Tips And Advice For Treating Constipation In Children
There are many natural ways to treat constipation in children. Both infants who are only a few months old and older children can be affected by it, but most cases can be resolved with the help of a healthy diet and some good habits.
This digestive problem is one of the main reasons for visiting the pediatrician. It may not be a serious problem, but it can be painful and lead to other complications without adequate treatment. So, h ow can you tell if your child is suffering from constipation ?
The main symptom of this problem is changes in digestive patterns. Sometimes a child has less than three bowel movements a week, where they have hard and dry stools. The child may also experience painful bowel movements and bloating.
Fortunately, we do not always have to resort to commercial laxatives. Before turning to them, you should try some dietary changes and natural treatments. Find out more!
Constipation in children: Good habits
There are many factors that can lead to constipation in children. Among the most important, however, we find poor dietary habits. Although children’s digestive systems adapt to their diet, the problem is that we sometimes give them food that is not as nutritious.
So, what can we do to treat constipation in children? The first step is to make some dietary changes. To do so, we will share our main suggestions below.
Increase fiber intake
Fiber is an important nutrient that aids digestion. When children’s diet lacks this substance, they are prone to constipation. To ensure that this does not happen, you can add more fiber to your diet with:
- Whole grains
- Fruit (with peel)
- Fresh vegetables
- Prunes
- Chickpeas and lentils
- Peas
- Natural popcorn
Avoid sweets and sugar
Eating too much sugar can have a negative impact on our digestive health. As a result, many cases of constipation in children are due to the fact that they eat sweets and sweets daily. Although children may love their sweets, try to keep them away from their regular diet.
Try to get your child to drink water
Drinking plenty of water starts to be important very early. When children do not get enough water, digestion slows down and the risk of constipation increases. This is because fluids increase the volume of fiber, making the stool softer.
Encourage physical activity
Playing sports, or even just exercising while playing, stimulates a smooth blood circulation and improves digestion. Thus, as a compliment to a healthy diet, you should encourage your child to participate in some form of physical activity.
Teach them how to follow a bathroom routine
When children are old enough, they should have a good bathroom routine. Given that younger children may be afraid to start, you should follow and guide them through it so that it becomes a habit. Children who have not learned to use a potty tend to stay to avoid going to the toilet.
Because of this, it is better to start training them little by little without pushing them. When they get the hang of it, show them the right attitude for when they go to the toilet. In addition, you should remind them that they must always go to the toilet when they feel the need.
Constipation in children: Natural treatments
Pharmaceutical laxatives should only be an option for chronic cases of constipation. You should consult your pediatrician about use in advance. If your child has recently started having constipation, or if it is a mild case, you should choose natural treatments.
Prune juice
Prunes have a laxative effect that can improve digestion and help us fight constipation. When giving prune juice to young children, you should mix 30-60 ml in equal parts water.
Grapes on an empty stomach
Grapes are a tasty fruit that children love to eat. In addition, they are great for treating constipation in children in a short time. Have your child eat 6 to 8 grapes on an empty stomach, with the skin on.
Honey
Children older than one year can eat honey diluted in water as an alternative solution to a slow digestion. Honey contains natural enzymes that help optimize the food’s digestion process to facilitate its elimination.
Apple juice
Apple juice is a highly recommended drink for younger children. Thanks to the fact that children love the sweet taste, it is good against constipation. Its pectin and water content is perfect for relieving the problem. We recommend giving your child 60 to 120 ml of apple juice every day.
Summary
The easiest and safest way to fight constipation in children is by improving their diet. You should replace refined and processed foods with organic alternatives. In addition, you should include fruits and foods with laxative properties that help you put an end to your child’s constipation.
