What is Constipation?
Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks.
Constipation is a very common problem in kids. It usually isn’t a cause for concern. Healthy eating and exercise habits can help prevent it.
What Does Constipation Feel Like?
You may also be constipated if you experience straining, hard stools, a feeling of being blocked up or a feeling that you don’t completely empty your bowels. “If you’re constipated, you may also feel cramping, bloating, nausea or pain in the rectum from straining
It’s also common for kids with constipation to sometimes stain their underwear with bits of poop.
How Can We Prevent and Treat Constipation?
Make sure your kids eat more fiber. High-fiber foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread) can help prevent constipation. Fiber can’t be digested, so it helps clean out the intestines by moving the bowels along. A diet full of fatty, sugary, or starchy foods can slow the bowels down. When you add more fiber to your child’s diet, do so slowly over a few weeks and make sure your child also drinks more liquids. Fiber doesn’t have to be a turn-off for kids. Try apples, pears, beans, oatmeal, oranges, ripe bananas, whole-grains breads, and popcorn. Adding flax meal or bran to homemade fruit smoothies is another way to add fiber.
Some children are having a difficulties of eating high fiber food, such as vegetable and fruits. Formulated vegetable and fruit, like Kidyvit Fruit Vegie, extract may be the best alternative to provide additional fiber to relief constipation on children.
Give your child more liquids. Drinking enough water and other liquids helps poop move more easily through the intestines. The amount kids need will vary based on their weight and age. But most school-age kids need at least 3 to 4 glasses of water each day. If your infant is constipated during the move from breast milk or to solid foods, try serving just a few ounces (2–4) of apple, pear, or prune juice each day. If the constipation lasts or seems to bother your child, call your doctor to schedule a visit.
Encourage your kids to get enough exercise. Physical activity helps the bowels get into action, so encourage your kids to get plenty of exercise. It can be as simple as walking, playing catch, riding bikes, or shooting a few hoops.
Develop a regular meal schedule. Eating is a natural stimulant for the bowels, so regular meals may help kids develop routine bowel habits. If needed, schedule breakfast a little earlier to give your child a chance for a relaxed visit to the bathroom before school.
Get kids into the habit of going. If your child fights the urge to go to the bathroom, have them sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at about the same time each day (ideally, after a meal).
These small changes help most kids feel better and get the bowels moving the way they should. Talk with the doctor before giving your child any kind of over-the-counter medicine for constipation.
