13 Home Remedies for Constipation in Children

Constipation in children shouldn’t be treated with the traditional laxatives that adults take.

These drugs have an irritating effect on the intestine that may impair its function, especially in the event that they’re abused at an early age.

In today’s article, we’ll offer you 13 natural and residential remedies for constipation in children that prevent no risks to their health.

Constipation in children

Constipation is a standard problem in children, characterised by infrequent bowel movements and hard or dry stools. As well as, children may present any of those signs:

• Pain when evacuating the intestines.
• Lower than 3 stools every week.
• Discomfort and abdominal pain.
• Traces of liquid or pasty stools within the underwear (an indication of fecal retention).
• Blood on the surface of hard stools.
• Due to the pain and discomfort, they might show signs of holding back the urge to go to the toilet. For instance, crossing their legs, squeezing their buttocks tightly, or contorting their bodies.

Many cases of childhood constipation aren’t serious and might be resolved with changes in eating regimen and toilet habits. Nonetheless, other aspects can’t be ruled out, reminiscent of emotional issues or a sedentary lifestyle.

If this problem persists and also you don’t know the cause, you need to visit the doctor as soon as possible so that they can conduct the suitable tests. In this fashion, any disease might be ruled out and appropriate treatment might be prescribed.

Home remedies to alleviate constipation in children

As mentioned earlier, more often than not this problem might be solved at home with some easy steps and remedies.

A tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach is a foolproof treatment for constipation, as confirmed by a study conducted by the Federal University of São Paolo. Children often respond quickly to this straightforward habit that might be maintained for just a few weeks until the issue is resolved.

• Extra virgin olive oil acts as a light laxative and is a very healthy food that’s essential for a balanced eating regimen.
• Along with taking it on an empty stomach, you can too use it as a salad dressing.

2. Apples

Apples are fruits with an amazing deal of fiber, fructose, and sorbitol that may regulate your digestive function depending on the way you eat them. That is confirmed in a study conducted by the researcher, Johnson W. McRorie.

• Your child should eat an apple within the morning with its peel to fight constipation. We recommend only buying organic apples, to avoid any pesticides.

3. Prunes

Prunes are one other excellent mild laxative that helps naturally prevent constipation in children. A study conducted by 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. It is best to hydrate them overnight with a bit water. One other strategy to introduce them is in the shape of juice, alone or mixed with apple juice in the event that they don’t just like the taste.

4. Kiwi

Kiwi is one other fruit that’s extremely helpful for healthy intestinal function. Many individuals eat kiwis every morning to facilitate bowel function because of their fiber and enzyme content.

• Kiwis might be eaten alone or combined with apples and plums for a delicious and nutritious smoothie that your child will love.

5. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a widely known treatment for constipation. Just keep in mind that you should soak the seeds in water overnight first.

• Because the seeds soak, they release soluble fiber, generally known as mucilage.
• Within the morning, your child should drink each the seeds and the water. It’s safer to make use of crushed seeds.
• You may also add it to oatmeal for breakfast, or mix it with yogurt or fruit. In this fashion, the gelatinous consistency of the preparation won’t be so noticeable.

Children should take half a teaspoon a day. This amount shouldn’t be exceeded and it’s essential that they drink enough water.

6. Chia seeds

Chia seeds work in the same way as flaxseed, as this study conducted by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Lahore (Pakistan) confirms.

• While you soak them in water, they release fiber.
• This generates motion in the digestive tract without irritating the intestine.

7. Lemon juice

A glass of warm water with the juice from half a lemon relaxes the digestive tract and increases bowel movements.  That is certainly one of the best and most natural treatments for constipation in children.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (200 ml).
• The juice of 1 lemon.

Method

• Heat the water to a snug temperature and add the lemon juice.
• Drink the mixture on an empty stomach.

8. Honey

Honey has a light laxative effect and likewise reduces inflammation within the intestine. Due to this fact, it could be included among the many effective measures for the treatment of constipation. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be given to children under 2 years of age.

9. Oats

Oatmeal is certainly one of the cereals richest in fiber and is a really perfect option for kids with constipation. Whole grains are foods that may improve each the consistency and frequency of stools. They might be added to soups, broths, stews, biscuits, cookies, smoothies, etc.

In keeping with data from a study published within the Journal of Medicinal Food, the consumption of oats in children aged between 7 to 12 years for 2 weeks improved some gastrointestinal symptoms reminiscent of the feeling of incomplete evacuation.

10. Psyllium

Psyllium is a seed husk that has a balancing effect on the intestine. It’s a laxative complement that adds fluid and bulk to stool.

It could possibly be added to children’s meals. Nonetheless, the usage of such a product in children isn’t advisable without first consulting a health skilled.

11. Water

If fiber consumption is increased, children must also drink more water to digest it well and make sure that it has the specified effects on gastrointestinal transit.

You could make sure that your child drinks water throughout the day. In reality, dehydration will also be a reason behind constipation in children, as confirmed by this study conducted by the Nestlé Water Institute.

12. Massage

Gently massaging the kid’s abdomen relaxes the muscles and helps stimulate intestinal activity. At night, after they go to bed, give them just a few rubs on their belly. It’s essential that you simply follow the trail of the intestine.

Start above their right groin.
Go below the ribs.
Go to the ribs on the left side.
Move all the way down to the left groin.

13. Changes in routine when going to the toilet

Changing patterns and behaviors related to evacuation can improve constipation problems in children. Getting them used to going to the toilet after meals might be step one toward establishing a positive routine.

If you happen to’re within the technique of potty training your child, and constipation appears, it could be preferable to attend for it to pass before completely removing the diaper.

Some more advice for treating constipation in children

Food plan and toilet habits are two of the mainstays within the treatment and improvement of this problem. Nonetheless, they need to even be based on other healthy practices.

• It’s essential that children have an energetic life and that they exercise and play outdoors.
• Fiber is a crucial component of the eating regimen however it have to be offered as a part of a balanced and complete eating regimen that also comprises sufficient fat and protein.
• Some foods aren’t advisable in this case. For instance, it’s advisable to avoid excess milk and fruit juices in addition to carbonated drinks, fast food, and fried foods.

All of the remedies that we’ve mentioned listed here are effective in improving and solving (in some cases) this problem without the necessity to use medications, suppositories, or enemas.

That said, you have to be aware of some signs that might require immediate consultation along with your doctor. These are fever, lack of appetite, weight reduction, blood within the stool, abdominal swelling, pain when evacuating, or rectal prolapse.

Constipation in children can improve with some home remedies

Infrequent bowel movements or hard stools might be common amongst children. Over and over they’re on account of changes in eating regimen or difficulties in toilet training.

Normally, it’s normally temporary and improves with a change in eating regimen, proper hydration, and physical activity. Nonetheless, to avoid complications and rule out more serious problems, make sure you seek the advice of your pediatrician.

It’d interest you…