7 Tips To Fight Constipation In Children
In this article, we give you seven tips to help fight constipation in children, which can be caused by a number of factors.
The digestive system in children is more sensitive than in adults. It is also a bit difficult to get children to eat a balanced diet because they often want sweet and fatty foods instead of vegetables and healthier foods.
This obviously has a big impact on the digestive process. Even if children have healthy and strong bodies, complications can occur when a child does not eat enough fiber or does not get enough fluids.
Therefore, it is important to teach children the value of eating a good diet to avoid these problems.
You can start by trying to give your child healthy foods in the form of a fruit salad. If it completely rejects it, try mixing in chunks of chocolate or a topping it likes to make it open up to new options.
Key factors in combating constipation in children
One of the most common problems with peristalsis during childhood is constipation.
But constipation in children can also be a result of stress caused by parents and other factors, in addition to their diet.
Below we will tell you about 7 ways to fight constipation in children. It does not hurt to know about these types of procedures because they can prevent you from visiting a pediatrician or the emergency room.
1. Be careful not to overdo it
As we have already mentioned before, children can be quite attached to their sugar intake because sweets are very attractive products for them.
However, there is evidence that when children are under 6 years old, it is normal for them to have problems processing sugar.
This is why it is a common mistake parents make to use jams and sweet fruit purees as a remedy for constipation in children.
These are rich in sugar, so it is unlikely that they will be digested properly and they can also lead to several gastrointestinal problems.
It should also be noted that plum jam or prune puree, which is the type of jam that most mothers use to cure constipation in children, is a very strong product for children under 2 years.
This mixture can cause gas, colic and stomach cramps.
It is recommended that you use fruits that are rich in fiber. If you use jam, make sure it is homemade so you can be sure that it is a completely organic product.
2. Give grapes to eat in the morning
Another recipe used to fight constipation in children is grapes. They are easy to digest and help improve digestion, eliminating constipation.
To get all the benefits of this fruit, it is best to give your child between 6 and 8 grapes, including the peel, in the morning. Then wait 20 minutes before eating breakfast.
To try to prevent chronic constipation, you need to verify that your child is not suffering from any type of intolerance as this is usually the cause of recurrent bowel problems.
Serve a diet rich in fiber
Having good digestion is mainly due to the intake of fiber because this is the substance that is responsible for transporting waste through the intestine in a more fluid way.
So one of the recipes for constipation in children is without a doubt a plate of wholemeal porridge.
You can also offer your child a breakfast with wholemeal porridge and a fruit salad, with for example strawberries, kiwi or pears.
In this way, the child can start the day by absorbing the fibers from fruits and grains.
Keep in mind that the amount of fiber that children should consume can be determined by adding 5 to their age. So if a child is 9 years old, the recommended amount of fiber is 14 grams.
4. Avoid these foods
There are undoubtedly some foods that aggravate constipation and can even cause this problem.
Therefore, we must avoid including these in excessive amounts in our children’s diets.
Children should not eat sweets or sweets often and regularly. They should also avoid ice cream, cheese, dairy products with a lot of cream, rice and white bread.
5. Make sure the child drinks a lot
One of the best ways to fight constipation in children is to make sure they drink a lot and avoid dehydration.
Drinking water not only helps us quench our thirst, but it also significantly affects our digestion.
If it is difficult for an adult to get enough water, you can imagine that it is even more difficult for a child. Children usually prefer more “fun” drinks, especially sweet ones.
Therefore, you can choose to use water bottles with their favorite characters on. If the packaging is super nice or tough, it is more attractive for children.
6. Massage with olive oil and warm water
This is a very effective recipe for constipation in children. It is a trick and a home remedy that always works.
If your child suffers from constipation, give it a bath with warm water that lasts at least 15 minutes to make it completely relax in the body.
Then use olive oil to massage the abdominal area with circular motions.
This will improve bowel movements and eliminate constipation.
7. Take stress into account
One of the causes of constipation in children can be stress.
Children who have high demands on themselves or get a lot of ignorance and barking often react with intestinal problems.
In this case, the best thing you can do is to consider the cause and talk to the child so that he calms down as soon as possible.