How To Fight Childhood Constipation
There are many natural methods that help fight childhood constipation. In fact, although it can occur both in babies of a few months and in older children, in general it can be solved with nutrition and some healthy habits.
This digestive disease is one of the main reasons you go to the pediatrician. While it is usually not serious, it can cause ailments and complications when proper treatment is not applied. How to know if your child is suffering from childhood constipation ?
The main feature of this problem is the changes in bowel habits. Often the baby has fewer than three bowel movements a week or his stools are hard and dry. It is also likely that you may experience painful bowel movements and abdominal bloating.
Fortunately, it is not always necessary to resort to the use of conventional laxatives. Before opting for this measure it is best to follow some tips to change your diet and try different natural remedies. Take note!
Tips to combat childhood constipation in a natural way
There are many factors that can affect this digestive disorder in children. However, one of its main causes is bad eating habits. It is true that the digestive system of children must adapt to the diet ; the problem is that sometimes we give them food whose nutritional value doesn’t help at all.
What can we do to combat childhood constipation? The first step to take is to make changes in the diet. Therefore, below we share the main recommendations in detail.
Promote the consumption of fiber
Fiber is one of the essential nutrients that support the digestion process. When food is low in this substance, children are usually more sensitive to constipation. Therefore, the ideal is to encourage its consumption through:
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Fresh vegetables
- Dried plums
- Chickpeas and lentils
- Peas
- Natural popcorn
Avoid sweets and sugar
Excessive sugar consumption negatively affects digestive health. Finally, many of the cases of childhood constipation originate from the daily intake of sweets and candies. Even if children love these products, it is best to try not to give them to them.
Make sure the baby drinks water
The importance of consuming lots of water every day starts at an early age. When children don’t drink enough, their digestive process slows down and they are at greater risk of suffering from constipation. This is because liquids increase the volume of the fiber and make the stool softer.
Encourage sports practices
Regular practice of any sporting activity, including play, stimulates blood circulation and improves intestinal transit. Therefore, as a complement to a healthy diet, it is essential to encourage any kind of physical activity in minors.
Teach a toileting routine
The bathroom routine must be introduced at an appropriate age. Since young children are afraid to take this step, it is important to accompany and guide them so that it becomes a habit. Babies who aren’t ready to go to the bathroom tend to hold back their stools.
So, the best thing is to gradually get them comfortable with the toilet, without putting too much pressure. Once they manage to do this, it is essential to teach them the correct posture that needs to be adopted. Also, it is good to remind them that they must do this whenever they feel the need.
Natural remedies to combat childhood constipation
Pharmacological laxatives are an option only when constipation is chronic. In fact , their administration in children must be carried out under the supervision of the pediatrician. When the condition appears infrequently or is mild, it is best to try some natural remedies.
Plum juice
Plum is one of the laxative fruits that can stimulate intestinal functions to relieve the effects of constipation. Therefore, with young children, it is recommended to provide one or two ounces of the juice diluted in the same amount of water.
Grapes on an empty stomach
Grapes are a delicious fruit that children will love to eat. Furthermore, it proves to be a good treatment to combat childhood constipation in a short time. It is best to give them 6 to 8 grapes on an empty stomach, with the skin on.
Honey
Children over one year of age can consume honey diluted in water as an alternative solution against slow digestions. This ingredient contains natural enzymes that help optimize the decomposition process of food for its subsequent elimination.
Apple juice
Apple juice is a highly recommended drink for younger children. Since they love the flavor, it is ideal as a complement to the treatment of constipation. Its pectin and water content is perfect for treating this problem. Therefore, it is recommended to give them between 2 and 4 ounces per day of this product.
In summary
The simplest and safest way to combat childhood constipation is to improve nutrition. The ideal is to eliminate refined and processed organic alternatives. Also, it is good to get them to take fruit and laxative remedies to help them overcome this problem.
