Constipation, is a very common problem among children. There are various reasons for the condition, and one of the common reasons is following an improper diet. Read more to find out what causes constipation and what should be done to prevent your little one from the pain he undergoes.
What is constipation?
Constipation is a very common problem among kids. It is a condition where the kid has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. He struggles to have a bowel movement and the stool is dry, hard, and unusually large.
Constipation is not a serious problem; it can be avoided by adopting healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
Causes
Constipation is usually due to a diet that does not include food products such as fiber rich food and fluids that help the bowel movement happen with ease.
Kids who eat a lot of processed food, cheese, bread etc are the ones who suffer from constipation. Adopting healthier eating habits and a diet, which includes more of veggies, fruits, and whole grains, can keep the stool from getting dry and hard.
Stress can be one of the reasons for constipation. Research has shown that emotional stress can affect the functioning of the gut and can cause constipation. Visiting a new place or stress created due to exams or attending the first day of school; all these are reasons that may cause constipation.
Medicines like antidepressants and those for treating iron deficiencies can also cause constipation. Toddlers who are pushed into toilet training before they are ready also have a higher risk of constipation.
Sometimes, children, when they ignore the urge to use the toilet, may experience difficulty in passing stools later.
Symptoms
Some signs and symptoms of constipation are mentioned below:
Stomach pain
Bloating
Bleeding with bowel movements
Soiling accidents
Sweating while bowel movements
Breathlessness
Fatigue
Managing and Preventing Constipation
High fiber diet can help your child have an easy bowel movement. A healthy diet consists of vegetables, fruits, high-fiber foods such as beans, whole grains, pomegranate, banana etc. Avoid junk and processed food as they worsen constipation.
Adequate fluids are important to keep the body hydrated. Consuming enough liquids keep the stools soft and easy to pass. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Water is the best remedy one can follow to prevent constipation. It will help in easy bowel movement and will also flush out all the toxins from the body.
Physical exercise is another important activity one should follow in order to prevent constipation. Regular physical activity helps stimulate normal bowel function.
Create a toilet routine for your child. Regularly set aside time after meals for your kid to use the washroom. Make it a comfortable and a pleasant experience for him. If necessary, provide a stool for him to sit comfortably. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet seat for 10 to 15 minutes to give adequate time for bowel movements.
Plan a healthy diet and encourage your child to do more physical activities which will prevent the problem of constipation. It is very important to continue the timetable you have planned for your child. Encourage, reward him, and be supportive to your child.