What are the Home Remedies to reduce Constipation in Kids?
January 28, 2024 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Constipation in children can be uncomfortable and distressing, but there are several home remedies and lifestyle changes that may help alleviate symptoms and promote regular bowel movements:
- Increase fiber intake: Encourage your child to eat a diet rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber helps add bulk to stools and promotes bowel regularity. Offer fiber-rich snacks such as fresh fruits, raw vegetables, whole-grain crackers, and nuts.
- Hydration: Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water and other non-caffeinated beverages. Proper hydration helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass. Offer water with meals and snacks, and limit sugary drinks and sodas, which can contribute to dehydration and constipation.
- Physical activity: Encourage your child to engage in regular physical activity and exercise, as physical movement helps stimulate bowel movements and improve digestion. Encourage active play, outdoor activities, sports, and family walks to help keep your child’s digestive system healthy.
- Establish a routine: Establish a regular bathroom routine for your child by encouraging them to use the toilet at the same time each day, preferably after meals when the digestive system is most active. Creating a consistent schedule can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Encourage toilet time: Encourage your child to spend time on the toilet for a few minutes after meals, even if they don’t feel the urge to have a bowel movement. Sitting on the toilet can help stimulate bowel movements and establish a regular routine.
- Warm bath: A warm bath can help relax the muscles in the abdomen and promote bowel movements. Encourage your child to take a warm bath or soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes to help alleviate constipation.
- Massage: Gently massage your child’s abdomen in a clockwise motion to help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation. Use light pressure and circular motions to massage the abdomen, starting from the lower right side and moving upwards towards the ribs, across, and then down the left side.
- Prune juice: Prune juice is a natural laxative that can help soften stools and promote bowel movements. Offer your child a small amount of prune juice diluted with water or mixed with their favorite juice to help alleviate constipation. Start with a small serving and gradually increase as needed.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora and promote digestive health. Consider giving your child a probiotic supplement or offering probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, or fermented foods to help regulate bowel movements.
- Avoid constipating foods: Limit foods that can contribute to constipation in children, such as processed foods, refined grains, dairy products, and high-fat or low-fiber foods. Instead, focus on offering a balanced diet with plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
If your child’s constipation persists despite home remedies or if they experience severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or blood in the stool, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. They can help identify the underlying cause of your child’s constipation and recommend appropriate interventions to alleviate symptoms and promote bowel health.