Los Angeles Residents, Are You Suffering From Constipation? Finally, A Recipe for Success!

Article by Linda Taylor and Hadas Abouaf, RN, BSN.

Working in a Los Angeles based non-medical in-home care company, we often hear about our client’s medical problems. Many of them can only be helped with a kind word or some assistance with certain activities or tasks. One problem that we can help with, however, is constipation. Most people, from the young to the very elderly, suffer from constipation at one time or another. Constipation is not a disease, but a symptom, usually of a poor diet and lack of exercise. Constipation is usually defined as less than three bowel movements per week, but this varies from person to person. The discomfort and bloating felt is often so bothersome, that any kind of relief is welcome.

There are many over the counter solutions for constipation, but often the body gets used to the laxatives and may require increased doses in order to maintain the desired effect. Drinking more water, eating foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, cereals, beans, vegetables and fruit, and exercising regularly are the recommended measures presented by many health care professionals, as the most effective on-going solutions to constipation. Adults require 20-35 grams of fiber daily but many people eat an average of only 5-14 grams per day, consuming too many refined and processed foods.

The following recipe was given to us by one of our clients. For individuals who need relief as quickly as possible, here is a proven recipe for success, in the form of fruit paste:

1 lb. pitted prunes

1 lb. raisins

1 cup brown sugar

1 lb. figs

1 3.5-4 oz. Package of Senna tea (from Whole Foods or a health food store)

1 cup lemon juice

Prepare the tea: use 3.5 cups boiling water to a package of tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain tea and add 2 cups to large pot. Add fruit. Boil tea and fruit for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add sugar and lemon juice. Cool. Puree in food processor or blender. Take 1-2 tablespoons daily. Can be frozen in glass jars or plastic containers. To your good health!

CarenetLA is a company that cares, providing all the services, and sometimes advice, needed to assist the elderly and infirm at home with the activities of daily living. For more information, please go to http://www.carenetla.com or call (310) 393-1282.

About the Author

Hadas Abouaf is a gerontology certified registered nurse. She started her career by being a caregiver to an elderly woman who needed help with all of the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, transportation, medication reminders, etc. Following the birth of Hadas’ first child in 2004, Hadas, along with her father Jeff, started carenetLA, a non-medical in-home care giving company.