Constipation-Risk Factors, Prevention, and Treatment in a Collapsed Society

Constipation is something we’ve all experienced to some
extent and which we’d all like to avoid.
Most of the time it is easily avoided and just as easily treated. However, it will become a frequent problem in
a collapsed society among those who undergo drastic dietary changes. It will be especially prevalent among
individuals consuming a diet composed primarily of protein, simple
carbohydrates (white flour, white rice, pasta), and fat, with little to no
fiber. If that looks like your food
storage plan, consider the following:

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the risks a poor diet presents for
constipation, there are a few other factors that contribute to constipation:

Narcotic use, including for short term pain
relief
Not drinking enough water
Being elderly
Anti-depressant use
Hypothyroidism

PREVENTION

The absolute best methods of preventing constipation include
drinking plenty of water and eating a diet high in fiber—whole grains, beans,
and dried or canned fruit are ideal.
Other foods high in fiber include broccoli, apples, bananas, carrots,
potatoes, onions, grapes, apples, prunes, and raisins.

TREATMENT

Unfortunately, eating a lot of high fiber foods may not
address an acute constipation problem.
There are numerous ways of correcting a current constipation
problem. The list will go in order from
easiest and least invasive to the most difficult and least desirable options.

·
Walking
may be all that is needed. It will also
help keep a body regular.

·
Prunes
and prune juice were on the table
every morning for breakfast at my grandparents’ house. Dried prunes store well.

·
1
teaspoon cream of tartar in 1 cup of water.
(Tartaric acid, which is used to make cream of tartar, comes from
grapes.)

·
Epsom
salts, also known as magnesium sulfate, are a fast-acting solution. Use 1 teaspoon in ½ cup of water.

·
Stool softeners
like Colace (docusate sodium) and Surfak (docusate calcium) are OTC and taken
1-2 times per day to soften stools.

·
Mineral
oil, a petroleum byproduct like Vaseline, usually works within 6
hours. It is a better choice for those
with hemorrhoids as it “greases” the stool for easier passage. For others, mineral oil shouldn’t be the
first choice as it prevents vitamin absorption and for this reason it should
never be taken with meals. The dose is
1-2 tablespoons at bedtime. It inhibits the
absorption of water and nutrients from stool so that the stool passes more
easily. Due to the potential for causing
pneumonia if it is aspirated, it should not be used by anyone with a cough or who
has trouble swallowing. It is generally
not for use by children under the age of 12 years, though my pediatrician recommended
1 teaspoon per day for my chronically constipated two-year-old.

·
Suppositories
with glycerin or bisacodyl are inserted into the rectum and are relatively
fast-acting. At least one package of
infant glycerin suppositories should be in every family’s medical kit.

·
Castor
oil works quickly and should not be taken at bedtime. In addition, it must not be taken by pregnant
women as it can bring on premature labor.

·
Enemas are
used in hospitals when all else fails.
The fluid loosens the stool and stimulates expulsion. The most effective enema is the M&M. One cup of milk (you can use reconstituted
powdered milk) and one cup of molasses are mixed over low heat until combined,
then cooled to room temperature. Fill
an enema bag with the mixture and insert the tube into the rectum.

·
Manual
removal is the last resort. Insert a
gloved and lubricated finger and start digging.
No, it is not comfortable or desirable, but it’s all that will be
available if you don’t stock up on other remedies.

Herbs reported to be of efficacy in relieving constipation
include the following: