Are you constipated? A study reveals that having a bowel movement every 3 days (and more) could be a factor in cognitive decline.
There chronic constipation would touch 10 to 20% of adults in France depending on SNFGE, especially women. This prevalence is even higher in the elderly due to age-related factors such as low fiber diets, lack of exercise and taking certain medications. Chronic constipation (pooping every 3 days or more) could be a factor in cognitive decline reveals a study whose results were presented at the international conference of theAlzheimer Association in Amsterdam (Netherlands), on July 19. “Our bodily systems are all interconnected, commented Heather M. Snyder, the association’s Vice President of Medical and Scientific Relations. When one system malfunctions, it impacts other systems.”
3 years older cognitive age
Scientists analyzed cohort data from more than 110,000 people. They collected the frequency of their bowel movements in 2012-2013 and the self-assessment of their cognitive functions from 2014 to 2017. Result: less frequent bowel movements were associated with a lower cognitive function. Compared to those who had a bowel movement once a day, constipated participants (one bowel movement every three days or more) had significantly worse cognition, equivalent to 3 more years of cognitive aging. “These people also had 73% more likely to experience a decline in mental abilities“say the authors of the study.
The belly and the brain are even more connected than we thought. “Eating well and taking care of your gut can be a way to reduce the risk of dementia” defended Heather M. Snyder. Healthy eatinghigh in fiber and polyphenols (fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds), sufficient hydration and regular physical activity could help keep our belly and brain healthy. “There are many unanswered questions about the link between the health of our digestive system and our long-term cognitive function.. Answering these questions could lead to discovering new therapeutic and risk reduction approaches for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias” concluded Heather M. Snyder.