How To Help Your Child From Constipation

Posted on 19. Sep, 2009 by admin in Alternative Medicine, Natural Remedies

It is quite normal for a child to sometimes encounter irregular or infrequent bowel movement. Constipation usually results from eating the wrong kinds of foods and lack of any form of exercise. In children, they will have no problems with getting sufficient exercise since they move around a lot and play with other kids. However, it is in the foods they prefer to eat which causes them to suffer from constipation from time to time.

While it is true that it’s normal for a child to experience constipation, still you should be very attentive as a parent. If your child is 3 years of age and above, carefully note the frequency of the occurrence of constipation. As a general rule of thumb, a child of such age should have bowel movement daily; twice a day is still considered normal, especially if they eat a lot throughout the day. However, if your child defecates less than 4 times a week, then it is time for you to take an action by getting your child checked up by a professional, especially if natural remedies fail to relieve the constipation.

Natural Ways of Preventing Constipation

As a parent, there are a number of ways which you can do to spare your child from having infrequent or difficult bowel movement. But first things first: steer clear of products that claim to help relieve constipation, especially when they contain artificial ingredients. Remember that your child’s system is still very sensitive to such products, and may not be able to tolerate them as adults can. That is why it’s best to stick to all-natural methods of keeping your child from experiencing constipation.

The following are some of the most popular and effective ways of preventing constipation. They will work wonders not only for your child, but for you as well:

1. Drink plenty of water – Water will help facilitate bowel movement because they help in softening your child’s stool. Water is great for flushing out toxins throughout the digestive system, making it work more efficiently. And since your child moves around a lot, they perspire a lot; water will help replenish their body’s lost fluids throughout the day. But do not give your child just about any water; distilled water is the best. If possible, refrain from offering your child sodas and the likes as their ingredients contribute to the hardening of stool, making it difficult for the child to achieve bowel movement.

2. Eat the right food – Having sufficient fiber in the diet will help your child achieve normal bowel movement. Fiber helps speed up the movement of food in the digestive tract, so they will be rid off as waste products just as quickly. Foods that are high in fiber content include fruits, vegetables and grain products. Also, for breakfast, instead of giving your child their usual cereals, why not give them fruit slices instead? The fiber content will not only prevent constipation, but will help in detoxifying your child’s body systems upon waking up in the morning.

3. Proper toilet training – Sometimes your child is too engrossed with playing, that he or she ignores going to the toilet when getting the urge to do so. When they ignore it, the urge passes – repeat this over and over again, the stool hardens and the colon is desensitized, resulting to constipation. Teach your child to drop everything he or she is doing for the meantime, and to go to the bathroom immediately once they get the urge to defecate.

There are products sold in the market these days which contain artificial forms of fiber; stay away from those as they could be habit forming, and may not be well-tolerated by your child’s sensitive digestive tract. But in cases where one is prescribed by a health professional, make sure you stick to the proper dosage and administration. Your child may not want to take the medication because of its taste and smell; however, do your best as a parent to remind them that it is good for them.

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