Constipation in Young ChildrenFoods that Relieve ConstipationConstipation in young children is a common problem, especially if the child doesn't drink enough water, milk or fruit juices, or if the child doesn't eat a healthy diet that includes enough fiber. Constipation is described as bowel movements that are hard and dry, difficult or painful to pass, and less frequent than normal.
In children, a decrease in bowel movements can be triggered by several different reasons such as a sudden change in diet, or the resistance to toilet training due to parental pressure. Emotional turmoil and stress can also cause constipation in young children such as the birth of a younger brother or sister, divorce, or the death or departure of someone they love. Sometimes child constipation can be brought on by the memory of a painful bowel movement.
In addition, constipation can be caused by a child not wanting to interrupt play, or he or she is busy doing more important things. Constipation can also occur out of embarrassment to use a public restroom or to ask a teacher. When to seek help? Although constipation in young children is often harmless the following are a few guidelines as to when to contact the child's physician. Constipation can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Foods that Relieve Constipation in Young Children
Treatment depends on the child's age and the severity of the problem. However, often increasing fiber foods, which are found in plant foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, drinking more liquids, and getting more exercise will solve the child's problem.
Fiber that is soluble takes on a soft, gel like texture in the intestines and dissolves easily in water and, as such, it helps soften stools. On the other hand, insoluble fiber passes through the intestine virtually unchanged and adds bulk to stools. Nonetheless, both types of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools. However, to maximize your child's health benefits of fiber intake, they should eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods.
Foods that Relieve Constipation Increase the child's daily intake of rich high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits, raw green leafy vegetables, whole-grain oatmeal, and brown rice. Also include foods such as asparagus, beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, garlic, kale, okra, peas, sweet potatoes, and whole grains. Foods that contain high amounts of soluble fiber include adzuki beans, barley, dried beans, oats, apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, cranberries, figs, grapes, peaches, and prunes. Foods that contain high amounts of insoluble fiber include cereals, seeds, wheat bran, whole grains, and the skins of many vegetables as well as fruits. Figs or prunes are considered to be the best natural laxatives and can very helpful for constipation in young children. Fluids, such as water and fruit juice helps to soften stools so it's important that your child is drinking plenty of these types of liquids daily. Diets high in fat, including fried, refined, and processed foods should be avoided. Constipation in Young Children Herbs that can Help! Aside from incorporating high fiber foods and lots of liquids, there are supplements that can help with this complaint. However, be sure to consult with the child's physician before administering any dietary supplements. In addition, check the manufactures age requirements and recommended dosage. Herbs noted to help get things rolling again are:
Aloe vera juice has a soothing as well as healing and cleansing effect on the digestive system and, as such, it aids in forming soft stools. Flaxseed oil helps to soften stools and may get things moving again. Dandelion is also used as a constipation aid due to its powerful laxative properties. Psyllium seed is also helpful for constipation and may be your salvation.
Other helpful herbs include ginger, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root, senna leaves, and yerba mate. It's important to alleviate constipation because sometimes this condition can lead to hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, fecal impaction, and others. It can also give rise to many different aliments such as headaches, fatigue, gas, hernia, obesity, insomnia, body odor, bad breath, appendicitis, indigestion, and others.
Natural Constipation Product After researching the market extensively for natural products to help combat constipation in young children as well as adults, we found a very promising product. Native Remedies, which is a highly respected company produces a high quality constipation "buster" product called Natural Moves. Natural Moves is manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards, using only top quality well-researched natural ingredients. Here's one testimonial about Natural Moves from Native Remedies website: "It may seem silly to some, but I stress about constipation every day. Never a day goes by when I do not struggle to have a normal bowel movement! Natural Moves has helped to make me more regular and so I feel much more relaxed. I have tried many products, ranging from herbal to drugs, but this one works by far the best."- Alley Cat, IL To learn more about Natural Moves, please click on the link below: Get More Info on Natural Moves for Natural Constipation Relief We hope this Constipation in Young Children web page was useful to you. To You and Your Child's Health! The Editors
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