Abdominal massages may be very helpful in treating constipation in children. When performing them, follow the trail of the intestines to stimulate the peristaltic movement.
Constipation in children mustn’t be treated with conventional laxatives that adults take.
These drugs are irritating to the gut, which may impair gut function, especially if abused at a young age.
In today’s article, we provides you with 13 natural and residential remedies for constipation in children prevent risks to their health.
Constipation in children
Constipation is a typical problem in children, characterised by infrequent bowel movements and hard or dry stools. In addition, children may exhibit any of those symptoms:
- Pain when emptying the bowels.
- Less than 3 stools per week.
- Discomfort and abdominal pain.
- Traces of liquid or pasty stools within the underwear (an indication of stool retention).
- Blood on the surface of hard stools.
- Due to pain and discomfort, they might show signs of holding back the urge to go to the lavatory. For example, crossing your legs, squeezing your buttocks hard, or contorting your body.
Many cases of constipation in children should not serious and may be resolved by changing their eating and loo habits. However, other aspects resembling emotional problems or a sedentary lifestyle can’t be ruled out.
If this problem persists and also you have no idea the cause, you need to visit your doctor as soon as possible in order that he can conduct appropriate tests. In this manner, any disease may be ruled out and appropriate treatment prescribed.
Home remedies for constipation in children
As mentioned earlier, more often than not this problem may be solved at home with a number of easy steps and remedies.
A tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach is a reliable approach to treating constipation, which is confirmed by e.g study by the Federal University of São Paulo. Children often respond quickly to this easy habit, which may be maintained for several weeks until the issue is resolved.
- Extra virgin olive oil acts as a light laxative and is actually a health food it is crucial for a balanced food regimen.
- In addition to taking it on an empty stomach, you can even use it as a salad dressing.
We also recommend reading: 5 skin treatments with olive oil
2. Apples
Apples are fruits with a variety of fiber, fructose and sorbitol that may regulate digestive functions depending on the way you eat them. This is confirmed in study by researcher Johnson W. McRorie.
- Your child should eat an apple with the peel within the morning to fight constipation. We recommend only buying organic apples to avoid pesticides.
3. Plums
Prunes are one other excellent mild laxative that helps prevent constipation in children naturally. Study conducted by the Lodz University of Technology (Poland) confirms this fact.
Offer your child three to 4 prunes very first thing within the morning together with their breakfast. They ought to be moistened overnight with slightly water. Another solution to introduce them is juice, alone or mixed with apple juice in the event you do not like the taste.
4. Kiwi
Kiwi is one other fruit that is incredibly helpful for healthy bowel function. Many people eat kiwi every morning to assist their bowel movements fiber and enzyme content.
- Kiwi may be eaten alone or together with apples and plums for a delicious and nutritious smoothie that your child will love.
5. Linseed
Flaxseed is well-known treatment of constipation. Just remember it’s essential to first soak the seeds in water overnight.
- When the seeds are soaked, they release soluble fiber often known as mucus.
- In the morning, the kid should drink each seeds and water. It is safer to make use of crushed seeds.
- You can even add it to oatmeal for breakfast or mix it with yogurt or fruit. In this manner, the gelatinous consistency of the preparation won’t be so noticeable.
Children should take half a teaspoon a day. This amount mustn’t be exceeded and it will be significant that they drink enough water.
6. Chia seeds
Chia seeds work Tuesame as linseed How that is confirmed by a study conducted by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Lahore (Pakistan).
- When you soak them in water, they release fiber.
- This generates an motion w digestive tract without irritating the intestines.
You can even read: 8 amazing advantages of chia seeds
7. Lemon juice
A glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon relaxes the digestive tract and increases intestinal peristalsis. This is certainly one of the best and most natural ways to treat constipation in children.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of water (200 ml).
- Juice of 1 lemon.
method
- Heat the water to a cushty temperature and add the lemon juice.
- Drink the potion On an empty stomach.
8. Honey
Honey has a light laxative effect and likewise reduces inflammation within the intestines. Therefore, it might probably be included within the so-called effective means for the treatment of constipation. However, it mustn’t be given to children under 2 years of age.
