bowel incontinence > > Urinary incontinence caused by pressure against the bladder > > Urinary tract infections > > === > > A few suggestions follow that might help ease your bowels and ease your > mind. > > Avoid unnecessary medicines that contain substances known to cause > constipation such as calcium and aluminum. > > Get treatment for any medical problem that may be contributing to the > constipation, such as hemorrhoids. > > > > Dietary changes. Dietary fiber is indigestible. If you don’t have a > problem chewing or swallowing, adding high fiber foods to your diet will > increase the bulk of the stool and prevent constipation. If you do have a > problem chewing or swallowing, try grating your food or use a blender to get > the necessary roughage. Include the skin, where most of the fiber is found. > At least two meals a day should include high-fiber foods such as grains and > raw vegetables (carrots, cauliflower and broccoli) or nuts and dried fruits > (raisins, prunes or apricots.) Some high-fiber snack foods are sesame bread > sticks, date nut bread, oatmeal cookies, fig newtons, granola, raisin bars > and corn chips. You can add fiber by sprinkling bran into applesauce or > yogurt or on cereal; however, bran should be avoided if you have swallowing > problems. Also, be aware if you add milk to cold cereal, the protein in the > milk can compete with your Parkinson medications getting to the brain. Try > hot oat bran cereal in the morning instead, which reduces the amount of > protein, adds the needed bulk, and helps stimulate the gastrocolic reflex. > Experiment with adding bran when cooking casseroles and eggs. You can also > substitute 1-2 tablespoons of bran for each cup of flour when baking. > Don't increase dietary fiber too quickly or you'll risk bloating and > abdominal cramps. If discomfort occurs, cut back your fiber intake, increase > your fluids, and apply a hot water bottle to the abdomen and check with your > doctor. > > Avoid constipating foods like cheese, rice and bananas. > > Prunes contain compounds believed to stimulate bowel contractions. > > Massage your belly regularly from the rib cage to the pubic bone. > > Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day to help prevent > “rock-like” stools. Hot liquids will often stimulate bowel activity. Avoid > drinks that cause dehydration such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Drink as > early in the day as possible so that you don’t have to get up at night to > urinate. Cut back on milk drinks, as milk can cause constipation in some > people. > > Increase your activity level by exercising regularly. This will help > stretch and strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Vigorous exercise > isn’t necessary, but just doing a few stretches or sit-ups isn’t enough. > Walking helps propel the stool into the lower intestine. > > Good toilet habits. When your body gives you the signal you need to go, > don’t postpone. Set aside a scheduled time of day, when you have time to > relax and move your bowels. Sit comfortably on the commode, feet flat on the > ground or possibly drawing up your knees. Never sit longer than 5 minutes or > strain to pass hard stool. You don’t want to risk getting hemorrhoids. > > Laxatives may diminish with continued use and some of the side effects > can be serious. Be aware that any method of softening the stool does not > give immediate results and is ineffective for chronic or severe > constipation. > > Enemas or laxatives that stimulate can cause severe cramping and chronic > use can deplete blood potassium levels and damage the bowel and should only > be used as a last resort. > > If simple measures don't work or if you have bloody bowel movements, > pain, unexplained weight loss or you are still constipated after three weeks > despite your best efforts, see your doctor to rule out more serious causes > of your discomfort. > > > Nina > "Circumstances determine our lives, but we shape our lives by what we make > of our circumstances." > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto: > [log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn