Constipation in children-Reasons & remedies
Constipation in children has become a
big problem for mothers. Constipated child
suffers from infrequent bowl habit, takes too long time
for toilet, hard and dry stool, etc. There are many
reasons for constipation, but let us see the
common reasons for constipation in children & their remedies:
# 1 Increased sugar consumption
- Sugar destroy the digestive enzymes in mouth, stomach, small intestine &
Pancreas.
- It also reduces the function of hydrochloride acid (HCL) in
your child’s stomach, thus food is not digested &
absorbed, leading to constipation.
Remedies:
There are many healthy options for sugar. Food which
are naturally sweet can be use instead of sugar and they are:
- Dates
- Fig (Anjeer)
- Raisins
- Carrot
- Beet
- Banana
- Sweet potato, etc.
You can use above food according to your
recipe instead of sugar. Along with natural sweetness it
will also give your child many other nutrients which are essential for
their growth & development.
#2 lack of exercise
Not only due to this pandemic, but otherwise also there is
lack of exercise seen in children now a days. This is due to mobile games.
Children like to play games in mobiles and due to which
they don’t play any outdoor games. Being parents, it is you
who can encourage your child to do at least one
hour exercise. It can be cycling, jogging, playing
outdoor games like- cricket, football, kabbadi, etc.
#3 lack of water intake
Increase water intake especially in winter. If your child
don’t feel thirsty then also they have to drink 2.5- 3 litres of
water per day. Best way to hydrate your child is to
give them lemon water, coconut water, green tea etc.
#4 lack of fiber rich food
Reduce intake of food made out of refined flour – maida.
Refined flour have zero fiber. Add green leafy vegetables
as much as you can to your recipe to increase the
fiber content. You can also encourage your child to have
daily 2 servings of fruits rich in fiber like- papaya, guava, etc.
Let us accept the truth:
If your children are having issues
related to their food, as parents, it is
our responsibility to develop healthy food habits
in our children. First, you as a parent have to make
your habits healthy as, child follow their parents only. So,
start developing healthy food habits yourself &
in your child as well. It is never too late to start again
That’s all for today.
See you next Tuesday with another Tuesday Tip.
Till then, take car.
Providing simple solutions for the complexities of life.
Dr Bhumita Makwana.
Your Dietitian & Homoeopathic physician.
