Avoid Child Constipation and Choose a Healthy Diet

Constipation in children is generally no different than in adults, and can stem from a number of factors including: dehydration; wrong foods; lack of fiber; lack of exercise. Children are typically more resilient than adults, and in most cases acute constipation (recent onset) can be treated quite quickly.

Child constipation is growing in prevalence, more than likely because we are rapidly becoming a society full of fast-food junkies and children are spending more time in front of video games and TV’s than they are spending outdoors getting much needed exercise. Child constipation treatment can be as simple as making a few dietary and exercise changes.

Children need to be drinking a lot of water, just like adults, to assist in the metabolic process. If children do not consume enough water, constipation can ensue. Water actually assists in keeping the stool soft as it passes through the colon, which makes bowel movements more of pleasant experience rather than a painful constipated one. And when a child experiences a painful bowel movement, a psychological reluctance to visit the bathroom can occur. This creates a cycle that makes the constipation continue and become worse.

Probably the most common cause of child constipation is a diet that is low in fiber, but also exhibits consumption of 'constipating foods'. Children should be eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber. Other good sources include: popcorn, vegetable soups, bran cereals, muffins and whole-wheat bread. Children should be avoiding fast-foods / fried foods, and reduce intake of the so-called 'constipating foods' like cow's milk, yoghurt, cheese, cooked carrots, bananas.

Further child constipation treatment could include administering (for a short period of time) and stool softener like: Metamucil, Milk of magnesia, Citrucel, or mineral oil, but in most cases, by simply adding some fresh fruit and vegetables to your child’s diet, or by enticing them to consume more water and play outside, the constipation should disappear.