“Can you suggest natural laxatives that are safe for elderly patients?”
Can you please recommend natural laxatives that can be consumed by elderly patients without side effects? My mother has been having issues with constipation.
7 Answers
Hi, this question would best be answered after having a consultation or first appointment with a naturopathic doctor as many of our elderly are on medications that may have interactions with natural medicines, or have other health issues that could impact the safely of any medication, natural or pharmaceutical.
Why has your mother been having constipation? Medication side effect? Related to another medical condition? The issue with natural medicines is that there is not a one size fits all.
There are many natural safe things to help with chronic constipation. One of the great things about naturopathic care is we tailor each treatment to the person. More specifics would be needed before I could make a recommendation. Please reach out and schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms further.
A handful of dark grapes each morning works like a laxative. High in fiber.
Glucomannan is an excellent fiber source, it is also a great natural cure for constipation and irregularity.
Even natural laxatives when used too much can become a concern for anyone, especially in seniors. I highly suggest booking an appointment with a Naturopathic doctor to determine the cause of her constipation. In the meanwhile, she can increase water (as long as there's no restriction from her doctor with water intake due to her health) and fiber intake. Remember, if you do fiber that you must increase water or you'll only compound the issue. You can eat more foods with fiber or you can get a fiber supplement. I'd follow the directions on the product label.
Without knowing the health history of your mother, I cannot make any specific herbal recommendations, but typically, increasing fiber will help elderly patients. This can be from fruits or cooked vegetables. As many people age, they do not have the same appetite they once had, less going in = less coming out; sometimes (not always), increasing intake of food will help. There are several over-the-counter laxatives that can be used on a short-term basis, however, this should be discussed with your mother's physician/practitioner.
