water and apple

Stay regular with water and apples to avoid the King's fate | Mail Online

his month, Elvis Presley’s personal physician Dr Nick George Nichopoulos revealed the singer did not die from a heart attack, as was once believed, but of chronic constipation.

But for most sufferers this common condition is easily treated.

Here DR ELLIE CANNON explains what we need to know about staying regular.

Q: Can you really die of constipation?

A: Strictly speaking, no. Elvis’s doctor implied he suffered with an unusual condition caused by chronic constipation. With megacolon, the bowel expands so much it can lead to internal inflammation and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It is possible this is how Elvis, pictured, died.

Q: How regular is healthy?

A: Everyone is different. It is normal for some people to go three times a day, while others can be as infrequent as twice a week. Constipation is when you go less often than your personal rhythm and when the motions are hard and difficult to pass.

Q: What are the causes of constipation?

A: Dietary factors, such as not eating enough fibre and drinking too little water. Others include medicines – codeine-based pills, iron tablets and some antidepressants – and medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and an underactive thyroid.

Q: When is constipation a worry?

A: Any sustained change of bowel habit should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you are passing blood or Experiencing pain or sickness.

Q: Can it indicate something more serious?

A: Constipation can be the sign of something sinister blocking the bowel – colorectal cancer, for example – and it is also associated with spinal cord problems, both uncommon reasons for constipation.

Q: Should I take laxatives?

A: No, try natural methods first. Increase fluids, eat more fibre and exercise.

Q: What about prunes – are they really a good cure?

A: Prunes contain sorbitol, a natural sugar that works as a laxative, drawing water into the stool making it softer to pass. Plums, peaches, apples and apricots are also effective.

Q: When should I go to the doctor?

A: If your own natural remedies are not working, or you are experiencing pain or sickness.

Q: What will he do?

A: He can prescribe strong laxatives to ease constipation and investigate the underlying cause and say if further tests are needed.