Constipation and your baby

MANY children suffer through one of the most common childhood complaints — constipation — many times in recurrent episodes. But paediatrician Dr Anona Griffith said that infrequent bowel movements can be prevented with a healthier diet, which sometimes requires a simple tweak with constipationfighting foods.

“Constipation is a change in frequency and consistency in stool passed. What happens is that the frequency becomes decreased and the consistency becomes hard, making it difficult to pass,” Dr Griffith said.

She explained that stool is made up of solid waste material from the body, mainly that of food.

Its consistency is determined mainly by the amount of fluid as well as the amount of fibre ingested, as well as the duration of time stool stays in the lower intestine or colon before being eliminated since the colon absorbs fluid from its contents for as long as it rests there.

She pointed out that the affliction, which may stem from a plethora of root causes, including use of some medications, resisting the urge to poop frequently, or even not being active, is most frequently linked to dietary issues rather than challenges with the intestines itself.

Dr Griffith said that while there are a number of pharmaceuticals available to treat constipation, prevention of constipation is even more important than treatment.

Natural dietary changes that could fight constipation include:

1. Fibre-rich foods

Choose foods that are rich in fibre such as whole grains such as wheat, bulgur, barley, and oats. Fibre is an indigestible form of starch or carbohydrate that is not broken down by the enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing constipation.

2. Fruits

Other rich sources of fibre that your child might enjoy are fresh and dried fruits. Dr Griffith said that while the child may have them in the form of juices, smoothies or popsicles, it is a general recommendation that fruits are eaten rather than juiced to provide adequate fibre.

3. Vegetables

Most vegetables contain fibre, but if you want to include as many fibre-rich foods in the diet as possible, then consider using cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. In addition, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots and beans each supply a good amount of fibre as well. These, she said, can be can be incorporated into soups, stews, and added to rice as part of whole meals.

4. Drink a lot of fluids

Keeping your child’s body hydrated is very important for your child’s general health. It is also very important to prevent constipation. Dr Griffith said that you want to keep your child away from high-sugar juices and sodas. Dr Griffith said that water is the best fluid and an essential dietary substance that helps to prevent constipation because it keeps food moving through the intestines.

Other things that you want to encourage include regular bathroom visits by your child. Try to send the child around the same time each day for about 10 minutes at a time. This routine will encourage bathroom use.