These days we often hear the word constipation. It refers to bowel movements that are hard to pass. When this constipation occurs in kids it is painful. Few symptoms like stomach ache, indigestion, loss of appetite etc are seen in kids affected by this issue. It is worthy to note that normal frequency of the bowel movement in adults is between 3 per day and 3 per week but in kids the frequency of bowel movements is 2 to 3 per day. Sometimes this constipation is more concerning when it is associated with weight loss, blood in stools etc. The cause plus the time it has been present plays an important role in the treatment of constipation issue.
These methods or ways are effective in treating constipation in kids.
Increase in fluid consumption:
This is a highly effective method. For healthy bowel movement water is very important. The children do not consume enough water and as a result of that dehydration takes place in them. The stool becomes hard and the kids find it tough. By making the kids drink enough water this constipation issue in them could be avoided.
Stomach massage:
Muscles in the stomach get loosened and pressure is released by massaging the kid stomach gently. This would help in the bowel movement.
High fibre foods intake:
The issue of constipation in the kids could be due to insufficient intake of high fibre foods. The laxative present in high fibre foods helps in bowel movements in the kids. Hence the kids must be given high fibre rich foods.
Coconut oil:
Apart from providing many health benefits, coconut oil is superb to treat constipation in children. The natural laxative in coconut oil does superbly in increasing the body metabolism and in getting rid of constipation. This coconut oil could be added to the food or could be applied to the kid.
Fennel seeds:
The flowering plant fennel belongs to family ‘apiaceae’ and is aromatic in nature. The seeds could be used to treat constipation in the kids. The gastric pain could be avoided also. These seeds could be consumed either directly or mixed with water.
Physical activity:
This is also one important way to treat constipation in the children. It is said that regular exercise or physical activity would stimulate normal bowel movement. Activities like riding cycles, running and playing catching etc would be superb.
Review medications:
Not many of us are aware of the fact that certain medication kids take could also lead to constipation in them. So consult the doctor to review medication and ask the doctor for other alternatives.
Avoid certain fatty or oily foods:
It is said that certain oily and fatty foods could also trigger constipation in the kids. So it is necessary to avoid these types of food items.
Develop regular meal schedule:
For the bowels eating is a natural stimulant. Routine bowel movements in kids could be developed by regular meals. By scheduling breakfast little earlier the kids would have better chances of relaxed visitit to bathrooms.