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.