064 What to Know About Constipation and Laxatives

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains how older adults and families can prevent and manage constipation, including how to safely and effectively use over-the-counter laxatives. She covers:

• What exactly does it mean to be constipated, and why is it more common with aging
• The most common causes of constipation, and which “red flag” signs shouldn’t be ignored
• Medications that often make constipation worse
• How constipation should be evaluated and treated
• The laxative myth you shouldn’t believe
• 3 types of over-the-counter laxative that work, and the one that doesn’t
• Why she often recommends prunes
• What to do if you’re concerned about constipation for yourself or someone else

Related episode: 

046 Interview: Deprescribing & Reducing Risky Medications in Aging

Related Resources:

• How to Evaluate, Prevent & Manage Constipation in Aging
• Bristol Stool Scale
• Deprescribing: How to Be on Less Medication for Healthier Aging
• 7 Common Brain-Toxic Drugs Older Adults Should Use With Caution (Anticholinergics)
• Understanding the Physics of Functional Fibers in the Gastrointestinal Tract