How to Help Your Child's Constipation Issue

Kids that experience frequent constipation mean that they are not getting enough high fiber foods that are necessary for a normal digestive system and regular bowel movement. In order to solve this problem parents need to monitor and ensure their children's diet is a healthy one that is full of fruits and vegetable, and high fiber foods.

Find out what foods your kids enjoy. They may be picky but they do have at least a favorite fruit or vegetable. Though bananas are healthy, they are also a binder, so offer once in a while, perhaps every other day, but in between pineapples, grapes, apples, or other high fiber fruits. Carrots can get boring if these are given on a daily basis. Offer lettuce or broccoli and a choice of their favorite dressing.

Other foods that can be binding is dairy such as cheese and milk. Rice and pasta, the non wholesome variety are other ones to avoid. This is not to say that these foods should be eliminated altogether. Just think of a ratio of higher fruits or vegetable to pastas or rice.

Apple juice, pineapple juice, or grape juice is a known laxative that is gentle and can be given everyday. Fiber One brand food items are loaded with fiber, and they are tasty too. There are also fiber chew ables sold at Target with different fruit flavors the children would like. As long they receive the right amount of fiber on a daily basis, say perhaps 20 to 30 grams of fiber, then they should be able to have regular bowel movement.

For kids that have not gone in the last 2 weeks, parent should consider administering an enema. A popular product to use is Fleet.

Because of prolong constipation kids large intestine tend to be enlarged or stretched out. It is important to help reduce the size by maintaining smaller stools, and that's why fiber is a necessary laxative. Miralax is also a good over the counter product to keeping the kids regular. Also note that it may take up to a year before the intestine goes back to its original size.

Though over the counter products are helpful at times, just remember not to abuse them. You want your family to be less dependent on drugs, so encourage and help your kids eating habit by offering higher content foods to reduce their constipation