Are Mashed Potatoes Healthy? | Healthy Eating

By Sylvie Tremblay Updated November 27, 2018

The bulk of your diet should come from fruits and vegetables, and consuming mashed potatoes helps you reach your weekly veggie intake goals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies potatoes as starchy vegetables, and recommends that women eat 5 cups and men consume 6 cups of starchy vegetables each week. Mashed potatoes can certainly contribute to a healthy diet and offer some nutritional advantages, but you should follow healthy preparation methods to avoid consuming too much saturated fat.

Macronutrient Breakdown

A cup of homemade mashed potatoes made with milk contains approximately 175 calories. Most of this energy comes from the potatoes’ carbohydrate content — each cup contains 37 grams of total carbohydrates, including 3 grams of dietary fiber. These carbs will provide you with energy to fuel your day, and the dietary fiber will help fight constipation and help you feel full after your meal. Mashed potatoes also contain a small amount of protein — 4 grams per cup — and approximately 1 gram of fat. If you add butter or margarine to your potatoes, you’ll boost their fat content, with each teaspoon adding approximately 4 grams of fat to your dish.

Potassium

Mashed potatoes benefit your health because they offer a rich source of potassium. Each cup of mashed potatoes provides 622 milligrams of potassium, or 13 percent of your recommended daily intake, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Potassium nourishes your nerves and muscles to allow for muscle contraction, and also helps maintain your body’s fluid balance. Consuming potassium also helps lower your blood pressure and reduces your body’s sensitivity to salt, so potassium-rich foods may particularly benefit those suffering from high blood pressure.

Vitamin B6

Consuming mashed potatoes also boosts your vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, intake. Vitamin B-6 helps support your metabolism — it activates more than 100 enzymes, including proteins involved in metabolizing proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It also regulates your immune system to help keep you healthy and helps you produce neurotransmitters — a family of chemicals your nervous system needs to function. Eating a cup of mashed potatoes boosts your B6 intake by 0.49 milligrams and provides 38 percent of your recommended daily intake, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Preparing Healthy Mashed Potatoes

Forego fatty milk and skip the butter or margarine to make healthier mashed potatoes. Instead, try using non-fat milk, and add creamy texture with unflavored low-fat greek yogurt or pureed cottage cheese — both options contain little to no fat, but boost your potatoes’ protein content. Add flavor by garnishing your potatoes with parsley or green onions, or serve your potatoes topped with sauteed mushrooms and bell peppers.

Side Effects of Eating Potatoes

Potatoes are filled with carbs.

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Eating potatoes occasionally probably won’t cause harm, but if you have an abundance of potatoes in your diet, side effects may occur. They likely won’t be serious, unless you’re allergic to potatoes, but can include bloating, constipation and stomach pain.

If your diet includes lots of potatoes, as well as other rapidly digesting carbohydrates, you may also develop high blood pressure or insulin resistance, which is connected to Type 2 diabetes. Of course, this typically happens only after years of eating a high-carbohydrate diet and isn’t usually a direct result of eating potatoes.

High Blood Pressure

With so many uses of potatoes, from French fries to mashed to baked, they’re one of America’s favorite vegetables. On average, each person consumes around 116 pounds of potatoes per year, according to the National Potato Council. That’s a lot of spuds; and that quantity could be the reason you find yourself experiencing some negative side effects. Potatoes aren’t inherently bad for you, but if you overdo it, you may develop some problems.

One study published in the BMJ in May 2016 compared the health effects of consuming four or more servings of potatoes per week with eating less than one serving a month. They also looked at different preparations of potatoes, including baked, boiled, french fries and chips to see if that made a difference. Researchers found that a higher, long-term intake of all types of potatoes, except chips, was associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure.

Although the exact mechanism behind the increased blood pressure wasn’t clear, researchers speculated that it could be connected to two major underlying causes. The first was that a high intake of potatoes was also associated with weight gain, which is a risk factor for high blood pressure.

The second was that, due to high-carbohydrate content, they’re considered high-glycemic foods. A high-glycemic carbohydrate diet increases your risk of high blood pressure. In other words, the potatoes may not be directly to blame.

Imbalanced Blood Sugar

To piggyback on what researchers from the BMJ described, one of the disadvantages of potato consumption is that the root vegetable is considered high-glycemic. The term “high-glycemic” describes carbohydrates that digest quickly, causing rapid spikes in both blood sugar and insulin followed by dips in both as well. Over time, these fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes.

Eating a diet that contains too many high-glycemic carbohydrates can also contribute to weight gain. But potatoes on their own may not be a problem. It’s likely a combination of eating too many potatoes as well as too many other high-glycemic foods like white rice, white bread and instant oatmeal.

It’s also important to note that many of the carbohydrates in potatoes come from resistant starch, which is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest. Because of this, they might not have as significant an effect on blood sugar and insulin levels as other high-glycemic foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is one of the downfalls of judging a food based solely on its glycemic index. It doesn’t take into account which carbohydrates a food contains or the other nutrients those carbohydrates are coupled with.

Read more: 9 Better-for-You Potato Chip Swaps

Other Disadvantages of Potatoes

If you eat potatoes with the skin on, they become a decent source of fiber as well as resistant starch. A medium-size potato contains approximately 3.6 grams of fiber, which is around 9 to 17 percent of what you need for the entire day, depending on your age and whether you’re a man or a woman. While this fiber is largely beneficial, and isn’t one of the direct disadvantages of potatoes, if you eat a lot of potatoes, gas may develop, especially if you’re not used to eating fiber.

If you’re eating too much fiber, or you’ve incorporated it into your diet too quickly after following a low-fiber diet for some time, it can cause uncomfortable side effects like bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea, decrease in appetite, feelings of fullness after eating only a small amount and unintended weight loss. Fiber can also inhibit the absorption of some nutrients, like zinc, iron, magnesium and calcium, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

It’s not likely that eating a few potatoes here and there would cause a problem, but if you eat them in conjunction with a lot of other high-fiber foods, or you eat way too many, it’s possible. When you’re eating a lot of fiber, it’s also important to make sure you’re drinking enough water. As fiber moves through the digestive system, it soaks up water like a sponge. If there’s not enough water in the digestive tract for it, fiber can cause nausea and constipation.

A Word of Caution

If you eat a potato and serious side effects occur immediately after, it’s possible that you have a potato allergy. Although an April 2017 report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology notes that potato allergies are rare, you should still watch for the signs, which may include:

• Itchy eyes and nose
• Sneezing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Bloating
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Swelling of the tongue and face
• Cough
• Throat closing
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Loss of breath
• Lightheadedness
• Anxiety

Most allergic reactions start with skin symptoms, like hives, rashes and itching, but this isn’t true for all cases. If you’re experiencing one, or a combination, of these allergy symptoms within minutes to up to two hours after eating a potato, it’s likely that you’re allergic and you need to seek immediate medical attention. If you’re allergic, even a small amount of potato will cause a future reaction, so you’ll need to avoid the root vegetable for good.

Read more: 18 Foods With a ‘Bad Rap’ That Are Actually Good for You

If you experience side effects like gas, bloating and upset stomach after eating a potato without any skin reactions, it’s also possible that you have a potato intolerance, instead of a true allergy. Unlike allergies, which involve a rapid immune response, food intolerances involve only the digestive system. If you have any of the symptoms of an allergy or an intolerance, check with your doctor who can give you a proper diagnosis. Allergies are serious and should be handled with caution.

Side Effects of Eating Too Many Potatoes

There are countless ways to enjoy potatoes—from crispy hash browns to air-fried tots or simply baked whole. You might say they’re the ultimate comfort food: starchy, filling, and they pair perfectly with butter and cheese. So, it’s no surprise that they’re the second most consumed food in the U.S. It’s all too easy to overload on this delicious root vegetable—but what happens to your body when you do? Experts say the side effects of eating too many potatoes aren’t exactly dangerous, but they’re still pretty nasty nonetheless.

To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying potatoes on the reg. In fact, these starchy vegetables offer a slew of health benefits. For example, registered dietitian Colleen Christensen notes that sweet potatoes are particularly high in vitamin A, which supports both healthy vision and your immune system.

“Potatoes can be a great part of a nutritious diet for a variety of reasons,” says Christensen. “They contain fiber, which helps to keep us full and satisfied. They also contain vitamin C, which is important because humans are unable to produce it and must get it from foods. Vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant to keep our cells healthy by protecting from oxidative damage. Additionally, potatoes contain potassium, which is important for things like muscle contraction and fluid balance.”

According to Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, potatoes also contain a type of starch called resistant starch that feeds the “good” bacteria in the gut.

Not only that, but certified nutritionist Paul Claybrook points out that they’re naturally free of fat, cholesterol, and gluten, and a great source of antioxidants—which help to neutralize free radicals that might otherwise cause damage to cells or even your DNA.

Clearly, there are lots of perks to eating potatoes. But if you accidentally go overload, you can expect one of the following not-so-pleasant side effects. Here’s why, and for even more healthy tips,  be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

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One medium potato with the skin on offers 4 grams of fiber, which not only makes you feel satiated by slowing down digestion but also helps to keep things moving, thus preventing constipation. However, because potatoes are high in starch (and thus carbohydrates), they can cause also gas when eaten in large amounts.

“Eating too many potatoes in one sitting can make you feel uncomfortable and bloated,” says Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements.

According to Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of The Candida Diet, you’re at a higher risk for these uncomfortable side effects if you eat potatoes without any source of protein alongside them. So, your best bet for avoiding unpleasant GI symptoms is to incorporate potatoes into a well-balanced meal.

Here’s What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Potatoes.

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Beta-carotene, a substance that gives veggies like carrots and yams their orange hue, is an important substance that your body uses to make vitamin A. And if you’re eating sweet potatoes in large quantities, you may be consuming more beta carotene than your body knows what to do with. In fact, you might quite literally turn orange if you’re getting a lot of it over a long period of time. This condition is known as carotenemia. This isn’t exactly dangerous, as beta carotene doesn’t seem to be toxic, even in large amounts. It just looks a little funny.

However, according to The University of Rochester Medical Center, carotenemia can be problematic for people who convert beta-carotene to vitamin A—such as those with hypothyroidism.

Fortunately, all you have to do is cut back on your consumption of beta carotene-rich foods and your skin should return to its normal hue.

Get even more healthy tips straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

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Carb-rich potatoes may get a bad rap when it comes to weight, but Richards says they’re actually an excellent food for slimming down since they’re fat-free and high in fiber.

“Potatoes that are simply air fried, baked, or steamed are very low in calories per pound and can help aid in weight loss efforts,” she says.

One 2014 study found that people who ate 5 to 7 servings of potatoes a week lost the same amount of weight as those who didn’t incorporate them into their diets.

Still, that’s only if you enjoy them in moderation and cook them in a healthy way. Obviously, deep-fried potato products and potato dishes that are loaded with sour cream, cheese, and butter, contain far more calories than potatoes that are simply roasted in a little olive oil.

According to Mayo Clinic, eating lots of potatoes can lead to increased cravings for carbohydrates, which can trigger a problematic cycle that leads to more overeating.

Here’s how it works: After you eat them, your blood sugar spikes quickly, often causing your body to release more insulin than it needs. And that excess insulin then causes your blood sugar to dip lower than normal, causing you to crave more carbs. In addition, as you eat more of these foods, your body needs to process all the extra sugar. Although some sugar is burned off as energy, the rest is often converted into fat, leading to weight gain.

Again, you can absolutely still enjoy potatoes even if you’re trying to shed pounds. But it’s worth keeping an eye on your portion sizes and being mindful of how you prepare them. Here are 18 Easy Ways to Control Your Portion Sizes.

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Although potatoes are considered a healthy “complex” carbohydrate, they can still spike your blood sugar. Essentially, your body converts the carbs into a simple sugar called glucose. The hormone insulin helps to transport these sugars to your cells so your body can use them for energy. Claybrook points out that potatoes are medium-high on the GI index.

“That means they do raise your blood sugar a modest amount—which for many of us is no biggie, but for diabetics, that’s a real problem,” Claybrook says.

The good news is, the dietary fiber in potatoes can help slow down the rate at which sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream. However, when you eat too many potatoes, that’s typically canceled out due to the excess carbohydrates your body is breaking down.

What does all this mean? It’s best to stick to just one serving of potatoes at a time, particularly if you have or are at risk for diabetes.

It’s also worth noting that certain potato varieties may be less likely to spike your blood sugar than others. For example, russet potatoes have a higher GI than carisma potatoes. Additionally, whole potatoes with the skin on have a lower GI than skin-less mashed or diced potatoes. Allowing potatoes to cool down before eating them can lower their GI as well.

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Potatoes contain three key minerals that are associated with decreased blood pressure: potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Yet Claybrook says that potatoes can actually have the opposite effect—increasing your blood pressure—if you overdo it. A 2016 20-year study found that women who ate boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes four or more times a week had an 11% increased risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) compared to people who only ate this starchy veggie less than once a month. Unsurprisingly, that increase was even more significant—17%—for those consuming french fries more than three times a week.

Researchers noted that while this effect was slightly more significant in women, both sexes reaped these consequences.

So, what’s the takeaway here? When potatoes are prepared simply and eaten in reasonable portions, potatoes are a nutrient-packed food that can be a part of any healthy diet — regardless of your goals.

“All forms and preparations of potatoes deliver key nutrients and fit on a healthy plate,” says registered dietitian Cara Harbstreet. “The key is variety and moderation.”

Christensen strongly recommends pairing potatoes with protein to help stabilize your blood sugar.

“Be sure to consciously switch up your food choices to ensure that you’re getting a wide variety of vitamins and minerals,” she says. “Consuming the same foods daily could potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies.”

Ready to prep some potatoes for the week? Here are 25 Healthy and Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes.

Is Applesauce Good For Constipation

Is Applesauce Good For Constipation

Why do you have constipation from apple mush?

You may think that eating mashed potatoes helps with constipation, but it doesn’t. Applesauce contains more pectin than apple juice. Pectin is a substance that adds bulk to the stool. It becomes firmer and harder, which makes it a better choice after diarrhea.

Is applesauce good for constipation too?

Fruit, especially dried fruit, is high in fiber and is one of the foods that help with constipation. Together with the water, the fiber helps to give the stool the right consistency for it to pass easily. Good fruit choices for constipation diets include raisins, plums, figs, bananas, apples, and applesauce.

Also, do eggs cause constipation?

You can become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating plenty of high-fat meat, dairy and eggs or rich sweets and desserts can also lead to constipation. These foods are generally low in fiber and can cause constipation.

And what foods do you throw away immediately?

14 healthy foods to help you break out

• Apples. Apples are a good source of fiber, with one small apple (5.3 grams or 149 grams) providing 4 grams of fiber (2).
• Plums. Plums are often used as a natural laxative – and for good reason.
• Kiwi.
• flax seed.
• Pears.
• Beans.
• Rhubarb.
• Artichokes.

Are bananas good for constipation?

Timing Matters: Unripe bananas can cause constipation, while ripe bananas can help relieve constipation. Bananas also contain fiber (pectin), which draws water from the intestines into the stool.

What are the benefits of eating applesauce?

Can Apples Be Good For Your Heart

Does Applesauce Bind You?

The BRAT diet allows you to eat more than bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast. The key is to eat dry foods that are easy on the stomach. These foods are also considered binding foods, which means they are low in fiber and can stop diarrhea by tightening the stool.

Is yogurt good for constipation?

Yogurt and Kefir

Is Peanut Butter Bad for Constipation?

Legumes (green beans, beans, chickpeas, soy and lentils), peanuts, walnuts, and almonds also add fiber to your diet. Other foods you can eat include: fish, chicken, turkey, or other lean meat. These do not contain fiber, but they do not make constipation worse.

Is applesauce good for digestion?

What drinks help with constipation?

Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.

Should You Eat When Constipated?

Eat more fiber-rich foods such as whole grains and breads, beans, fresh raw vegetables, fresh raw fruit or cooked fruit with peeled dried fruit, dates, apricots, plums, popcorn, seeds and nuts. Make sure you drink more when you consume more fiber, otherwise constipation could get worse.

Is oatmeal good for constipation?

Groats. Oatmeal offers the best of both worlds in fiber – half a cup of dry oats contains 2 grams of insoluble fiber and 2 grams of soluble fiber. Together, the two types of fibers work together to lift the chair, make it softer and make it easier to move on.

How are bowel movements stimulated?

The following quick treatments can cause a bowel movement within hours.

Is coffee good for constipation?

Is broccoli good for constipation?

Broccoli for Constipation Relief

Why Do I Cook Right After Eating?

Puppets after each meal

do eggs help moult?

Egg. They are high in protein but low in fiber. It is not necessary to remove it from the menu. Just add high-fiber foods.

What do you do when you can’t cast?

Follow these steps:

How long does it take too long to clog?

What is a natural laxative?

Plums and prune juice have a laxative effect.

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They also draw water into the digestive tract to help soften the stool. These tablets also contain senna leaf extracts. Senna is a natural stimulant laxative that is said to help speed up bowel movements.

Why am I constipated while traveling?

Is Applesauce Good For Constipation

Foods to Relieve Constipation in Babies

As new parents, we quickly learn that “poop” becomes part of one’s daily conversation. You start to calculate how much and how often baby poops. The doctor will ask you what it looks like and smells like.

When a baby is suddenly not pooping, we start to get concerned. Especially if he becomes cranky or cries while pooping. This can be a sign of constipation.

It can happen to breastfed or formula fed babies and often begins when switching to solid foods. When their digestive systems are only used to breast milk or formula, solid foods can be tough to digest.

The frequency of bowel movements, or the lack of, is not the only clue your little one might be constipated. If your baby’s poop is very hard or seems difficult to pass he may also be suffering from constipation.

There are certain foods that are more likely to cause constipation and discomfort. If you suspect your baby is suffering from constipation, read on. We will run through the foods that can trigger constipation and foods to relieve constipation in babies.

Foods That Can Cause Constipation in Babies

• Yogurt
• White bread
• Pasta
• Applesauce
• Unripe bananas
• Cooked carrots
• Rice cereal
• Cheese

These foods are known to trigger gassiness and constipation in most babies. But, it is important for you to keep track of your own baby’s symptoms related to what they are eating. What triggers constipation in one child may not necessarily be the same in another baby. To help avoid constipation in babies, you need to feed your little one foods that are high in fiber content or have natural laxative properties. Just some small dietary changes can make your baby feel better and get his digestion flowing more smoothly. By adding some of the following foods to your baby’s diet you will surely get the “poop talk” back to a more positive conversation.

Foods to Help Relieve Constipation in Babies:

• Cheerios: High in fiber. Try the whole grain option for babies who are already eating finger foods.
• Soy Products: This can be especially helpful for babies who are allergic to milk proteins. If mom avoids dairy and replaces it with soy products, her breast milk may become more favorable for baby’s digestion.
• Berries: Berries of all kinds are packed with fiber and their natural sweetness is a favorite of children of all ages.
• Prunes and figs: Packed with fiber and also a natural laxative.  You can cut them into small cubes and allow baby to feed himself or serve as a juice or ice pop
• Oatmeal and other whole grains: These are naturally high in fiber and energy. Oatmeal is available commonly as a pre-cooked baby cereal and whole grain bread is a good source of whole grain for your baby. **Try mixing the cereal with a little prune juice!
• Beans: “Beans, beans the magical fruit, the more you eat the more you toot!” We already know that beans, of any kind, have a great mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber both of which help in digestion and help to promote more regular bowel movements.
• Pears, Plum, and Apples: All are rich in fiber and are available to be purchased in baby food jars at your grocery store or can be served cubed to baby.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are extremely rich in fiber, it’s best to have them with the skin on, however this can be difficult for babies to chew so consider a puree
• Nuts: Most nuts are a great source of protein and fiber – but feed them in moderation because they are also high in fat. Most pediatricians recommend waiting until one year of age to serve nuts and tree nuts to children for the sake of allergies.
• Water: Additional liquid into baby’s diet will help to keep stool softer. Offering water or diluted juice in a sippy cup will help with constipation. (However, always check with your doctor before adding water or other liquids to baby’s diet as babies younger than 6 months generally get all the water they need through breast milk or formula.)

Hopefully just some simple diet modifications will leave your baby pooping freely and feeling much more comfortable! Remember that every baby is different and their body will react differently to certain foods.

If simple diet changes don’t seem to make a difference please seek out the advice of your doctor so they can rule out any other serious issues.

The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

You’ve heard of sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes, and even sweet potato pie!

On a quest to lead healthier lives, many people are replacing white potatoes with their vibrant counterpart, sweet potatoes (hold the Thanksgiving brown sugar and marshmallow edition).

But is the switch safe for all our family members?  

We need to answer the most important question yet — can dogs eat sweet potatoes?

What is a Sweet Potato? 

Sweet potatoes originated in the Americas in the 15th century, becoming a staple crop with the arrival of Christopher Columbus. In love with the taste, Columbus eventually brought the orange potato back to Spain, and by the 16th century they quickly dominated European gardens.

Yams Versus Sweet Potatoes

Are sweet potatoes and yams the same vegetable?

Despite the fact that the terms sweet potatoes and yams are often used interchangeably in the states, they are actually quite different from one another.

Although both are underground tuber vegetables, yams are drier and starchier than sweet potatoes and are typically only found in specialty markets. Your everyday local grocery store likely carries sweet potatoes.

While sweet potatoes have become very popular in recent years, you’re probably still more accustomed to seeing white potatoes. Sweet potatoes, however, have more fiber and Vitamins C and A than a white potato.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?

The short answer is…yes!

Dr. Gary Richter, veterinarian and member of Rover’s Dog People panel of experts, advocates for including fresh and healthy foods like sweet potatoes into your dog’s diet. He explains, “the closer to fresh, whole food diets you feed, the healthier your dog is likely to be.”

Baked, boiled or mashed potatoes should only be given to dogs on occasion, however. It’s most common to boil, freeze, and/or dehydrate sweet potatoes for dogs. But be sure to start off with small amounts, your dog may not like the taste or they could have a sensitive stomach. If you want to mix sweet potato into their dry kibble for extra nutrition, try steaming or boiling the sweet potatoes, whichever works best for you.

Make sure to keep your dog away from the processed and fried potatoes like French fries, potato chips, potato skins, and baked potatoes piled high with flavorful and fatty toppings.

The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs

Sweet potato is a safe, healthy, and natural treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits (and a sweet flavor they’ll likely love). For example, sweet potatoes support a healthy digestive system thanks to their high dietary fiber content. They’re also low in fat and contain essential vitamins like  B6, C, and A.

Beta-Carotene 

Have you ever wondered what gives sweet potatoes their yellow, gold, or orange (and sometimes even purple) coloring? It’s beta-carotene!

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while simultaneously providing protection against heart disease.

“Each Beta-carotene converts to two molecules of Vitamin A in your dog’s body, which is essential for your dog’s vision, bone growth, skin and reproduction,” Steve Doerr, Technical Director and Research and Development Scientist at Redbarn Pet Products said.”

Symptoms of serious Beta-carotene or Vitamin A deficiency include night blindness, poor skin quality, abnormal bone/teeth development, and abnormal reproductive development.

Fun Fact: Dogs can convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A. Cats cannot; they must directly consume preformed Vitamin A.

Rich Source of Fiber

Sweet potatoes are second on the list of top vegetables high in fiber.

One of the main reasons for adding fiber to a dog’s diet is to encourage regular, healthy bowel movements.

Sweet potatoes are also used to alleviate constipation and diarrhea, depending on the fiber type. Some diets have higher fiber content to displace calories, increase a feeling of fullness, and help a pet lose weight.

When observing your dog, If you see your pet repeatedly straining then a vet check is strongly advised.

More Health Promoting Vitamins

According to PETMD, sweet potatoes are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, coat, eyes, nerves, and muscles in dogs. Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of vitamins A, C,  B6, potassium, calcium, and iron, just to name a few!

Healthier Alternative

While it is true that white potatoes are cheaper than sweet potatoes, they offer less nutritional value. Because they contain more carbohydrates, white potatoes can potentially be one of many factors to cause blood sugar problems and obesity. That said, sweet potatoes are also primarily carbohydrates so don’t go overboard and only add a limited amount to your dog’s diet.

When adding any new food to your dog’s diet, be sure to check with your vet before making the transition.

Did you know? One cup of cooked sweet potato contains approximately 5.94 grams of fiber.

Sweet Potato Nutritional Information

According to the USDA, one medium baked sweet potato with skin contains 103 calories, 2.29 grams of protein, 23.6 grams of carbohydrates, 0.27 grams of fat, 3.8 grams of fiber and 7.39 grams of sugar.

A medium baked white potato with skin, on the other hand, contains 115 calories, 2.49 grams of protein, 0.06 grams of fat, 26.71 grams of carbohydrates, 4.6 grams of fiber, and 0.81 grams of sugar. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins C and B, as well as potassium.

Sweet potatoes are mainly composed of carbs.

“Most of the carbs come from starch, but sweet potatoes also contain a decent amount of fiber,” Steve said. “A medium-sized sweet potato (boiled, without any skin) contains 27 grams of carbs.”

You can find more nutrition information on the official USDA.GOV website.

How Do I Give My Dog Sweet Potato?

The best and easiest way to treat your dog to sweet potatoes is to steam or boil them— do not add any seasonings to the pieces you feed your dog. These methods help retain more nutritional value than roasting. And remember, start by giving your dog a small amount.

“Depending on the size of your dog, start with between a teaspoon and a tablespoon,” Steve Doerr said. “Pet owners should consult a veterinarian before feeding sweet potatoes to dogs, as too much vitamin A can cause bone problems and muscle weakness, and a sudden increase in fiber could create gastrointestinal issues, so start slow!”

For a safe and easy way to include sweet potato as part of a complete meal, try Redbarn’s Grain-Free Land Recipe or Grain-Free Sky Recipe Dry Dog Foods.

*All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and reflect the views of the authors alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization. Redbarninc.com makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. Please note that each situation is different, and you should always consult your veterinarian should you have any questions about your pet’s health.

Discharge Instructions for Diverticulitis

You have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. This is a condition in which small pouches form in your colon (large intestine) and become inflamed or infected. Follow the guidelines below for home care.

As you recover

Tips for recovery include:

• Eat a low-fiber diet at first while you recover. Your healthcare provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover.

• Foods to include: flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables

• Take your medicines as directed. Don’t stop taking the medicines, even if you feel better.

• Monitor your temperature and report any rise in temperature to your healthcare provider.

• Take antibiotics exactly as directed. Don’t miss any and keep taking them even if you feel better. 

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.

• Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to reduce abdominal cramping or pain.

Preventing diverticulitis in the future

Tips for prevention include:

• Eat a high-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to the stool so that it passes through the large intestine more easily.

• Keep drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.

• Start an exercise program. Ask your healthcare provider how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.

• Treat diarrhea with a bland diet. Start with liquids only, then slowly add fiber over time.

• Watch for changes in your bowel movements (constipation to diarrhea).

• Prevent constipation with fiber and add a stool softener if needed. 

• Get plenty of rest and sleep.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment, or as advised. Your provider may recommend a colonoscopy or other imaging test of your colon.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Chills

• Severe cramps in the belly, most commonly the lower left side

• Tenderness in the belly, most commonly the lower left side

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bleeding from your rectum

Potatoes for constipation – strengthens or weakens

Potatoes for constipation – a product that causes controversy and disagreement among people suffering from difficult bowel movements. Some say that potatoes can cure constipation, while others believe that the vegetable, on the contrary, causes constipation. In the article we will try to find out which of the parties is right.

Effect of the product

Potatoes contain a large amount of starch – a substance, the use of which is not desirable not only with constipation, but also with a high predisposition to this condition.

However, potato starch strengthens the contents of the intestines when the product is consumed ready-made – boiled, fried or stewed.

If you use potato juice for constipation, the substances included in its composition will liquefy feces and provide a gentle bowel movement.

Using potato juice

It is important to know how to use potato juice and prepare it correctly. To eliminate constipation, the liquid is taken in pure form or mixed with freshly squeezed beet juice.Beet juice has a strong laxative effect and also improves the taste of the drug.

How to prepare the medicine

Juice is obtained from a raw vegetable, for this they take tubers without green spots and rot. To prepare one glass of the drink, 3-4 potato tubers are enough. To obtain liquid, you can use potato tubers with sprouts, they contain a large amount of active enzymes.

It is better to squeeze the liquid out of the potato directly with the peel, first, of course, it should be washed well with a brush.

It is the peel that contains the maximum amount of nutrients that have a positive effect on the body not only for constipation, but also for gastritis, stomach ulcers, and intestinal diseases.

If you are wondering which potato variety is best to use – pink is the most useful and is treated with less pesticides.

Squeeze the juice with cheesecloth, rubbing the root vegetable on a fine grater. Then you need to pour the liquid into a glass and leave, after a while the starch will fall to the bottom.After that, the juice from the potatoes is immediately taken orally, you cannot leave the drug – the juice will quickly darken and lose its healing properties.

How to use the product

For one dose, 150 milliliters of squeezed potato juice is enough. The medicine is taken on an empty stomach in the morning, meals can be taken one hour after drinking potato juice.

It is best to use young potatoes for the preparation of the drink during the period from July to February.When stored for a long time, potatoes accumulate a toxic substance that can harm human health.

For the treatment of constipation and diseases of the digestive tract, only freshly squeezed juice from potatoes should be used; it cannot be stored even in the refrigerator.

In order for potato juice to have the maximum effect in the treatment of constipation, it is necessary to change the diet. In order for the body to start working actively, it will take at least 2 weeks, at which time the patient must eat properly.Fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, pickles, marinades, spicy foods, pastries and pastries should be excluded from the menu. It is recommended to give preference to vegetables and fruits, cereals, fermented milk products.

The starch contained in potato liquid can damage the enamel of the teeth, in order to prevent this, you should drink a drink from a straw.

If you do not like the taste of the medicine, you can mix it with carrot or beetroot juice in equal proportions.The drug is approved for use in adults and children.

Recipes for constipation

Potatoes for Russian people are the main food, a huge number of hearty dishes can be prepared from this product, however, it is not recommended to use this product in case of constipation.

But you can cook dishes from root vegetables with the addition of laxative ingredients, so the menu will be healthy and tasty.

Prepare a creamy potato and carrot soup. For the first course, take one and a half liters of milk, 2-3 medium carrots and the same amount of potato tubers, salt to taste.Boil washed and peeled vegetables in milk, put them in a saucepan with milk at the time of boiling, salt. Grind the finished soup in a blender until smooth.

Potato soup with apples and prunes

You can use potatoes for constipation by making a delicious soup, for this you will need:

• 1 liter of apple juice;
• 3 small potato tubers;
• 100 grams of dried plums;
• 1 onion head;
• 20 milliliters of sunflower oil;
• salt to taste.

How to cook:

1. wash the potatoes, peel the vegetable and cut into small pieces;
2. chop the peeled onion, cook in oil until transparent;
3. wash the dried fruit, remove the seeds if necessary;
4. Dilute apple nectar with water in a ratio of two to one, put on medium heat and boil;
5. Put onion, potatoes, dried fruit to the juice, salt and cook until tender.

Ukha with catfish fillets

Recipe for a potato dish for constipation – ear with catfish fillets, in order to cook it, take:

• 1/2 kilogram of fish fillet;
• 500 grams of potatoes;
• 2-3 medium carrots;
• 50 grams of wheat groats;
• 1 yellow onion;
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil;
• 1 sprig of parsley;
• 1 pinch of salt.

Cooking recipe:

1. wash and peel vegetables;
2. chop food before frying in oil;
3. Rinse the fish fillets, cut them into medium-sized pieces and cook in two liters of water for five minutes;
4. Add millet, potatoes, carrots and onions, cook for twenty minutes, sprinkle with parsley (you can take dill), salt to taste, cook until cooked.

Potato stew

For constipation, you can also prepare potato stew, add beets as a laxative.

What ingredients are needed for the stew:

• 3 potato tubers;
• 2 beets;
• 1 onion head;
• 15 ml vegetable fat;
• salt to taste.

Stew recipe:

1. wash and peel the vegetables, cut the ingredients into medium cubes;
2. peel the onion, chop medium;
3. combine vegetables with onions and fry in sunflower oil, you can add garlic, pour 250 milliliters of water, salt the dish and simmer for 30-45 minutes, eat stew for dinner.

Mashed potatoes

If you are constipated, you can eat mashed potatoes. Puree is a rather liquid dish, the intestines will not have to spend additional forces on its digestion, therefore, if there is a problem of difficult bowel movements, it is allowed to use the second dish.

Mashed potatoes can be mixed with celery root puree, a healthier product, as well as other root vegetable purees.

Potatoes for constipation are an effective remedy if used correctly.The use of raw vegetables and the required dosage will help get rid of difficult bowel movements. If constipation persists for more than 3 days, and folk remedies do not help, you need to see a doctor.

Constipation after the introduction of complementary foods | Lessons for mothers

Even if your baby is completely breastfed, sooner or later he needs to be introduced to other products.
My clients who come to counseling on complementary foods are often afraid of how the baby will perceive the new treat, whether he will have an allergic reaction, bloating, and whether the baby will be tormented by constipation after the introduction of complementary foods.

All these fears are fueled by the same young mothers who are making their first attempts at introducing complementary foods.

In this article I will tell you what causes constipation and how to introduce complementary foods correctly so that problems with stool do not arise.

When to introduce complementary foods?

So, the first stumbling block is the age of the baby. Please note that complementary foods for a baby who are breastfed should be introduced after reaching the age of six months.

Complementary foods are completely new products, vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products and meat.

The age of 6 months is the age at which most babies start signaling to their mother that they are ready for complementary foods.
They are ripe for new products and eagerly look at your plate.

But, there are children who show signs of readiness a little earlier than the sixth month or a little later.

For more information about the signs of readiness, see the introductory webinar 5 mistakes in the management of complementary foods for babies >>>

Complementary foods should be introduced when the baby is completely healthy, he is not tormented by erupting teeth or other problems.

One can find such a recommendation that the first acquaintance with new products should not start in the hot season, but this is not true.

Hot weather can last 1-2 months in summer. And what, not to give complementary foods, missing the most important months for the adaptation of the stomach to the new food?

Constipation after complementary feeding – always does not arise from scratch. This means there are mistakes in introducing complementary foods, or you are introducing complementary foods too early.

Complementary foods introduced at 4-5 months will always be complicated by constipation or upset stools.

The timing of the introduction of a new product is also important.

It is better to introduce new products in the morning to track the child’s reaction to this complementary food until the evening.

See also my video tutorial on the timing of the introduction of complementary foods:

and read the detailed article on the topic: When to introduce complementary foods to a breastfed baby? >>>

Causes of constipation during complementary feeding

Up to six months, the child’s gastrointestinal tract is not ready for complementary foods.However, constipation in infants after the introduction of complementary foods can occur at both 7 and 8 months. The reasons can be very varied.

• Intestinal pathology.

I can’t help but write about this moment, but I’ll reassure you right away – constipation as a pathology in the work of the intestines is detected in 1% of babies.

There is such a disease of Hirschsprung, when there is an underdevelopment of nerve cells in a certain part of the intestine, because of which it is constantly compressed and does not allow the feces to exit normally.If the child had this moment, then it would have manifested itself before the introduction of complementary foods.

Therefore, we exhale and analyze the reasons that occur most often.

• Lack of fluid.

Fecal masses are half liquid, and if dehydration is observed in the baby’s body, these masses become harder, and it is more difficult to be excreted.

The reason for the imbalance in water balance may be a reduction in attachments to the breast.
If you have received advice from a pediatrician that when introducing complementary foods you should replace breastfeeding with them, then you will face constipation in your baby.

This recommendation is harmful to the health of the child and is not true.

Complementary feeding and breastfeeding for a child, as two parallel lines. Do not overlap or interfere with each other.

• Volumes of complementary foods.

One of the reasons for constipation after introducing complementary foods is too large portions.

You need to start with a minimum amount, for example, give the baby puree on the tip of a spoon or 1 micro dose of the product.

The increase in volumes is in response to a child’s request, and not with a reference to a printed plate issued by a pediatrician.

• Wrong product.

Perhaps the product you started with was too difficult for the little one. As a rule, they start with zucchini or porridge, and only after checking one product, after a week, or even more, the next product is introduced. More about zucchini for feeding >>>

• Individual intolerance.

Constipation and other digestive problems can provoke an individual intolerance to the product by the baby.Analyze the situation, if you notice that after complementary feeding the child feels bad, cries hysterically and does not walk on a large scale, you need to remove a new product.

• Unavailability for complementary foods.

Constipation in infants after complementary feeding can occur if the baby’s body, even after reaching 6 months, is not yet ripe for complementary foods.

The child does not show signs of readiness, and you, in a fit of maternal care or under pressure from grandmothers, start giving the child vegetables or cereals.More about vegetables for the first feeding >>>

Remove everything.

Wait for signs of readiness for complementary foods and start over.

What is constipation and when to help a child?

Stool retention, which can be called constipation, is always accompanied by increased gas production, abdominal pain, difficulty going to the toilet.

The child is pushing – pushing, but the result is zero.

Locking stool – hard, thick, may look like goat poop.

Read on: How to help if a baby has constipation while breastfeeding >>>

In this case, you should suspend complementary feeding and after analyzing all the reasons that we have discussed above, find those that could lead to constipation in your child and eliminate them.

Stool retention on the background of the introduction of complementary foods is not constipation, if the child feels good, cheerful and cheerful.

And if you decide that after the introduction of complementary foods the child has constipation, you do not need to immediately shove soap or a thermometer into his anus, pour in water with an enema or put up candles.

Wait a little, massage the baby’s tummy clockwise and down from the navel, do exercises with your legs, squeezing and unclenching them, lifting them up to the tummy.

A baby at 6-8 months is already quite active, so that you can lay him on his tummy and let him crawl a little, such procedures are a good prevention of constipation.

You can give 1-2 tsp. decoction of prunes to loosen the intestines a little.

How to protect a child from constipation?

Remember that constipation is not your main enemy, you need to understand what caused it and correct this cause correctly.

What to do if constipation after complementary feeding appears:

1. Try to latch on the baby more often + start introducing the baby to water so that he receives additional fluid.
2. If you suspect that constipation may have appeared as a result of acquaintance with a new product, remove it for 3-5 days and see if there is an improvement.
3. Reduce complementary foods if you are targeting pediatric schedules. They are designed for artificial children and are not suitable for babies.

For information on how to correctly and safely introduce complementary foods to an infant, how to increase portions so as not to encounter constipation and in what sequence to introduce new products, see the ABC course on the Internet >>>

It is better to do everything right at once than ruin the child’s stomach and then, painfully and for a long time, restore it!

Read also:

Author: Lyudmila Sharova

laxative vegetables, fruits, fiber “- Yandex.Kew

Alena Paretskaya, pediatrician

Contents

Fiber, along with adequate fluid intake, is one of the main components of a child’s diet to regulate stool. If the consumption of vegetables or fruits rich in fiber is low, constipation is the result. From an early age, parents need to introduce the baby to a variety of dishes, and if they are prone to constipation, add laxative foods to their diet.

Children’s nutrition: fiber

Parents should make it a habit to eat fresh vegetables or fruits according to the season from a very young age.Adequate high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake every day can help prevent constipation. Your baby’s plate should contain at least 200-300 g of fresh fruit or vegetables, high-fiber cereals, whole grain breads daily.

At the beginning, such a diet may cause some abdominal discomfort, so it is important to introduce fiber-rich foods gradually and slowly. The long-term benefits far outweigh any mild discomfort your toddler may experience when switching from unhealthy foods to fiber-rich foods.We will discuss specific types of foods that are recommended to be included in the diet of children for the prevention or treatment of constipation.

Prunes for baby

This product is rich in fiber, vitamin A and potassium and is useful for treating constipation, normalizing stool in toddlers and older children. Prunes contain sorbitol, which has a natural laxative effect on the body. In summer and fall, fresh plums can be substituted, which are also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and contain insoluble and soluble fiber.

Pears for constipation

This fruit is one of the best natural laxatives for facilitating stool movement through the intestines. One pear contains about 5.5 grams of fiber per fruit. In addition to being a rich source of fiber, pears are also a great source of vitamin C. Instead of feeding your little one high-calorie sweet desserts, try serving a juicy, ripe, and sweet pear.

Broccoli: a healthy vegetable

Broccoli is rich in fiber and therefore helps with bowel movements. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that also contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including calcium. It is best to eat raw vegetables because cooking them can reduce fiber content. But if the family prefers cooked vegetables, choose the healthiest cooking methods – steam, grill, and bake. A serving of cooked broccoli contains about 5.1 grams of fiber. It is worth incorporating these healthy, high-fiber vegetables into your baby’s meals several times a week.

Flax-seed

These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber and can be eaten raw on an empty stomach. If parents choose flaxseed as a remedy for constipation, remember that flaxseed oil does not help normalize stool. What you need is seeds that can be ground in a coffee grinder and added to the first or second courses.

Carrot

Raw carrots, which are part of a healthy baby diet, can improve stool movement as they contain coarse fiber. If your baby doesn’t like raw carrots, you can steam them. Juicing is not a good way to fight constipation, however, as it will lose its fiber content.

Beans and legumes

Beans not only contain fiber and relieve constipation, but they are also a rich source of iron and protein, which contribute to the healthy growth and development of the child. After 3 years, you can include beans, peas and lentils in the diet of the crumbs. Beans go well with various dishes and snacks, salads.

Peaches: healthy fruits

Canned or fresh peaches are a good source of fiber. Peaches are delicious fruits packed with fiber. The kid will get the most benefit if he eats them with the skin, which contains a lot of fiber.

Fig

This fruit helps soften your baby’s stools. If a toddler has never tasted figs, he is missing out on one of the best foods for constipation. The fruit is an excellent source of fiber.

Whole grain breads and cereals

The main whole grains to include in children’s diets are barley, oats, rice, corn and millet. Whole grain or bran bread can relieve constipation and promote healthy bowel function. Some popular whole grain breakfast cereals for kids are brown rice, puffed whole grains, popcorn, and oatmeal.Whole grains are excellent sources of minerals, beneficial vitamins, and phytochemicals. They should be included in baby food almost daily.

A pineapple

Pineapple juice is a natural laxative that will help improve bowel function. This fruit also regulates the digestive system and replenishes the supply of vitamins. The most useful will be juice with pulp or pineapple pieces in their own juice.

Raspberries

This berry contains a higher percentage of dietary fiber than most fruits. A ½ cup serving of fresh raspberries can provide a child with almost 4 grams of fiber. Raspberries are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that stimulate your baby’s immune system. The berry helps the baby to eliminate inflammation and symptoms of arthritis.

You can add a handful of raspberries to fresh cottage cheese and natural yogurt for the best protein-rich breakfast for your child.

Brown rice

Unlike white rice, which has the lowest fiber content of all grains and has the lowest fortifying properties, brown rice is high in fiber.In addition, this product is rich in vitamins and minerals. One serving of brown rice contains almost 3.5 grams of fiber. If the baby often has constipation, it is worth replacing white rice with brown rice in all side dishes, this will help regulate the chair.

Green pea

Green peas are a popular and high fiber vegetable. It is useful both fresh and canned, as well as frozen, when added to various dishes. Green peas are also high in vitamins C, A, B, K, zinc, iron, protein, and potassium.Green pea soup with tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots will help keep your bowels healthy. Carrots and spinach are another soup option.

Photo materials used Shutterstock

Sources used

1. Chronic functional constipation in children: from understanding the problem to adequate treatment / Privorotsky Valery Feliksovich, Luppova N.E. // VSP. = 2010. – No. 6
2. Constipation in young children: causes and features of nutritional correction / Komarova Oksana Nikolaevna, Khavkin A.I. // VSP. = 2014. – No. 1
3. Prevention and treatment of constipation in children / Tsvetkova Lyubov Nikiforovna // VSP. = 2004. – No. 5
4. Approaches to the treatment of constipation in children / Khavkin Anatoly Ilyich // VSP. = 2009 .– 6

Material provided

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Constipation after the introduction of complementary foods: causes and treatment of infants

Mother’s milk is the best natural food for a baby. However, the physiological development of the child requires the gradual introduction of products from the “adult” diet.And, although each baby develops in its own way, the World Health Organization has determined that the most rational is the introduction of complementary foods no earlier than 6 months.

It is by this age that enzymatic systems are formed in infants and the first urge to try food from the parents’ table arises. ¹ .

How to understand when it is time to introduce complementary foods

For the introduction of complementary foods to go smoothly, you need to focus primarily on the readiness of the child himself.To understand that the baby is “ripe” for adult food, the following signs will help:

• weight after birth increased at least twice;
• the child is able to sit independently, can turn away from food if he does not like it;
• the baby does not push out absolutely any food with his tongue, he is ready to try new things;
• increased appetite: the child is more likely to attach to the breast, but, apparently, is not full;
• there is an interest in the contents of your plate.

Complementary feeding: how and with what products to start

Parents of the baby should approach the process of introducing complementary foods with all responsibility in order to avoid negative consequences – disorders of the digestive process, allergic rashes, constipation. To do this, you need to know when and how to properly introduce complementary foods to your child.

New products are gradually introduced into the little man’s diet. You should start thinking about complementary foods no earlier than 6 months of age. The doctor will help determine the correct sequence: some pediatricians advise starting complementary foods with vegetables, others advocate a “sweet” beginning in the form of fruits.

The following vegetables and fruits are the most harmless to start feeding:

• cauliflower;
• zucchini;

90,057 broccoli;

• carrots;
• green apple;
• pear.

After successfully passing the fruit and vegetable stage, you can proceed to dairy-free porridges:

• buckwheat;
• rice;
• corn.

Grits should be chopped so that the porridge looks like a puree.In order for the child to taste the new product with great pleasure, a little breast milk can be added to the porridge. And don’t add any extra sweetening: kids get used to sugar surprisingly quickly.
Meat and fish purees, along with egg yolk, are introduced into complementary foods no earlier than 8-9 months. Mashed potatoes can be prepared on their own by chopping a piece of boiled meat in a blender and diluting with water until mushy. But it is not recommended to salt the food of a small family member, as well as add butter.

Rabbit and turkey meat are especially preferred for the beginning of complementary feeding; later, beef can also be introduced. When choosing fish dishes, perch and cod puree are the most optimal.

Dairy products and desserts are the last to be introduced into the child’s diet:

• unsweetened cottage cheese;
• kefir;
• fruit and prune dessert puree.

Pedagogical complementary foods

Some parents have a different approach to the introduction of complementary foods.Many are convinced that a child should try everything, so they give him any food, in any order, but little by little. At the same time, the basis of nutrition is still breast milk.

In the scientific community, this approach to the introduction of complementary foods has found recognition and is called “pedagogical complementary foods.” And this term is understood as a way to introduce a child to “adult food”, develop an interest in food and teach them to eat on their own. This is the main difference between the method and pediatric complementary foods.

The purpose of this feeding is precisely the gradual adaptation of the baby’s stomach to the “adult” food, to its components, consistency and unfamiliar taste. It is important to understand that in the case of pedagogical complementary foods, parents should also monitor their nutrition, since the baby is primarily drawn to what mom and dad eat.

Pediatricians – adherents of the pedagogical approach have developed some recommendations for the introduction of complementary foods for breastfed babies ¹ :

• At first, new products are introduced in micro doses (literally from pinches), gradually the volume is increased to 100-200 ml;
• It is not recommended to introduce several products at the same time.It takes about two weeks to get used to each type of food. A new type of food can be introduced one month after the start of complementary feeding. You can start taking with those products to which the baby is already accustomed;

• it is necessary to observe the reaction of the body to a new product. If there are rashes on the skin, diarrhea is observed or, conversely, constipation, the amount of the product should be reduced or changed;

90,057 parents need to be prepared for the child to reject some foods, and continue to eat some with pleasure: some of the child’s taste preferences are unchanged and are laid in the womb;

• if the child categorically does not want to take new food, it is worth postponing with the introduction of complementary foods;
• With the help of complementary foods, parents form taste preferences in the child, therefore, the selection of products should be taken with full responsibility.

How to quickly and easily introduce complementary foods

The main task of complementary foods is to acquaint the child with the rich world of tastes and smells most gently and carefully, keeping him healthy and ensuring good eating habits. The main thing that parents should be guided by when introducing complementary foods is the well-being and condition of the child himself. Do not force things or get nervous if the introduction of complementary foods is not going according to plan. Even at such a young age, the child is already able to choose and distinguish “tasty” from “not tasty”.Listen to him – and the introduction of complementary foods will be easy and invisible.

Here are some tips to help you introduce complementary foods smoothly for you and your baby:

• Keep a diary. Note in it what, in what quantity and when the new product was introduced, what was the reaction;
• If the product causes skin rashes, diarrhea or constipation when introducing complementary foods, stop using it for at least a month;
• Give preference to summer vegetables.Use summer frozen vegetables in winter;
• Give your baby only freshly prepared food;
• You can add a little oil to porridge or vegetables some time after the start of complementary feeding, do not introduce two products at the same time;
• Don’t force your child to overeat. A healthy child will not refuse food if he is hungry, and it is more useful for infants to eat in small portions.
• Only a doctor can prescribe proper nutrition for children with medical conditions.Consult your pediatrician if necessary.

By organizing proper nutrition for your baby in the first year of his life, you ensure his normal development. Complementary feeding forms taste preferences, ensures the development of chewing functions, the digestive system, guarantees the supply of necessary vitamins, dietary fiber, fatty acids to the body, which ultimately stimulates the growth and development of the baby.

The process of introducing complementary foods is a pleasant stage for both the baby and the parents.If the joy of new discoveries and experiences is marred by the unpleasant side effects of constipation, a laxative such as Duphalac ^® may be required. The drug is approved for children from the first months of life. Duphalac ^® is a mild laxative that works throughout the large intestine and helps to normalize its function. It is non-irritating and therefore suitable for long-term use ² . The drug is available in a convenient syrup form and has a pleasant taste, so even the biggest fussy will not refuse to take it.

Developed with support from Abbott to improve patient health awareness. The information in this material does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. See your doctor.

90,000 Constipation in children. Diet and gymnastics of a child with constipation.

Constipation is a very common problem in children. Why?

With the start of complementary feeding, the stool in infants most often improves. This is due to the introduction of fiber into the child’s diet, as well as an increase in the child’s motor activity.
But after 1 year, the number of children suffering from constipation begins to rise again. This is due to the rejection of breastfeeding, the transition to solid foods, a decrease in the amount of water in the diet. Approximately one in five children after a year suffers from constipation. How to deal with this problem?

For your health – recommendations of the pediatrician of the clinic “Lor Plus”, doctor of the highest category Anna Gennadievna Marakulina .

What are the most common causes of constipation in children?

– Insufficient liquid volume.
– A diet low in fiber.
– Insufficient physical activity.

How to avoid constipation in a child?

To prevent constipation, the child should drink enough fluids. It is imperative to teach your child to drink ordinary water. A child over 3 years old needs to drink at least 2 glasses of water a day.

– It is not recommended to give your child sugary and carbonated drinks, strong tea and coffee. They are diuretic and promote dehydration and constipation.
– Cold water stimulates peristalsis. And warm water has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and is quickly absorbed. Therefore, in case of constipation, it is recommended to give a child under 3 years old 1/2 cup each, and over 3 years old – 1 glass of cool water in the morning on an empty stomach. You need to start with water at room temperature. If the effect is not achieved and the state of health allows, the water temperature gradually decreases. It should be pleasantly cool. In this case, peristalsis is stimulated by the rapid filling and irritation of the stomach and then the intestines.
– There are drinks that have a laxative effect. Fermented milk products, plum and beet juice, dried fruit compote (prunes, dried apricots, raisins), chamomile decoction, children’s teas with fennel and dill. By incorporating these drinks into your baby’s diet, you can achieve regular bowel movements. But this should be done gradually, starting with small amounts, so as not to cause a breakdown in digestion in the child.

Does diet help with constipation?

Everyone knows that a constipation diet should include a lot of fiber-rich foods, and these are vegetables and fruits.But how many and what kind of fruits and vegetables a child needs, not everyone knows.

Yes, most children just need to establish a drinking regimen and regularly feed the child with fruit and vegetables according to age.But not for everyone.

Some people need to supplement their diet with laxative foods. These include: plums, beets, prunes, raisins, figs, dates, dried apricots, legumes, nuts. They should be present in the diet of a child prone to constipation. You need to include them in food gradually. It will be enough for someone to consume one of the listed products every day, while others will need to include several in the diet.

Also useful are cereal cereals with shells (buckwheat, oatmeal, pearl barley, wheat) and wholemeal bread.

Fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk, biolact) are best consumed before bedtime. 1 glass a day is enough. You can increase the daily intake of kefir up to 2 glasses a day.

Refined rice, blueberries, pears, sweets and pastries, flour products made from premium flour, strong tea, animal fats have a firming effect. From their use for children prone to constipation, it is better to abstain or significantly limit.

I recommend trying several recipes for constipation that have been tested by me and my patients:

– Take dried fruits in equal amounts: figs, dates, dried apricots, prunes, wash well, pour boiling water, peel them through a meat grinder or chop …Take 1-2 teaspoons daily in the morning on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals), washed down with 1 glass of water with lemon. Children under 3 years old – 1/2 glass of water.

This recipe can be used by children from 1 year old, but be sure to first test how the child tolerates each dried fruit separately, and then prepare the mixture.

– Sour milk + prunes for the night: wash 10-20 prunes well, boil with boiling water for 5-10 minutes, a small child can be mashed. Eat before bedtime with 1 glass of kefir, biolact, fermented baked milk, curdled milk.

Wheat bran is a very useful product because contain about 50% fiber, as well as a lot of vitamins and minerals. You can buy them at the pharmacy.
Wheat bran can be included in the diet of children after 1 year of age as a remedy for constipation. Start with a daily amount of 1 teaspoon, gradually, every 2-3 days, increasing the dose until a regular stool is achieved. The maximum dose for children is up to 2 tablespoons per day.
The daily dose of bran is brewed with a small amount of boiling water.It is kept under a lid for 30-40 minutes, then the excess water is drained, and the swollen bran is added to the child’s food, most often to porridge. They can also be added to kefir, cottage cheese, vegetable and fruit purees. You can add the entire daily dose of bran in one serving of food, can be divided evenly for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gymnastics for constipation. Does it help or not?

In my experience – how much it helps! Active and mobile children are less likely to suffer from constipation. For the prevention of constipation, sports are useful: running, swimming, gymnastics, squats, bends, exercises to strengthen the abdominal press.

A child suffering from constipation, in addition to following a diet and drinking regimen, is recommended to perform several simple actions in the morning:

– Get up early so that there is enough time for all morning activities, including going to the toilet,
– Drink 1 glass of cold on an empty stomach water (it is possible with a mixture of dried fruits),
– Perform the following exercises – Starting position standing: take the deepest possible inhalation, then exhale deeply, then draw in the stomach as much as possible and push it out.Repeat the exercises several times.
The child is likely to want to use the toilet afterwards.
Abdominal massage is also helpful.

Is constipation so dangerous?

The reasons, and therefore the consequences of constipation, can be different:
• stress – you need to create a calm environment for the child,
• rectal cracks – you need to contact a surgeon,
• arbitrary stool retention – you need to talk with the child, try to work out from him morning bowel movements.
And the consequences can be different. It is always best to find out the causes of the disease with your pediatrician. This way you can avoid dangerous consequences.
It is not recommended to give the child laxatives and suppositories on their own, as well as often repeat cleansing enemas. If for a long time (more than 1 month) it is not possible to establish regular bowel movements for the child, you need to consult a doctor. Diet

Let your baby be always healthy!
And the pediatricians of the Lor Plus clinic are ready to answer the questions of mothers and fathers about the well-being of the child and the prevention of childhood diseases.
Come to our clinic!

Experienced pediatricians accept children in our clinics:
Marakulina Anna Gennadievna (pediatrician, doctor of the highest qualification category, experience of 29 years)
Dmitrienko Irina Leonidovna (pediatrician, ENT doctor, experience of 6 years).
Our doctors:
– Pick up a key to a crying baby,
– Soothe an anxious mom,
– Quickly make a correct diagnosis,
– Prescribe an effective treatment.

Make an appointment with the Pediatrician at a convenient time for you

Please note that:

• At the first visit to the clinic, it is advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time in order to draw up a medical history and sign a contract, informed consent for medical intervention.You can familiarize yourself with the texts of these documents in advance here.
• To sign the contract, you must have a passport with you.
• If the patient is a child (up to 18 years old inclusive!), Then one of the parents or guardian must come to the appointment with the child and sign the agreement and consent.
• Think in advance and formulate the problem with which you go to the doctor.
• If you have the results of previous studies and analyzes, we recommend that you take them with you to an appointment with a specialist.
• If you have a chronic illness and are constantly taking medications, write down their names, doses and dosage regimen.
• Remember and be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any drugs, food, etc.

The clinic address and directions can be found here

Constipation in adults: causes, treatment, diet

– Constipation can be talked about if the stool is observed less often than 3 times a week, the stool is very hard, often in small portions, the bowel movements pass in tension, the result is achieved with the help of auxiliary means, says surgeon, coloproctologist Maxim Bochkov (@dr.bochkov). – At this moment, at the end of the large intestine, disagreements seem to begin: “The release is right now or is everything postponed?” An important parameter of constipation is not only frequency, but also consistency. If one of the conditions is not met, terrible discomfort is observed.

Constipation can be short-term, on the road, during an illness, during a period of stress, or it can be stubborn and lingering, which indicates serious problems in the intestines.

Constipation is the first sign of an unhealthy diet! Sandwiches, spicy food, little water and vegetables.Change of circumstances – flights, time zone changes, stress. There is Not My Toilet Syndrome! Those who suffer from it use someone else’s toilet extremely rarely and reluctantly. Constantly holding back the urge can reduce the rectal stretch reflex – constipation as a result!

Constipation leads to:

• food with semi-finished products;
• insufficient drinking of water;
• Incorrect combination of products;
• non-observance of physiological cycles of nutrition and coping with needs;
• psychoemotional factors (change of environment, lifestyle, illness)!

When treating constipation, it is very important to develop the right habits.

• You must go to the toilet at the same time. For example, intestinal motility increases after waking up, immediately drink a glass of warm water and the result will not be long in coming.
• Quiet atmosphere. Any business is argued when no one and nothing distracts.
• Never suppress the urge to have a bowel movement. And if there is an opportunity to go to the toilet, use it. This process is very delicate and fragile and should not be broken!
• Remove books, magazines from the toilet and do not go there with phones and tablets.
• And, ideally, there should be a footrest.

Besides, it is very important to eat right. Eat more vegetables and fruits, especially greens (salads) – it is the consumption of a large amount of plant fiber that promotes good bowel movement, and it is also an excellent nutrient substrate for the normal microflora of the large intestine. Also, do not forget to consume enough water (up to 1.5 liters) per day.

Everyone should remember that in case of violation of the stool and the act of defecation: constipation, discomfort, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines, the presence of mucus and, even more so, blood in the stool is a reason for an immediate appeal to the proctologist! Do not self-medicate, even taking seemingly harmless laxatives may not work in your favor.Firstly, addiction often arises to them, and secondly, they can erase the clinical picture of a number of serious diseases, such as intestinal obstruction caused by obstruction or tumor process.

How to feed a child with constipation. Diet recommendations for children with constipation – School of gastroenterologist On-line – Vnauke.by

“You are what you eat” – these words are repeated so often that sometimes we do not even think about their meaning.But when it comes to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, they are of particular importance. Indeed, it is in the management of such diseases that nutrition takes one of the leading places.

When organizing a diet for a child with constipation, the following principles should be remembered:

1.feeding at the same time

2.various complete menu

3. exclusion of “biting” and eating dry food

4.Products with a laxative effect (by age)

5.exclusion from the diet of foods that have an astringent effect and inhibit motor skills

6. Sufficient drinking regime.

If we are dealing with a child of the first 6 months of life who are exclusively breastfed , then we do nothing with his nutrition. We give recommendations to mom on correcting the diet, increasing the volume of fluid consumed by her and reminding her of the need to control her own stool regularity. For such children, you can introduce vegetable complementary foods (zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage), an apple a little earlier, buckwheat and oatmeal are preferred from cereals.Since the introduction of complementary foods, additional liquid can be given – water, baby teas with fennel

If the baby is on mixed or artificial feeding , then you can recommend using antireflux mixtures containing locust bean gum as a thickener. We do not use for this purpose breast milk substitutes containing rice starch, which has a fixing effect. Alternatively, try to maintain a mixture with lactulose or partially replace the “sweet” mixture with fermented milk (but not more than half of the daily amount of food).

Older children can be fed functional food products enriched with lacto- and bifidobacteria. The use of foods rich in dietary fiber is justified – vegetables and fruits, leafy greens, coarse-fiber cereals, muesli. But remember that inhibit motor skills and have an astringent effect such useful products as rice, jelly, slimy decoctions, bananas, dry blueberries (fresh weakens), quince, pear, pomegranate, cocoa, chocolate, turnip, radish, radish, onion , garlic, mushrooms.

If constipation is hyperkinetic, flatulence occurs, then products that cause increased gas formation (milk, cabbage, legumes) are excluded, it is preferable to eat foods that have undergone heat treatment.

Fiber can also be added.

But remember that its daily amount for a child is calculated by the formula:

Fiber amount (grams per day) = child’s age (years) + 5 years

Be sure to analyze the drinking regime .The volume of fluid consumed should be sufficient (we focus on fluid consumption for a child with a given body weight). In the recommended “bar”, in addition to water and children’s teas, there will be freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, as well as compotes from fruits admissible on the diet, rosehip infusion. You can recommend drinking a glass of cold water in the morning on an empty stomach. In the absence of food intolerance, allergic reactions, the water can be sweetened with honey.

When choosing mineral waters , you need to focus on the type of constipation:

1.with hypokinetic constipation, with hypotension of the large intestine, carbonated waters with high mineralization are suitable – “Essenyuki No. 17”, “Donat Mg” cold 40 minutes before meals at the rate of 3-5 ml / kg per dose 2-3 times a day

2. for hyperkinetic constipation, for constipation in the structure of irritable bowel syndrome, weakly alkaline mineral waters are shown – “Essentuki No.