Senile constipation is an important public health issue that threatens the quality of life of the elderly population, and the incidence of constipation among the elderly increases year by year with age. What are the hazards of senile constipation? How to scientifically solve the "secret"? Constipation hazards: May induce angina, myocardial infarction, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. Elderly constipation is a common health problem among people over 65 years old, but its hazards go far beyond difficulty in defecation. Long term constipation may trigger a series of chain reactions, from intestinal health to cardiovascular system, and even affect psychological state. Long term constipation can make the intestines "increasingly lazy". Feces accumulate in the intestine, leading to a weakened contraction force of the intestinal wall muscles and forming a vicious cycle. In addition, dry and hard feces may scratch the intestinal mucosa, causing hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even rectal prolapse. Long term retention of feces in the intestine may result in the reabsorption of toxins (such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) into the bloodstream, leading to bad breath, dull skin, and even affecting liver detoxification function. Intestinal feces can compress the bladder, leading to frequent urination, urgency, and even urinary incontinence. Constipation is often accompanied by bloating and decreased appetite, leading to insufficient nutrient intake. Long term exposure may lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and even weakened immunity. Elderly people who often have hypertension or arteriosclerosis may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure when holding their breath during bowel movements. This momentary change in pressure may trigger angina, myocardial infarction, or cerebral hemorrhage. Long term difficulty in defecation may lead to anxiety and depression. Older people may reduce their social activities and fall into a vicious cycle of loneliness, constipation, and anxiety due to concerns about not being able to find a restroom when going out. Root cause of constipation: The four major shackles hinder the smooth flow of the intestines, and elderly people's physical functions deteriorate, which can easily lead to constipation. Intestinal peristalsis relies on the regular contraction of smooth muscles, but in elderly people, the contraction amplitude of the colon wall is small, intestinal motility is lacking, and bowel movements are often weak; And the quantity and quality of ENS neurons, neurotransmitters, etc. in its body decrease, leading to weak contraction; At the same time, the amount of motilin that promotes intestinal motility decreases, while the amount of somatostatin that inhibits intestinal motility increases, resulting in slower intestinal motility; In addition, the pelvic floor muscle group degenerates, the "gate" that could have been tightly closed relaxes, and the resistance to defecation increases; In addition, saliva secretion and digestive enzyme activity decrease, resulting in less water in food residues and increased difficulty in defecation. Changes in dietary structure can also lead to constipation. For example, the elderly have poor teeth, often eat soft and rotten food (such as porridge and noodles), lack of coarse grains and vegetables, and lack of "broom" cleaning garbage in their intestines, which weakens their intestinal motility; Slow perception of thirst, daily water intake less than 1200ml, exacerbating intestinal dryness; Imbalance of gut microbiota and abnormal metabolic products. Exercise can enhance the frequency and amplitude of intestinal peristalsis, but long-term lack of exercise in the elderly population can lead to decreased intestinal motility, muscle atrophy and coordination, reduced intestinal blood flow, which seriously affects intestinal peristalsis, abdominal muscle function, blood circulation, and autonomic nervous system balance, thereby exacerbating constipation. The intestine is known as the 'second brain', and its function is closely related to emotions. For elderly people, long-term emotional fluctuations, anxiety, or depression not only affect their mental health, but also interfere with intestinal function through the nervous, hormonal, and immune systems, becoming an "invisible driving force" for senile constipation. Scientific regulation: Diet, exercise, and emotions are the three keys to solving the "secret". Senile constipation is closely related to daily diet. By scientifically adjusting the diet structure, not only can constipation be prevented, but intestinal health can also be improved, and overall quality of life can be enhanced. The key is to consume more of the following foods: dietary fiber, such as whole grain foods (oats, brown rice, corn), various vegetables, fruits, beans, etc. Water, it is recommended to drink 1500-2000 milliliters (about 8 cups) of water daily, and drinking warm water on an empty stomach in the morning is more effective. Probiotics can balance the gut microbiota, promote the production of short chain fatty acids, and enhance intestinal motility. Edible fermented foods (sugar free yogurt, kimchi, natto, etc.) and prebiotic foods (bananas, onions, garlic, etc.) help balance the gut microbiota. Scientific and reasonable exercise can not only strengthen the body, but also activate intestinal function through multiple pathways. There are many constipation prevention exercise programs suitable for the elderly, such as aerobic brisk walking, Tai Chi, abdominal massage, etc., which can all improve constipation. Exercise at least 5 days a week to establish a regular pattern in order to maintain intestinal motility. If combined with diet and timely supplementation of water and high fiber foods (such as oats and bananas) after exercise, the effect will be better. Emotions have a certain impact on constipation in elderly people. It is important to maintain an optimistic and peaceful attitude, avoid anxiety and depression, and thus alleviate constipation symptoms. Constipation is a preventable and treatable health condition, and every elderly friend should establish the awareness of "early screening and treatment", actively learn about intestinal knowledge, understand their own intestinal and defecation conditions, and take into account the "symptoms" in the prevention and treatment of constipation. Once changes in bowel habits, abnormal stool characteristics, or symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloody stools are discovered, medical attention should be sought promptly. (New Society)