9. Oats
Oatmeal is probably the most fiber-rich cereals and is a perfect option for kids with constipation. Whole grains are foods that may improve each the consistency and frequency of bowel movements. They may be added to soups, broths, stews, biscuits, cookies, cocktails, etc.
According to data from study published in Medicinal Food Journal, Eating oats for 2 weeks in children aged 7 to 12 improved some gastrointestinal symptoms, resembling the feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
10. Psyllium
Psyllium is a seed husk that has a balancing effect on the intestines. It is a laxative that adds fluid and bulk to the stool.
It may be added to kid’s meals. However, the usage of any such product in children will not be advisable without consulting your healthcare skilled first.
11. Water
If fiber intake increases, children also must drink more water to digest it well and ensure it has the specified effect on gastrointestinal transit.
You must make sure that your child drinks water throughout the day. In fact, dehydration can even cause constipation in children is a study conducted by the Nestlé Water Institute.
12. Massage
Gently massaging your baby’s tummy relaxes the muscles and helps stimulate bowel movements. At night after they fall asleep give them a number of rubs on their belly. It is significant to follow the gut route.
Start over their right groin.
Get below the ribs.
Go to the ribs on the left.
Go all the way down to the left groin.
13. Changing your bathroom routine
Money exchange evacuation patterns and behaviors can relieve constipation problems in children. Getting your child used to going to the lavatory after meals may be step one towards establishing a positive routine.
If you are within the technique of potty training your child and constipation develops, it might be higher to attend until it passes before removing the diaper completely.
Some additional suggestions for treating constipation in children
Eating and loo habits are the 2 pillars of treating and improving this problem. However, they need to even be based on other healthy practices.
- It is significant that children have an lively life and that they exercise and play outdoors.
- Fiber is a crucial component of the food regimen, but should be offered as a part of a balanced and complete food regimen that also includes sufficient fat and protein.
- Some foods should not advisable in this case. For example, it’s advisable to avoid excess milk and fruit juices in addition to carbonated drinks, fast food and fried foods.
All the remedies now we have listed effectively improve and solve (in some cases) this problem without the necessity for drugs, suppositories or enemas.
That said, you need to be aware of certain signs it can require immediate consultation with a health care provider. These include fever, lack of appetite, weight reduction, blood within the stool, abdominal swelling, pain during bowel movements or rectal prolapse.
Constipation in children may be relieved with some home remedies
Infrequent bowel movements or hard stools could also be common amongst children. They are sometimes brought on by changes in food regimen or difficulties learning to make use of the bathroom.
In most cases, this is often temporary and improves with dietary changes, adequate hydration, and physical activity. However, to avoid complications and rule out more serious problems, be sure you seek the advice of your pediatrician.
Maybe it can interest you…
All cited sources have been thoroughly checked by our team to make sure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this text has been deemed reliable and of educational or scientific accuracy.
- Arnaud MJ Mild dehydration: a risk factor for constipation? European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Diciembre 2003. Suppl 2: S88-95.
- Gibas-Dorna M, Piątek J. Functional constipation in children – assessment and management. Gastroenterological Review. 2014. 9(4): 194-199.
- Mayonnaise Clinic. Estreñimiento en niños. September 2021
- Milala J, Kosmala M et al. Plum pomace as a possible source of dietary fiber: composition and antioxidant properties. Journal of Food Science and Technology. Oct 2013. 50(5):1012-1017.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Gastrointestinal and Kidney Diseases. Tratamiento para el estreñimiento en los niños. May 2018.
- Parużyński H., Korczak R. et al. Pilot study and feasibility study of oatmeal consumption in children to evaluate markers of bowel function. Medicinal Food Journal. May 2020. 23(5):554-559.
- Sun J, Bai H et al. Effect of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: a randomized trial. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2020. 29(1):61-67.
- Ullah R, Nadeem M et al. Chia Nutritional and Therapeutic Perspectives (Spanish sage Ł.): review. Journal of Food Science and Technology. April 2016. 53(4):1750-1758.
- Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Constipation. August 2020.