What are the important tips that you need to know about managing constipation in kids?

Constipation is one of the common digestive issues in children and this will be happening when children will be having infrequent movements in bowel and will be facing difficulty in passing the stool or are facing the problem of very hard and dry stool. The majority of the cases of constipation are not at all serious, but they can lead to a lot of discomfort, irritation and abdominal pain combined with loss of appetite. So, constipation will result from any kind of dietary factors, dehydration and lack of physical activity, which is the main reason that you need to be very clear about multiple aspects related to it so that things are sorted out. Consulting the top pediatrician in Vijayawada will be very much recommended for parents in all such cases. Management of constipation in children becomes very easy.

Important tips that you need to know about managing constipation in children: 

  1. Increasing fibre intake: A fibre-rich diet will be very important in terms of improving the digestive system of the children, and fibre will be helpful in adding bulk to the stool, which will make it soft and easy to pass. Including the fruit like apples, pears and papayas in the diet of the children is a good idea, and further depending on vegetables like carrots, spinach, and beans will also be very important. Choosing whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread is also very much recommended to avoid any problems. Further making the gradual changes to the diet in terms of preventing the bloating and gas episodes will be very important, so that things are sorted out.
  2. Ensuring proper hydration: Consumption of water is very important for smooth digestion, and inadequate hydration can lead to multiple issues, including constipation in children. So, encouraging the children to drink plenty of water throughout the day will be very important and offering them other fluids like coconut water, soup, and dilute fresh fruit juice is important. Another good habit is to offer a glass of water before breakfast and after returning from school.
  3. Encouraging regular toilet habits: Some of the children will ignore the urge to pass stool because they will be thinking that they are very busy in terms of playing, and are uncomfortable using the school toilet. Over time, this will lead to the buildup of the stool and will further lead to multiple issues in the form of constipation. So, encouraging your children to sit on the toilet after meals, specifically after breakfast, will be important and making the toilet time very much relaxed and stress-free is a good idea. Making the availability of the footstool is also very much recommended because it will allow them to sit in a natural position, which will be helpful in making the movement of the stool very easy. Establishing a consistent routine will also be very important because it will help prevent the retention of the stool very successfully.
  4. Promoting overall physical activity: The sedentary lifestyle will reduce the digestive process, which is the main reason that regular movement will be helpful in stimulating the intestinal muscles and will make the movement of the stool very easy. Carrying out outdoor gaming, cycling, and swimming is a very good idea and reducing the screen time to less than two hours every day will also be very important. Approximately 45 minutes of daily activity will make a noticeable difference in initiation, which is the main reason that you should encourage the children to get involved in physical activities. 
  5. It is important to avoid consumption of processed and junk foods: Food items which are high in fat and low in fibre will be very problematic in terms of managing constipation, which is the main reason that best child specialist in Vijayawada will recommend the parents to avoid the consumption of processed and junk foods in the cases of kids. Replacing the snacks with roasted nuts and fruit salad is important, and limiting the consumption of cheese and processed meats will also be very important, so that things are sorted out. Balancing the meal with fresh ingredients will help in maintaining the overall health of the digestive system very easily and will allow you to prevent constipation naturally.
  6. Using the natural home remedies very carefully: Natural remedies will be safely helpful in relieving the mild constipation in kids and for this you can go for providing the kids with soaked raisins in morning which will be helpful in promoting the digestive system movement and providing the teaspoon of ghee in warm milk is also a good idea because it will be acting as a gentle laxative. Additionally, the consumption of lukewarm water is very important, and for this, you can squeeze one lemon before breakfast because it will help in promoting the direction very easily. However, there should be optimum use of the natural remedies in moderation and after consultation with the doctor if any kind of problem persists.
  7. Creating a stress-free environment: To make sure that children are able to pass their stool very easily, the pediatric gastro doctor will always recommend that parents focus on creating a stress-free environment for the children, so that things are very well sorted out and there is no chance of any kind of problem. Encouraging slow eating and proper chewing will be very much recommended, and maintaining regular meal times is always a good idea to avoid any problems. A calm and happy eating environment will always be helpful in supporting digestion and will also be helpful in preventing constipation without any problem at any step.

Conclusion: Apart from the points mentioned above, having a clear idea about the use of appropriate medication will be very important for you, so that consistency in the routine will be easily established, and there is no scope of any kind of problem. Parents will be playing a very critical role in building such habits early on, and further regular movements should be taken care of so that there is no chance of any kind of problem. By teaching the optimum habits to the children and listening to their bodies, every parent will be able to raise the children very happily inside and out and further will be able to promote the best habits for the overall foundation of digestive health.