Does Your Child Have Constipation?
Child have constipation just like adults and perhaps more often
since they don't like to eat food that has a lot of fiber -
vegetables and more vegetables. Children with constipation can
use the same natural remedies as adults, but in lesser amounts.
You can use these guidelines for children 3 and older. Children
should have a bowel movement everyday. It would be best for them
to have at least two, if they are eating three meals a day. If
your child is having three or less bowel movement per week, it
is time to get worried and take action.
If you use some natural remedies, and your child still has only
3 or less bowel movements per week, then its time for you to
take your child to see a doctor. Continual constipation can
reflect a more serious condition, especially if your child is
eating the foods that promote natural bowel movements.
Here is a list of things that you can do for your child with
constipation. In fact, these recommendations are also good for
you if you have constipation.
1. Drink more water - children are very active and will perspire
more than an adult during the day and lose water. If the body
needs water it will take from the stools and make them hard and
difficult to expel. 2. Eat more fiber - fruits and vegetables is
where the fiber is. Using artificial fiber and laxative products
is not a good idea. The body can become dependent on these
products and lose its bowel sensitive and colon wall tone. 3.
Having a bowel movement when it is time - teach your children to
go to the bathroom when they get the urge. A lot of times they
will put it off if they are playing or doing something they
like. Putting it off will de-sensitize the colon and it will
stop giving the bowel movement signal after a time. This will
lead to constipation. 4. Use natural products that promote bowel
movements - there are many fruits and vegetables that promote
bowel movements. Use these as snacks. In cases where you use a
natural remedy that is bitter, remind your child that it is
medicine to help them go to the bathroom more frequently.
Drinking Water
Have your constipated child drink more water throughout the day.
Use distilled water. Minimize the use of sodas, tea, and sweeten
juices, as these are not water. Eating fruits and vegetable
provide the body with distilled water since they contain up to
70% water. Drink unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices provide
water and promote bowel movements.
Eating Fruits and Vegetables
The best time to give your child fruits is in the morning. From
the time they wake up to noontime is when the body is
detoxifying. Heavy foods like meat, milk, cereal, and eggs
hinder the detoxifying process. Fruits and their juices
accelerate the detoxifying process and promote bowel movement,
provided no protein or carbohydrates are eaten. A good breakfast
is simply a bowel of fruit. A glass of juice can also be
provided.
When in season use a big bowl of watermelon and cantaloupe
slices. Otherwise, use a variety of seasonal fruits. Use fruits
as a snack between meals. But do not give fruits after a meal as
desert. Wait 2-3 hours after a meal before giving fruit. This
helps digestion and promotes bowel movements.
Vegetables should be eaten with each meal at noontime and
dinner. Vegetables provide water, fiber, and an array of
minerals and vitamins necessary for good digestion and colon
function.
To make the salad more appealing for your child add raisins or
pieces of apple to it.
Look to my other articles for Natural Constipation Remedies. Use
those that I discuss. For a child, any herbal products that are
used as a constipation remedy should be used at 1/3 the amount
listed for an adult.