Help With Constipation – The Top 5 Things You Need To Do
You will need help with constipation, whenever constipation happens. What exactly is this condition? Well, it happens when bodily waste materials move through the bowel very slowly. Signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements and hard stools that are difficult and painful to pass.
Need Help with Constipation? Look for the Causes
If you are looking for help with constipation, you need to know the causes of constipation. Constipation is actually due to a poor diet or eating habits, more than enough intakes of dairy products like cheese, ice cream, milk or yogurt, not having enough fluids in the body and keeping away from going to the bathroom for a long time. The last cause is the most common cause of constipation in toddlers. Sometimes, children tend to ignore the urge to go to the bathroom because of too much play. As a result, they become unable to pass their stools and they experience constipation.
One of the best things you can do to help with constipation is to make dietary modifications. Here is what you can do in order to prevent and treat constipation in your toddler.
Top 5 Things You Need to Do to Help with Constipation
1. Fluid intake. Hydration is one way to help with constipation. Try to increase your toddler’s fluid intake, especially water. Water is the best fluid; so don’t hold back on your child’s water intake. Other fluids like fruit juices can also be given in limited amounts. Apple juice and prune juice are known to help with constipation. Give your child up to 4 ounces in a day to soften her stools.
2. Fiber intake. Don’t forget to include fiber in your child’s diet. Fiber is usually found in some fruits and vegetables. Vegetables or fruits like beans, peas, corn, and tomatoes can give an ample amount of fiber to your child’s diet. You may also incorporate vegetable soups to your child’s diet to encourage her to develop good eating habits. Enough fiber can help with constipation.
3. Whole grain foods. This group of foods can also help with constipation. Foods, which also contain bran, can help soften the stools of your child. Give whole wheat bread bran muffins, cereals, and oatmeal to your child every day.
4. Exercise. Letting your child have enough physical exercise everyday can let her blood flow to the different parts of her body. This will increase the frequency of her bowel movements. You can encourage her to walk with you or allow her to cruise or crawl around.
5. Massage. Massage can also help with constipation. After a warm bath, massage your child’s tummy with gentle, circular motions. Apply firm yet gentle pressure 3 finger widths from your baby’s navel for 3 minutes.
Other Things You Can Do to Avoid Constipation
There are certain foods that can promote constipation. The foods, which you have to avoid giving your child in large amounts, include cow’s milk, cooked squash or carrots, bananas, apples, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Instead of cow’s milk, you can also use soymilk instead.
There are also natural home remedies to constipation. Fruits like pears and prune are some of the known foods that relieve constipation. Flaxseeds are also known to help with constipation.
