Dietary Remedies to Treat Constipation in Kids

Creator: Quadros Krystel Godfrey Lavina
Published: 2018-12-07T04:29:04-04:00

Written by

and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.

Published on Dec 07, 2018 and last reviewed on Jan 10, 2023 - 2 min read

Abstract

There are various factors that lead to constipation in children. For example, irritable bowel syndrome is one kind of a disease which leads to episodes of constipation. Teach your kid to be less stressed, as according to various research studies, stress may be another factor contributing to constipation. Diet plays an important role in eradicating constipation.

Dietary Remedies to Treat Constipation in Kids

Constipation has become a very common problem in school-going children, owing to the unhealthy diet and lifestyle practices children follow these days. Kids tend to opt for foods like burgers, pizzas, ice-creams and various deep fried foods which are rich in harmful fats. It may not only cause various heart problems in children, but may also lead to various gut problems like constipation, that is, a difficulty in emptying the bowel and passing stools fewer than three times a week.

Following are few of the dietary remedies to treat constipation in children.

High Fiber Foods

What is VSD?

I get the feeling of emptying my bowel whenever I go out.Please help.

Lack of fiber in your child's diet is one of the most common reasons for constipation in kids. Ask your child to consume a lot of fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber. Fiber is non-digestible, but it helps the stools to pass smoothly. Fruits can be given to children in the whole form rather than as juice. Various fruits like sapodilla (chikoo), grapes, and papaya help eradicate constipation in children.

Plenty of Fluids

Lack of fluids can lead to issues like constipation in children. Make sure your child consumes at least eight to 10 glasses of water per day which will also protect your child from dehydration and prevent constipation. Fluids can be incorporated in various forms in your child’s routine like water, fruit juice, tender coconut water or vegetable juices. Vegetable juices are a good source of moisture and fiber and would also provide nutrients needed for growth and development.

Good Sources of Probiotics

Good sources of probiotics like curd and buttermilk help destroy harmful bacteria in your child’s gut and thus enhance the growth of good bacteria. Never miss out on giving your child probiotics. Not only probiotics, try giving your child prebiotics which enhances the activity of probiotics. Cut fruits can actually be dipped in yogurt dip and given to children along with some sprinkled flax seeds or chia seeds which are very good sources of omega three fatty acids (good fats) and anti-inflammatory in nature and thus protects your kid from various infections and diseases.

Physical Activity

Make sure your child performs some kind of activity every day. Sitting in front of the television will only make your kid lazy. Make sure he or she hits the ground and plays games like relay, potato race, kho-kho and sack race which will boost the metabolism of your child and also make him or her active.

These are some of the natural and effective methods to prevent and permanently treat constipation in children.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are the Dietary Requirements of Children?

The nutritional requirements of children are different from adults. However, every child needs vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats for growth and development. In addition, children must be specifically given the following foods:
- Proteins - Eggs, seafood, nuts, and seeds.
- Fruits - The child must be encouraged to eat fresh-cut fruits. In addition, they can be asked to avoid fruit juices containing added sugars or preservatives.
- Vegetables - Peas, beans, and other colorful vegetables can be given.
- Dairy - The child must be encouraged to have milk, cheese, and yogurt for growth.

2. How Can a Child’s Diet Be Improved?

Children tend to eat foods that are harmful to their health and lack basic nutrients. As a result, they suffer from nutritional deficiencies. A child’s diet can be improved in the following ways:
- The child must be motivated to eat new foods rich in nutrients.
- Have meals together so that the child does not feel lonely while eating.
- Offer healthy food options to the child, including colorful vegetables and fruits.
- Have positive conversations with the child during meal time.
- Appreciate the child if he eats healthy foods.

3. What Should Be Given to a Child Who Does Not Wish to Eat?

Children can sometimes become fussy and refuse to eat. Hence it is important for parents to offer them meals at timely intervals. In addition, they can be given healthy snacks like vegetable sticks or fruits between meals to ensure that their growth and development remain unaffected.

4. Why Do Children Have Different Nutritional Requirements?

Children remain extremely active throughout the day and engage in different physical activities. However, they eat little at times which might affect their cognitive development. Hence, they should receive plenty of high-energy foods like soy milk, fruits, whole grain cereals, and butter. They might suffer from nutritional deficiency diseases if not given enough nutrients.

5. What Happens if the Child Does Not Have Enough Nutrition?

Children who do not have enough food tend to suffer from the following:
- Nutritional deficiency diseases.
- Retarded cognitive growth and development.
- Low immunity.
- Increased risk of infections.
- Constipation.
- Tooth decay.
- Lethargy.

6. What Are Some of the Common Dietary Problems?

Dietary problems or poor nutrition can lead to several medical conditions in adults and children. Some dietary problems include under-eating or overeating, having insufficient amounts of healthy foods during the day, consuming carbonated drinks, and having a diet that lacks fiber.

7. How Can the Diet Be Improved?

A healthy diet and physical exercise are the key strategies for a happy life. A person can improve his diet in the following ways:
- Eat the right amounts of calories daily.
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be included more in the diet.
- Drink plenty of water daily to improve the metabolism of the body.
- Limit the consumption of salt and processed foods.

8. What Are the Causes of Dietary Diseases?

A healthy diet significantly strengthens the immune system and keeps the body away from diseases. However, people who consume excess salt, sugar, fats, and processed or refined foods are more vulnerable to dietary diseases.

9. What Is Considered the Most Healthy Breakfast?

Breakfast should always be the healthiest because it is the first meal of the day. The following foods can make breakfast healthy:
- Eggs.
- Yogurt.
- Oatmeal.
- Chia seeds.
- Unsalted nuts.
- Berries.
- Whole wheat toast.
- Green tea.
- Protein shakes.
- Fruits.

10. What Foods Can Change a Child’s Behavior?

Parents must know about the foods that negatively impact a child’s behavior. For example, sweets can trigger hyperactivity. Similarly, the following foods can affect a child’s behavior:
- A lactose-intolerant child will become cranky and irritated when given milk or other dairy products.
- Artificial food colors can trigger attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety in children.
- Excessive sugars can lead to depression and impaired cognitive development.
- Preservatives and flavor enhancers can cause behavioral problems, depression, and headaches in children.

Last reviewed at:
10 Jan 2023 - 2 min read

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