Chronic Constipation May Be A Sign Of Deteriorating Health

Chronic constipation may be linked to cognitive decline, according to a study presented July 19 at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in the Netherlands. 16% of the global population suffers from constipation, and the elderly are especially prone to irregular bowel movements. In this ongoing study, chronic constipation was defined as having a bowel movement every three days or more. Chronic constipation was associated with a 73% higher risk of subjective cognitive decline and was shown to lead to changes in the gut microbiota. Cognitive function is an umbrella term for a person's mental abilities such as thinking, reasoning, learning, decision-making, problem-solving, attention, and memory.

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Although chronic constipation has been linked to anxiety, depression, and inflammation, the Alzheimer's Association says there are several unanswered questions about the link between digestive health and cognitive function.

The team for the new study examined 112,000 adults who participated in the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Healthcare Professionals Follow-up Study. The first two studies of nurses have been completed. The study examines risk factors for major chronic diseases in North American women. A third study is still ongoing. It investigates the same risk factors in men.

This latest study on constipation used data on participants' bowel movement frequency from 2012 to 2013, their self-assessments of their cognitive function from 2014 to 2017, and some participants' knowledge of their cognitive function from 2014 to 2018. Objective measure of function.

The researchers found that the participants who suffered from constipation had significantly worse cognition than those who had a bowel movement once a day. The damage caused by constipation is equivalent to three years or more of chronic cognitive aging. They also found that people who had two bowel movements per day also had an increased cognitive risk, but this was less likely.

Dong Wang, a senior researcher at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Harvard School of Public Health, said: "These findings underscore the importance of clinicians discussing gut health, especially constipation, with their older patients. Preventing constipation and interventions to improve gut health include eating a healthy diet rich in high-fiber and high-polyphenol foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; supplementing with fiber; drinking enough water each day; and regular physical activity."

A separate study published in the journal Neurology in February found that people who took laxatives regularly had an increased risk of dementia compared with those who didn't. Study co-author Sha Feng, from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said: "It is crucial to find ways to reduce people's risk of dementia by identifying risk factors that can be modified. We need to do more research to further investigate the link between laxative drugs and dementia found in our study. If our findings are confirmed, medical professionals can encourage people to adopt lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, increasing fiber in the diet, And adding more activity to their daily routine to treat constipation."

Getting enough fiber from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts can prevent constipation. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that your total daily fiber intake should be at least 25 grams. Getting enough water can also soften stools, and exercising a few times a week can also help prevent constipation.

It is also important to understand the nature of the challenge and individuality of gut bacteria and microbiota.

"Each person's gut microbiome seems to be unique, almost like a fingerprint," says gastroenterologist Monia Wolang of the University of South Carolina Greenville School of Medicine. Scientists are still learning how to manipulate the gut. microbiota to promote health and ameliorate disease. Targeting the microbiome is promising, but there's still a lot we don't know, especially when you consider how it differs from person to person."

Natural Herbal Medicine For Relieving Constipation-Cistanche 

Cistanche is a genus of parasitic plants that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. These plants are known for their medicinal properties and have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Cistanche species are predominantly found in arid and desert regions of China, Mongolia, and other parts of Central Asia. Cistanche plants are characterized by their fleshy, yellowish stems and are highly valued for their potential health benefits. In TCM, Cistanche is believed to have tonic properties and is commonly used to nourish the kidney, enhance vitality, and support sexual function. It is also used to address issues related to aging, fatigue, and overall well-being. While Cistanche has a long history of use in traditional medicine, scientific research on its efficacy and safety is ongoing and limited. However, it is known to contain various bioactive compounds such as phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides, which may contribute to its medicinal effects.

Wecistanche's cistanche powder, cistanche tablets, cistanche capsules, and other products are developed using desert cistanche as raw materials, all of which have a good effect on relieving constipation. The specific mechanism is as follows: Cistanche is believed to have potential benefits for relieving constipation based on its traditional use and certain compounds it contains. While scientific research specifically on Cistanche's effect on constipation is limited, it is thought to have multiple mechanisms that may contribute to its potential to relieve constipation. Laxative Effect: Cistanche has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for constipation. It is believed to have a mild laxative effect, which can help promote bowel movements and induce constipation. This effect may be attributed to various compounds found in Cistanche, such as phenylethanoid glycosides and polysaccharides. Moistening the Intestines: Based on traditional use, Cistanche is considered to have moisturizing properties, specifically targeting the Intestines. Promoting hydration and lubrication of the Intestines may help soften tools and facilitate easier passage, thereby relieving constipation. Anti-inflammatory Effect: Constipation can sometimes be associated with inflammation in the digestive tract. Cistanche contains certain compounds, including phenylethanoid glycosides and lignans, that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the intestines, it may help improve bowel movement regularity and relieve constipation.