Does applesauce help with constipation. What are the best fruit juices for relieving constipation. How does prune juice compare to other juices for bowel regularity. What natural remedies can help promote healthy bowel movements.

The Power of Fruit Juices in Promoting Digestive Health

When it comes to addressing constipation, many people turn to natural remedies for relief. Fruit juices, in particular, have gained popularity as a potential solution. But do they really work? Let’s explore the effectiveness of various fruit juices in promoting digestive health and easing constipation.

Why Fruit Juices Can Help with Constipation

Fruit juices can be beneficial for constipation relief for two main reasons:

• Hydration: Juices help lubricate the small intestines and colon, where water is absorbed to form stool.
• Natural properties: Some juices contain fiber and other components that can have laxative effects.

These factors contribute to softer stools and more regular bowel movements, making fruit juices a popular choice for those seeking natural constipation remedies.

Prune Juice: The Gold Standard for Constipation Relief

Among all fruit juices, prune juice stands out as the most effective for constipation relief. But why is prune juice so highly regarded in this context?

The Fiber Factor in Prune Juice

One cup of prune juice contains an impressive 2.6 grams of dietary fiber. This high fiber content helps bulk up the stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive system. The combination of fiber and hydration from the juice creates an ideal environment for smoother bowel movements.

Sorbitol: Nature’s Laxative in Prune Juice

Prune juice contains a naturally occurring, non-absorbable sugar called sorbitol. This compound acts as a natural laxative by drawing water into the bowel, preventing the hardening of stools. The presence of sorbitol gives prune juice an edge over many other fruit juices in terms of constipation relief.

Apple Juice: A Tasty Alternative for Constipation Relief

For those who find the taste of prune juice unappealing, apple juice offers a more palatable option that still provides constipation relief. But how does it compare to prune juice in effectiveness?

The Sorbitol Content in Apple Juice

Like prune juice, apple juice contains high levels of sorbitol, making it an effective remedy for constipation. While it may not be as potent as prune juice, apple juice can still provide significant relief, especially for those with chronic constipation.

Palatability and Accessibility of Apple Juice

One of the main advantages of apple juice is its widespread availability and generally pleasant taste. This makes it a popular choice for both adults and children who may struggle with the strong flavor of prune juice. However, it’s important to consume apple juice in moderation to avoid potential stomach discomfort.

Pear Juice: A Powerful Yet Underrated Constipation Remedy

While less common than apple or prune juice, pear juice deserves attention for its potential in relieving constipation. What makes pear juice a noteworthy option?

High Sorbitol Content in Pear Juice

Pear juice contains approximately four times more sorbitol than apple juice, potentially making it an even more effective option for constipation relief. This high sorbitol content suggests that pear juice could be a powerful natural laxative.

Long-Term Benefits of Pear Juice Consumption

Research indicates that regular consumption of pear juice over a period of about a week can help regulate bowel function. This suggests that pear juice may be particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain long-term digestive health rather than seeking immediate relief.

Other Fruit Juices and Their Potential Benefits

While prune, apple, and pear juices are considered the most effective for constipation relief, other fruit juices may also offer some benefits. Let’s examine the potential of other popular juices in promoting digestive health.

Aloe Vera Juice: Potential Benefits for IBS

Aloe vera has been studied for its potential benefits in treating constipation, particularly in individuals with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it’s important to note that research specifically on aloe vera juice as a laxative is limited.

Cranberry Juice: Supporting Gut Health

Cranberries have been studied for their role in supporting gut health and the microbiome. While the direct impact of cranberry juice on constipation is not well-established, its potential benefits for overall gut health make it a worthy consideration.

Grape Juice: A Flavor Enhancer

While grape juice itself may not have significant laxative properties, it can serve a purpose in constipation relief. Mixing grape juice with other more effective juices like prune or pear can improve the flavor, making the remedy more palatable for those who struggle with the taste of these juices.

Grapefruit Juice: Promising Research

Recent studies on mice have shown that a compound called naringenin, found in grapefruit and its juice, may have a laxative effect. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, grapefruit juice could be a potential addition to the list of constipation-relieving juices.

Incorporating Fruit Juices into a Healthy Lifestyle for Digestive Health

While fruit juices can be effective in relieving constipation, it’s important to consider them as part of a broader approach to digestive health. How can you incorporate these juices into a healthy lifestyle?

Balancing Juice Consumption with Other Healthy Habits

To maintain regular bowel movements and overall digestive health, consider the following recommendations:

• Eat a balanced, fiber-rich diet
• Engage in daily physical activity
• Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
• Incorporate fruit juices in moderation (about half a cup daily)

By combining these healthy habits with strategic use of fruit juices, you can promote better digestive health and reduce the likelihood of constipation.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Constipation

While fruit juices and other natural remedies can be effective for occasional constipation, it’s important to recognize when professional medical advice is necessary. What signs should prompt you to consult a healthcare provider?

Red Flags for Constipation

Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:

• New or unexplained constipation
• Chronic constipation that doesn’t respond to home remedies
• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment.

The Role of Applesauce in Digestive Health

While we’ve discussed various fruit juices for constipation relief, you might be wondering about the potential benefits of applesauce. Can this popular snack help with digestive issues?

Fiber Content in Applesauce

Applesauce does contain some fiber, which can contribute to better digestion. However, the fiber content is generally lower than that of whole apples or apple juice with pulp. The amount of fiber in applesauce can vary depending on whether it’s homemade or store-bought, and whether the apple skins are included.

Applesauce vs. Apple Juice for Constipation

While apple juice is often recommended for constipation relief due to its sorbitol content, applesauce may not have the same laxative effect. The cooking process used to make applesauce can break down some of the natural fibers and change the composition of the apples, potentially reducing its effectiveness as a constipation remedy.

Potential Benefits of Applesauce for Digestive Health

Despite not being as potent as apple juice for constipation relief, applesauce can still contribute to overall digestive health:

• Easy to digest: Applesauce is often recommended for upset stomachs due to its smooth texture and gentle nature.
• Prebiotic properties: The pectin in applesauce may act as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
• Hydration: The high water content in applesauce can contribute to overall hydration, which is important for digestive health.

While applesauce may not be a go-to remedy for constipation, it can be part of a balanced diet that supports overall digestive health.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Different Fruit-Based Remedies

With various fruit-based options available for promoting digestive health, it’s helpful to understand how they compare in effectiveness. Let’s examine the relative benefits of different fruits and their preparations.

Whole Fruits vs. Juices vs. Purees

Different forms of fruit can have varying impacts on digestion:

• Whole fruits: Typically contain the most fiber, which is beneficial for regular bowel movements.
• Fruit juices: Often have a more immediate laxative effect due to concentrated nutrients and easier absorption.
• Fruit purees (like applesauce): May offer a middle ground, retaining some fiber while being easier to digest than whole fruits.

The choice between these options may depend on individual digestive needs and preferences.

Ranking Fruits for Constipation Relief

Based on available research and expert opinions, here’s a general ranking of fruits and their preparations for constipation relief:

1. Prunes and prune juice
2. Pears and pear juice
3. Apples and apple juice
4. Grapes and grape juice
5. Berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
6. Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits)

This ranking takes into account factors such as fiber content, sorbitol levels, and overall digestive benefits.

Customizing Your Approach to Digestive Health

Every individual’s digestive system is unique, and what works for one person may not be as effective for another. How can you develop a personalized approach to maintaining digestive health?

Experimenting with Different Fruit-Based Remedies

Consider trying various fruit juices, whole fruits, and purees to see which ones work best for your body. Keep a food diary to track the effects of different foods on your digestion. This can help you identify patterns and find the most effective remedies for your individual needs.

Combining Strategies for Optimal Results

For the best results, consider combining multiple approaches to digestive health:

• Incorporate a variety of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet
• Stay hydrated with water and fruit juices
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Practice stress-reduction techniques, as stress can impact digestion
• Consider probiotic foods or supplements to support gut health

By taking a holistic approach to digestive health, you can develop a strategy that works best for your body and lifestyle.

The Future of Fruit-Based Digestive Health Research

As interest in natural remedies for digestive health continues to grow, what can we expect from future research in this area?

Emerging Areas of Study

Researchers are exploring several promising avenues related to fruit-based digestive health:

• The role of specific compounds in fruits (beyond fiber and sorbitol) in promoting digestive health
• The impact of fruit consumption on the gut microbiome
• The potential of lesser-known fruits in addressing digestive issues
• The development of targeted fruit-based supplements for digestive health

These areas of study may lead to more effective and personalized approaches to managing digestive health using natural, fruit-based remedies.

Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science

Future research may also focus on validating traditional remedies and integrating this knowledge with modern scientific understanding. This approach could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of how different fruits and their preparations can support digestive health across various cultures and populations.

As our understanding of the complex relationship between diet and digestive health continues to evolve, fruit-based remedies like applesauce, fruit juices, and whole fruits are likely to play an increasingly important role in maintaining gut health and addressing common digestive issues like constipation.

The 3 Best Fruit Juices to Help Relieve Constipation

Prune juice is considered the best juice for quick constipation relief, but if you don’t like the flavor, you can mix it with other juices.

Image Credit: bucks134/iStock/GettyImages

When constipation makes it difficult to go, it can affect your day-to-day activities as well as your overall wellbeing, Andrew Boxer, MD, gastroenterologist at Jersey City Medical Center, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

If you’re looking for some constipation relief at home, the right juice may be at least part of the answer. Here are the best juices to help get things moving.

Warning

Talk to your doctor about new, unexplained or chronic constipation, as this could be a sign of a larger problem.

Prune juice is the number-one juice you should turn to if you’re dealing with constipation, according to Dr. Boxer. “Prune juice is considered the quintessential juice for relieving constipation and maintaining regular bowel movements,” he says.

And research backs this up. For instance, an August 2014 study in ​Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics​ found that prune juice was “superior” in relieving constipation, increasing both stool weight and frequency. (Sorry for the vivid details, but the people need to know.)

Dr. Boxer explains that fruit juices like prune are helpful for constipation for two main reasons:

1. Fruit juice helps hydrate and lubricate the small
   intestines and colon, where water is absorbed to form stool.
2. Some
   juices have fiber and other natural properties that can have laxative effects.

Prune juice is the gold-standard remedy for constipation because just 1 cup contains a whopping 2.6 grams of dietary fiber. All of that fiber helps bulk up the stool so it can be excreted more easily, helped along with a little dose of fruit juice hydration.

But there’s one more reason prune juice shines above the rest: It contains a naturally occurring, non-absorbable sugar called sorbitol.

“This sugar pulls fluid into the bowel, preventing hardening of the stools,” Scott David Lippe, MD, a gasteroenterologist with New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, New Jersey, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

If prune juice isn’t your jam, Dr. Lippe recommends reaching for apple juice, as it’s another effective constipation remedy.

Like prune juice, apple juice contains high levels of naturally occurring sorbitol, which is a major constipation fighter. Indeed, a small April 2020 study in ​Food and Function​ found that apple juice can be helpful for people with chronic constipation.

The flavor of apple juice is also a lot nicer than prune juice, which makes it easier for many people — especially kids — to stomach. However, be sure not to drink too much, or you’ll end up with a stomachache, Dr. Lippe cautions.

Along with apple juice, Dr. Lippe recommends pear juice for constipation because it’s another type of juice that has naturally high levels of sorbitol.

“Pear juice has about four times more sorbitol than you find in apple juice, so this may be a better option for constipation,” he notes. (Although, to be fair, you might be hard-pressed to find pear juice in your local supermarket. Try checking the baby food or world food sections if you can’t find it in the juice aisle.)

There isn’t much research specifically on pear juice for constipation, but one study from 2001 in the ​Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics​ found pear juice to be helpful for regulating bowel function. However, it was most effective after taken regularly for about a week.

Tip

To help you stay regular, Dr. Lippe recommends eating a healthy diet, getting daily exercise and staying hydrated. If you’re incorporating juice into that plan, he says to stick to a half cup daily.

What About Other Fruit Juices for Constipation?

Prune, pear and apple are considered the best fruit juices for constipation, with the most evidence behind them. Here’s what we know about other juices:

• ​Aloe vera juice:​ Aloe vera as an herbal supplement may be helpful for constipation, and especially for people with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to an October 2018 ​Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility​ review. But there’s no research to support that aloe vera juice is a laxative.
• ​Cranberry juice:​ Cranberries have been studied for
  their role in supporting gut health and the microbiome, but it’s not clear
  if those benefits apply to the juice.
• ​Grape juice:​ There’s not much evidence to show that grape juice is helpful for constipation, but it may still serve a purpose: If you don’t like the taste of prune, pear or apple juice, try mixing in a little grape juice to make the flavor more palatable.
• ​Grapefruit juice:​ Research in mice indicates that a compound called naringenin in grapefruit and its juice has a laxative effect, per a February 2018 ​International Journal of Molecular Medicine​ paper. But it would be a big leap to say that it has the same effect in humans. Plus, if you take a medication called Movantik for constipation, you shouldn’t drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit, as it can cause a dangerous level of the drug in your blood.
• ​Lemon juice:​ Constipation affects many people with
  cancer, and the American Cancer Society recommends hot water mixed with lemon juice as a
  simple and soothing remedy.
• ​Orange juice:​ Orange juice is a beloved breakfast favorite, but there’s not much evidence that it can help you poop. You’re better off eating whole oranges: A small 2019 study in ​Drug Intervention Today​ found that oranges were effective in relieving constipation symptoms after participants ate one daily for about 15 days.
• ​Papaya juice:​ Papaya has been found to help with certain digestive symptoms, such as heartburn, IBS and constipation, according to a 2013 study in ​Neuroendocrinology Letters​. But these benefits don’t necessarily extend to papaya juice, which doesn’t contain the fiber that whole papaya does.

There are a few things you should keep in mind before drinking fruit juice for constipation:

1. Fruit juices are high in sugar, so if you have diabetes or need to
   watch your sugar intake for other medical reasons, you’ll need to be careful about how much juice you’re drinking.
2. While juice can help you poop, it shouldn’t be used as a remedy for chronic constipation. If you regularly struggle to have, well, regular bowel movements, you should talk to your doctor.
3. If your constipation is accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding or unexplained weight loss, schedule a check-up
   with your doctor as soon as possible.

Apples Can Be Helpful For Both Constipation And Diarrhoea: Nutritionist Explains How

Apples can be beneficial for your gut health

Highlights

• Apples can be included in weight loss diet
• Apples are good for heart health
• Apples contain pectin, a kind of fibre which acts prebiotic

Apples are usually included in the category of foods that can help you with constipation. The fruit contains both soluble and insoluble fibre which can ease bowel movement and keep constipation at bay. But that’s not it. Did you know that apples can also help you with diarrhoea? In one of her Insta stories, nutritionist Pooja Makhija reveals how this winter fruit (which is now available in all seasons) can help you with both constipation and diarrhoea.

Apples can help with both constipation and diarrhoea: Here’s how

Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. 64% of the fruit is insoluble fibre and 36% is soluble fibre, informs Makhija. “Soluble fibre is the one which forms gel-like consistency in stools and slows down digestion. So, if you have diarrhoea, you should have the pulp of the fruit without the skin,” she recommends.

Also read: Home Remedies For Constipation: Know How To Use Dried Figs (Anjeer) For Better Digestion

The insoluble fibre in apples, on the other hand, is present in the skin of apples. It is the one which helps in forming the bulk of stools, eases bowel movements and relieves constipation. “One fruit, two purposes,” says Makhija in the Insta story which is now saved as highlights.

Fibre content of apples can also be beneficial for weight loss purposes. It contains high amounts of fibre and water, both of which make the fruit very filling in nature. Eating one whole fruit in between meals (and not before or after meals) can make you feel fuller for longer and reduce overall calorie intake, thus aiding weight loss.

Also read: Weight Loss Tips: Get In Shape This Summer With These Foods And Drinks

Other benefits of apples to watch out for

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and rightly so. Here are a few more benefits of including this fruit in your diet:

• Apples can be good for heart health. Soluble fibre in apples can help in lower blood cholesterol levels. Apples also contain polyphenols which can have antioxidant benefits that may lower blood pressure.
• Pectin is another kind of fibre in apples, which act as prebiotic. It provides beneficial bacteria to gut and can help in improving gut health.

Apples can help in dealing with both constipation and diarrhoea
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Gut Health- 5 Tips To Improve Gut Health And Absorption Of Nutrients From Food

(Pooja Makhija is a nutritionist, dietitian and author)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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What to Feed a 1-Year-Old for Constipation | Healthy Eating

By Sharon Perkins Updated December 12, 2018

One-year-olds, like older children and adults, can become constipated if they don’t get enough fluid and fiber. Pediatricians define constipation by the consistency of and difficulty passing the stool, not by the number of movements per day or week. Simple dietary changes usually prevent or improve constipation. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you think he’s constipated and simple measures don’t work.

Fruits

Fruits often come to mind first when it comes to treating constipation, and with good reason. Fruits contain sugar and fiber; both can help prevent constipation. Pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears recommends trying apricots and the four “Ps” — pears, peaches, plums and one of the most time-honored treatments for constipation at any age — prunes. If your baby turns up his nose at prunes, mix prune puree with another food, such as applesauce. Avoid bananas, which can worsen constipation.

Vegetables

Vegetables, like fruits, contain fiber, which has a laxative effect, creating large, bulky stools that move more quickly through the intestinal tract. Unfortunately, vegetables often don’t make the list of top foods for toddlers. Your 1-year-old might be more willing to eat raw vegetables cut into small pieces on a plate with a little salad dressing for dipping. Bake vegetables into lasagna or add them to rice or noodle dishes. Vegetable soup, whether canned or homemade, can also increase your child’s vegetable intake. Cooked carrots can worsen constipation.

Whole Grains

Refined grains don’t have as much fiber as whole grains. Many ready-to-eat cereals and hot cereals come in whole-grain form. Look for higher-fiber varieties of cereals that your child enjoys as finger food or as a warm start to a cold morning. Choose whole-grain breads and crackers over refined versions. Brown rice and whole-grain noodles provide more fiber than their refined counterparts. Avoid rice cereals, which can contribute to constipation. Try barley instead. Add ground flaxseed to cereal or try flaxseed oil mixed into a fruit and/or vegetable smoothie.

Fluids

Your baby can become constipated if he doesn’t get enough dietary fluids. If he becomes dehydrated, his body removes fluid from the colon, which makes stools hard and dry. When your baby starts eating more solid food, he will probably cut down on his milk intake, which could lead to mild dehydration. If you’re increasing dietary fiber to treat constipation, he will also need extra fluids. Give him an extra 8 ounces of water or diluted juice per day to treat constipation. Pear and prune juice do double-duty in preventing constipation. Don’t give more than 4 to 6 ounces per day of fruit juice or you can end up with the opposite problem — diarrhea.

Foods to Help With Constipation in Toddlers

Ohhhh poop. Constipation in toddlers – what to do? The foods you serve them is a good place to start!

We pretty much all know that prune juice helps, but there are other foods you can add throughout the day as well.

Before we get to the food – make sure that your little one is also drinking water throughout the day, and getting enough physical activity. Not enough water, and not enough movement can lead to constipation too. It’s not always about the food. (And it could be caused by other medical reasons – when in doubt, call the pediatrician.)

Breakfast Foods for Toddler Constipation

You can’t go wrong with oatmeal. Unless your toddler doesn’t like oatmeal, which is very possible, because they are soooo opinionated about their food. As you know. 😂

Other options:

• Whole grain anything: toast, waffles, pancakes, muffins – any of these are fine, just make sure that they have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving or are made primarily with a whole grain, if you can’t get the nutrition label.
• Berries! Fruit of any kind, really. The only fruit to limit is bananas that are less ripe (fully ripened bananas are okay for constipation).
• Ground flax-almond butter-applesauce: when you’re short on prep time, this is a great go-to. Stir a teaspoon of ground flax and a tablespoon of almond butter into some applesauce.
• Spinach smoothie with pear nectar juice: This is my favorite combo for constipation, since pear nectar juice tastes WAY better than prune juice, but works just as well. This serves 2:
  • 1 c pear nectar juice
  • 1 c packed baby spinach
  • 1/2 c frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 c frozen mango
  • 1 tbsp ground flax

Breakfast Foods To Limit While Constipated

Cereal is not always a bad option for constipation – you might find one that has a decent amount of fiber, which would be helpful. But, most cereals that kids like are low in fiber. And, cow’s milk doesn’t help the situation either. So I would try to avoid cereal for a day or two.

Other breakfast foods that will not help constipation:

• Pancakes: if they are made from white flour, limit them for now. Same thing goes for waffles, toast, etc. Whole grains help constipation; white flour does not.
• Muffins: same story as the pancakes. White flour = no fiber = not helpful.
• Bananas: as I mentioned above, this is the fruit to avoid during constipation, UNLESS it’s getting brown. Brownish bananas are okay for constipation!
• High-fat meat, dairy, or egg dishes: these types of foods will slow down digestion, which is not what you want when trying to make #2 happen! Limit sausage, bacon, cheesy/greasy foods.
• Most anything fried: things like hash browns that are fried will also slow down digestion.

Lunch and Dinner to Help with Constipation in Toddlers

Beans, beans, the musical fruit. (I know, I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

Here are some ideas of foods to include in lunch and dinner while your toddler is constipated:

• Beans or lentils: Try this mild black bean and corn chili, paired with some whole grain crackers or toast. Or try one of the kid-friendly bean recipes in this post! You can even add beans to smoothies…they don’t add any bean-y flavor.
• Fruit: the BEST ones for constipation are peaches, pears, plums, and prunes, but feel free to go for any fruit your little one loves. (Reminder on the one exception: avoid less-ripe bananas.)
• Veggies: again, just like fruit, any veggie is better than no veggie! Sweet potatoes are often a favorite, as well as avocado.
• Chia seeds: both chia and flax are great for constipation. I like to use ground seeds to easily mix into foods without my little one detecting that they are there!

Foods to Reduce During Constipation

Okay, I think you get the picture by now! Fruits, veggies, and whole grains are helpful; meat, fried, fatty foods and excess dairy are not helpful.

But you don’t have to avoid EVERY food that is not a fruit, veggie, or whole grain.

This is just meant to help guide you in planning out the day’s meals, and to be mindful of limiting the foods that are not going to help the constipation.

Troubleshooting

You’ve been serving beans, fruit, and prune juice for days – and nothing is changing. Your toddler is plenty active and gets plenty of water. What gives?

Sometimes, constipation does require the attention of the pediatrician, especially if it’s happening frequently.

Your doctor might prescribe a laxative, and if they do – that’s okay! Some parents get freaked about using a laxative, but when used as directed by the doctor, it’s a safe and effective way to relieve constipation.

Even if you think you just want to solve it naturally – you can’t always do that. (I’m sorry!) Often times, the body really needs the power of the laxative to clear everything out.

Are you potty training?

Potty training time is NOTORIOUS for coming along with constipation problems. I recommend a call to the pediatrician – because diet is likely not going to solve this one.

It could be a number of things, but some kids are afraid or reluctant to poop on the toilet, and when they hold it in, it gets drier and harder to pass, leading to constipation.

Isn’t it fun, all the things you get to learn about poop as a parent? 😉

Picky Eaters

If you’re like, “Wait…my kid doesn’t like any of the foods that are helpful for constipation! They’re so picky!” It’s okay – there are still some small changes that can help with the immediate need of relieving constipation.

If they like pouches: look for ones that have fiber, like Go Go Squeez, for example.

If they like fruit: serve it a few times a day! Even if you have to repeat the same fruit at two meals, that’s okay.

If they like smoothies: this is the easiest way to pack in those constipation fighting foods!

If they like crunchy: try a fiber-filled snack like Harvest Snaps pea crisps.

Make sure to also download my FREE Picky Eater Starter Guide walking you the first 4 steps to take towards improving picky eating.

Did this post help you learn about the diet for constipation in toddlers??

Gastroenterology | Constipation Causes & Symptoms

Constipation is defined as:

• a decrease in frequency of bowel movements, compared to a child’s usual pattern (some physicians define constipation as fewer than three bowel movements per week).
• the passage of hard, often times large caliber dry bowel movements.
• bowel movements that are difficult or painful to push out.

What causes constipation?

Sometimes, there is no identifiable reason for constipation in children. However, some of the causes may include:

• diet
  • Some children eat too much of foods that are high in fat and low in fiber (such as fast foods,”junk” foods, and soft drinks).
  • Some children do not drink enough water and liquids.
• lack of exercise
  • Children who stay inside, watching TV and playing video games, do not get enough exercise. Exercise helps move digested food through the intestines.
• emotional issues
  • Pre-school and school-aged children are sometimes embarrassed to use public bathrooms and hold in their bowel movements, causing constipation.
  • Toddlers can be overwhelmed by toilet training, especially when a parent is more anxious for the child to be out of diapers than the child is.
  • Toddlers can also become involved in power-struggles with their parents as they learn to assert their independence, and may intentionally, hold bowel movements in.
  • Some children who experience stress at school, with their friends, or in the family, may have constipation.
• busy children
  • Some children ignore signals their intestines give them to have a bowel movement. This can happen when children are too busy playing and forget to go to the bathroom.
  • Constipation can also be a problem when children start a new school year, since they are no longer able to go to the bathroom whenever the urge strikes and have to change their bowel routine.
  • Once a child becomes constipated, a vicious cycle can develop. Hard, dry stools can be painful to push out, and the child can avoid using the bathroom to avoid the discomfort. Eventually, the intestine will not be able to sense the presence of stool.

Physical problems that can cause constipation include the following:

• abnormalities of the intestinal tract, rectum, or anus
• problems of the nervous system, such as cerebral palsy
• endocrine problems, such as hypothyroidism
• certain medications (i. e., iron preparations and narcotics such as codeine)

Why is constipation a concern?

Hard stools can irritate or tear the lining of the anus (fissure), making it painful to have a bowel movement. The child may avoid having a bowel movement, which can cause further constipation.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

The following are the most common symptoms of constipation. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• not having a bowel movement for several days, or passing hard, dry stools
• abdominal bloating, cramps, or pain
• decreased appetite
• clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in the face as the child tries to hold in a bowel movement to avoid discomfort
• small liquid or soft stool smears that soil the child’s underwear

The symptoms of constipation may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.

How is constipation diagnosed?

A physician will examine your child and obtain a complete medical history. Depending on the age of your child, you might be asked questions such as:

• How old was your baby when he/she had their first stool?
• How often does your child have a bowel movement?
• Does your child complain of pain when he/she has a bowel movement?
• Have you been trying to toilet train your toddler recently?
• What does your child’s diet consist of?
• Have there been any stressful events in your child’s life lately?
• How often does your child soil his/her pants?

Occasionally, your child’s physician may want to perform other diagnostic tests to determine if there are any problems. These tests may include:

• digital rectal examination (DRE)-a physician or healthcare provider inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for anything unusual or abnormal.
• abdominal x-ray – a diagnostic test to evaluate the amount of stool in the large intestine.
• barium enema – a procedure performed to examine the large intestine for abnormalities. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an x-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. An x-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.
• anorectal manometry – a test that measures the strength of the muscles in the anus, nerve reflexes, ability to sense rectal distention, and coordination of muscles during defecation.
• rectal biopsy – a test that takes a sample of the cells in the rectum to be examined under a microscope for any problems.

When should you contact a physician?

Do not hesitate to contact your child’s physician if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s bowel habits or patterns. The National Institutes of Health recommends that you talk to your child’s physician if:

• episodes of constipation last longer than 3 weeks.
• the child is unable to participate in normal activities because of constipation.
• normal pushing is not enough to expel a stool.
• liquid or soft stool leaks out of the anus.
• small, painful tears appear in the skin around the anus.
• hemorrhoids develop.

Treatment for constipation:

Specific treatment for constipation will be determined by your child’s physician based on the following:

• your child’s age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• type of condition
• your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

Diet changes
Often, making changes in your child’s diet will help constipation. Consider the following suggestions:

• Increase the amount of fiber in your child’s diet by:
  • adding more fruits and vegetables.
  • adding more whole grain cereals and breads (check the nutritional labels on food pack ages for foods that have more fiber).

What are good fiber sources?

• Offer your child fruit juice instead of soft drinks.
• Encourage your child to drink more fluids, especially water.
• Limit fast foods and junk foods that are usually high in fats and offer more well-balanced meals and snacks.
• Limit drinks with caffeine, such as cola drinks and tea.
• Limit whole milk to 16 ounces a day for the child over 2 years of age, but do not eliminate milk altogether. Children need the calcium in milk to help their bones grow strong.

Plan to serve your child’s meals on a regular schedule. Often, eating a meal will stimulate a bowel movement within 30 minutes to an hour. Serve breakfast early so your child does not have to rush off to school and miss the opportunity to have a bowel movement.

Increase exercise
Increasing the amount of exercise your child gets can also help with constipation. Exercise aids digestion by helping the normal movements the intestines make to push food forward as it is digested. People who do not move around much are often constipated. Encourage your child to go outside and play rather than watch TV or engage in other indoor activities.

Proper bowel habits
Have your child sit on the toilet at least twice a day for at least 10 minutes, preferably shortly after a meal. Make this time pleasant; do not scold or criticize the child if they are unable to have a bowel movement. Giving stickers or other small rewards, and making posters that chart your child’s progress can help motivate and encourage him/her.

If these methods do not help, or if your physician notices other problems, he/she may recommend laxatives, stool softeners, or an enema. These products should ONLY be used with the recommendation of your child’s physician. DO NOT use them without consulting with your child’s physician first.

What is the long-term outlook for a child with constipation?

The outlook depends on what type of condition caused the constipation. Those children with diseases of the intestine, such as Hirschsprung’s disease, may have chronic problems. However, most of the time, constipation is a temporary situation.

8 Things That Can Cause Constipation More Easily Than You’d Expect (Trust Me)

Like being struck by lighting or meeting your long-lost identical twin while at summer camp, most of us don’t expect to ever experience severe constipation — let alone constipation so intense that it requires, um, hands-on attention. And that goes double for those of us with very chill-seeming bowels, ones that keep their cool in the face of both kale salads and chili-filled bread bowls. But this weekend, a perfect storm of factors taught me how quickly a perfectly-behaved digestive tract can go rogue.

After a very busy week in which I basically treated my body like a mass grave for coffee and Snickers, I got up to go one morning and found that I was … stuck. Yes, a piece of dry, rock-hard poop had lodged itself right in my rectum, making pooping it out or going about with my normal day an impossibility. After an enema and a very awkward call with a friend who went to medical school, I learned that there was only way to deal a solid chunk of poop trapped in your rectum: someone was going to have to move it out of the way. And in the eternal words of Destiny’s Child, I depend on me. So, with the help of a rubber glove, some lubricant, and a commitment to blocking out this memory as soon as I was finished, I removed my own poop, piece by dense, dry piece, until I was unblocked, as it were.

Though there are a few things I can recommend about the experience — for example, I now know that I am capable of literally anything, and could survive any number of apocalypse-type situations with great ease — I’d still like to help you avoid it. So please check out this list of eight things that can make you constipated … a list I really wish I’d read a week ago.

1. Eating Bananas

What I Used To Think: Bananas are a fruit! Fruits have fiber! And since bananas are the easiest fruit to consume while commuting, working or having a really involved conversation about the ongoing cultural relevance of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, I’m just gonna eat as many of them as possible and assume that it’s all super healthy.

The Actual Facts: It’s true, bananas are very healthy, and contain things like potassium, fiber, B6, and other stuff you’d be smart to stuff into your snack-hole. However, bananas can constipate some people — that’s why they’re a cornerstone of the BRAT diet, an eating plan that focuses on using bananas, rice, applesauce and toast to help people recover from diarrhea or other stomach ailments. I easily chowed down on a dozen bananas last week, which may not have plugged my tub on its own, but certainly didn’t help.

2. Being A Woman

What I Used To Think: Surely a loving creator/reasonable universe would not see fit to force women to both continue the human race by squeezing stuff through our vaginas AND make us more likely to have problems pooping. I mean, even if there isn’t a God, come on, what are the odds of us getting screwed over like that twice?

The Actual Facts: Not only do we make less than men for doing the same jobs, we also have to struggle more to poop out the same foods — because women get constipated more often than men. Some studies have shown that women are roughly twice as likely to experience constipation than their male peers, and that roughly two-thirds of women have reported periodic constipation.

Some of that may be due to hormones — progesterone, a hormone that rises during our menstrual cycles, can increase constipation, as can the positioning of our uterus over the course of the month. So yeah, there aren’t many precautions you can take against this, besides being a little more aware of your body.

3. Not Drinking Enough Water

What I Used To Think: Needing to drink eight glasses of water a day is just an urban myth, like that hook-handed murder who kills horny teens, or the idea that people in their twenties used to be able to afford real estate. I’ll just drink however much I drink, and I’ll probably be fine. I mean, I haven’t died yet, right?

The Actual Facts: Yes, eight glasses is an urban myth … because you’re actually supposed to drink nine glasses of liquid a day. Ahhhhh! Foiled again!

And if you’re doing some extraordinarily dehydrating things — like, say, wandering around the streets in the hot weather, as I was for much of last week — it’s helpful to drink more, like one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half extra cups of water for even short bouts of exercise.

4. Eating Too Much Sugar And Fat

What I Used To Think: Hey, the freedom to have Oreos for breakfast when you feel so moved is one of the only things that makes the headaches of being an adult worth it. Plus, I’m only gonna have a little, so it totally won’t hurt.

The Actual Facts: Turns out that I, like many of us, am a pretty bad judge of how much sugar I am actually consuming in any given time period. And while there may not be a direct correlation between eating a high-sugar diet and having concrete-dense poops, there sure as hell is a correlation between eating a high-sugar diet and not eating enough fiber (because there are only so many hours in the day, and if you’re using most of them to eat cookies, you’re probably not also using them to eat broccoli).

5. Eating Too Much Dairy

What I Used To Think: Oh, come on, I thought yogurt was supposed to make me poop! Jamie Lee Curtis told me so. I thought we had a deal, Jamie! I THOUGHT WE HAD A DEAL!

The Actual Facts: Here’s where this can get tricky — probiotics, a beneficial set of bacterias found in many yogurts, are good for our overall digestive health. A study at King’s College in London found that when constipation sufferers were treated with probiotics, they typically had more bowel movements and softer, easier-to-pass stools.

However, much like with sugar, if you’re eating so much dairy that you’re crowding more fiber-filled foods out of your diet, you and your bunghole may be in great danger. Over the past few weeks, I had been chugging Greek yogurt so hard, you would have thought I was gunning for some kind of record (or being hazed by the world’s dorkiest sorority). I figured it’s good for me and easy to eat while I’m doing something else (just like those damnable bananas), so sometimes I’d eat up to two cups a day — not an inherently bad thing, but something that kept me from eating foods with more fiber. And more fiber could have saved me from the Poopageddon that was my eventual fate.

6. Consuming Too Much Caffeine

What I Used To Think: Yeah, coffee can dehydrate you, but you’d have to drink, what, nine cups for it to matter? Plus, coffee makes you poop, everyone knows that.

The Actual Facts: Yeah, since coffee is a stimulant, it can make you poop in the immediate future. But the caffeine that makes it a stimulant can also dehydrate you, and if you don’t consume enough other liquids, all that coffee can eventually lead you down the road to weeping on the toilet while screaming at your boyfriend to go away. Some experts recommend that you drink an additional cup of water for every cup of coffee that you consume during the day, as dehydration is one of the leading causes of constipation.

7. Not Exercising Enough

What I Used To Think: Walking to the coffee shop for more coffee counts as adequate exercise.

The Actual Facts: While incidental exercise (like walking to and from the store) is better than nothing, aerobic exercise is better when it comes to shaking things loose down yonder, because it stimulates contractions in the intestinal muscles (this is responsible for the vexing yet common “gym fart” phenomenon). I walked a lot last week, but I also sat for extended periods of time, and never quite got around to doing anything aerobic — which may not be enough on its own to cause epic constipation, but probably didn’t help.

8. Not Eating Enough Fiber

What I Used To Think: Ugh, don’t talk to me about fiber intake — you’re making me feel old. Stop bringing me face-to-face with the grim specter of my own mortality.

The Actual Facts: We may think of fiber as some older person issue that you’ll deal with on the day your grandchildren graduate from space-college — but in reality, we all need fiber, even when we seem way too young/beautiful/popular on Instagram to think about this sort of thing.

So how much fiber should you actually be eating? According to a lot of dietary guidelines, most women should eat 25mg of fiber a day, which, if you’re like most people, means literally nothing, and is about as effective as saying you should eat “;jsdfhjhj5purplehat milligrams of fiber” a day.

So what does 25mg of fiber actually look like, in practical terms? It’s five servings of fruits and vegetables, or one to two servings of whole grains or beans. But when you’re getting a lot of fiber, you also have to make sure you’re consuming a ton of water — if not, the fiber will simply expand in your body, absorb liquids and … yup, constipate you.

Can all of this keep you from ever living through a constipation nightmare like the one chronicled above? I can’t guarantee it, but I hope so. It would bring me great joy to know that you learned from this and saved yourself, and that my suffering was not in vain (especially since I can pretty much only eat broccoli and bran right now, so this really will be the only joy I feel all day).

Images: MaloMalverde /Flickr Giphy (8)

Baby Constipation- Remedies for Constipated Baby

Baby Constipation – It’s heartbreaking when baby is constipated.

Your baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for 3 or more days – is this normal or is this constipation? Your baby’s infrequent bowel movements are hard and dry – is this normal or is this constipation? Find answers to these questions and learn all about constipation and babies.

There are many causes of infant constipation. One of the most common causes of constipation in babies is the introduction of solid foods.

Common Causes of Infant Constipation are:

• Introduction of solid food(s) – breastfed babies may be more prone to constipation when solid foods are introduced. This is because their tiny tummies are used to processing the easily and highly digestible mother’s milk
• Diets low in fiber
• Diets of excessive dairy products (yogurt, cheeses, milk)
• Foods such as Bananas,  Applesauce, Cereals, Breads, Pasta and White Potatoes may contribute or cause constipation

A change in diet usually relieves a baby with constipation. The following tips may also help the constipated baby get things “moving”.

Remedies and How to Treat Constipation in Babies

There are many things you can do to help relieve baby’s constipation. You can change baby’s feeding pattern and/or engage in some physical exercises.

Exercises to Help Relieve Infant Constipation include:

• Tummy Massage – Gently massage and rub baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. Place your hands at baby’s navel and massage in a circular motion, moving your hand(s) out and away from the center of baby’s belly.
• Bicycle Legs – Place your baby on her back and lightly hold her legs in a half-bent position.  Gently begin to move your baby’s legs as if she is riding a bicycle. Alternate “Bicycle Legs” with Tummy Massage.  *”Bicycle Legs” also may help to relieve a baby who is gassy.
• A Warm Bath – Some medical professionals suggest giving your constipated baby a warm bath.  The thought is that this may help relax baby and “get things moving” again. Give a tummy massage as you are drying baby.

Relieving Constipation in Babies Younger than 4 Months:

Try giving one to two ounces of diluted fruit juice such as grape, prune or apple-prune twice daily and practice some of the above exercises.  (Always consult your pediatrician about the appropriateness of new foods/liquids to help alleviate constipation) Learn about Fruit Juice in your baby’s diet.

Relieving Constipation in Babies 4 Months to 12 months + by Changing the Food Diet

Adding more fiber to baby’s diet may help get things moving again. Try strained foods that contain high fiber such as:

For older infants who are just beginning solid foods, you may want to avoid baby foods such as rice cereal, applesauce and bananas as these may aggravate constipation.

Get the BRAT Out!

If your baby is constipated, reverse the BRAT diet

The BRAT diet is used for the treatment of diarrhea in infants because these foods help firm up stools. An easy and natural way to remember how to help alleviate baby’s constipation is to cut out the foods that contribute to it! BRAT stands for

Bananas,

Rice,

Applesauce and

Toast

If you ever forget which foods to cut out, remember BRAT and cut out those foods!

Barley or oatmeal cereals, prunes, peaches, plums, apricots and most vegetables are preferred when baby has constipation.

Juices are helpful, especially apple or prune, but use in moderation, as they are not as nutritious for babies as formula or breast milk.

Why can I give my baby apple Juice but NOT applesauce when baby is constipated?

There is a difference in the amount of sugars and pectin in apple juice and applesauce:

Apple juice contains more sugars and liquids so it helps relieve constipation.

Applesauce is the whole of the fruit. It may contain a higher level of pectin – which firms up stools and may thus lead to constipation.

“Apple juice also has a mild laxative effect that may help provide relief from constipation commonly experienced by little ones.” About Apple Juices

Apples contain pectin, which will add bulk to your stools, and their cleansing action will encourage bowel movements. They have a laxative effect yet are also used for to help people get back on a regular diet after suffering bouts of diarrhea.

The pectin in the apple fiber apparently is why whole apples will firm up bowel movements. Think of Kaopectate – a popular over-the-counter diarrhea remedy. Kaopectate , actually contains an oxidized form of pectin. Also, that same fiber pectin is what dietitians have been telling us for decades is necessary to keep us regular and to prevent constipation. While it will help prevent constipation by helping to keep the bowels regular, it will not help alleviate constipation.

When it comes to bowel regularity, apples contain two types of fiber; insoluble and soluble. The insoluble fiber works like roughage, while the soluble fiber (pectin), which is found primarily in the skin, acts as a stool softener by drawing water into the stool and increasing stool bulk. Because pectin firms up an excessively loose stool, it’s also used to treat diarrhea. For more information see: US Apple Association

Resources & Learning More:

 Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

Constipation in Breastfed Babies and Formula Fed Babies

When solid foods are introduced, breastfed babies may become truly constipated while formula fed babies may struggle more frequently with bouts of constipation.

Breastfed babies are rarely constipated as breast milk is almost 100% completely digested and utilized by baby’s growing body. Breast milk leaves little “leftovers” to cause constipation. Many breastfed babies do have infrequent bowel movements however this does not mean that they are constipated.

Formula fed babies tend to battle constipation more often than their breastfed counterparts. Unlike breast milk, formula is not as easily digested nor is it as completely absorbed and used by a baby’s body.

 DID YOU KNOW?

Rice cereals, bananas, and applesauce are some of the most binding foods around and are common causes of constipation.

90,000 The child stopped pooping himself – Question to the pediatrician

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How to get rid of a child from CONSTITUTION?

Home> CHILDREN’S KITCHEN

Angela

My baby began to suffer from constipation after 3 months. What she did not give: Euphlarin (and the first time we drank it in 1 month just for prophylaxis), Duphalac (they drank for 3 weeks in a row – zero effect), Primadophilus (also did not help).I also cooked compote from prunes and dried apricots, Also no effect. Then I read from Kamarovsky that you can give low-fat kefir from 5 months. I asked the pediatrician – she said that kefir is only possible at 9 months. But at my own peril and risk, I bought our local low-fat kefir with and in the morning gave my son (we just turned 5 months old) 4 teaspoons (though I added a little sugar). The next morning he pooped himself (for the first time in a month he did it without my help). During the next week in the morning I gave him 8 – 10 teaspoons of kefir with sugar, and he pooped himself every day.Now it’s already 10 days without kefir, but we continue to poop ourselves.

Oksana

Give freshly squeezed carrot juice and you won’t have constipation !!!

Olesya

Hello! We are on the GW. When I was constipated, I myself ate beets, or prunes, or drank charcoal tablets before feeding (1 tab per 10 kg of my body weight), or 5 drops of rast to the child before feeding.boiled oil. Everything helps us! It is necessary to massage the baby’s tummy! 😛

Ksenia

Julia Schrötter, my child has clear signs of dysbiosis since about 1 month (pooping with foam, greens, water with a characteristic whistling) While drinking Linenx on the advice of a doctor, the stool was normal, we finished all over again. The pediatrician says that I am not eating properly 🙁 I try not to eat gas-forming products. Now they advised (not a doctor) Primadophilus, but after your words, I don’t even know whether to give it or not…

Olga

There is a good remedy “Duffalac”. It can be taken for constipation and pregnant women and newborns. Checked on myself. The remedy is taken in the morning for fasting. It always helped my child.

Elena

Prunes in jars or applesauce (read carefully the composition of puree) on an empty stomach helped us very well.It is good to give such mashed potatoes or water before porridge. Generally increase the amount of fluid in your body – give more water.

Alexandra

In case of severe constipation, MICROLAX will help. How to use is indicated in the instructions. It is possible for newborns.

Elena

When I was breastfeeding, I myself ate boiled beets (just like that or in a salad), and pour 3 prunes into 1 stack.boiling water and leave overnight. It is possible in a thermos. My daughter really liked the sweet and sour water, she drank it like a compote

TATIANKA

And if you better check for dysbiosis, my daughter suffered from constipation (2 years) and we have dysbiosis, were treated with bacteriophages.

Tetyana

mi also mali takі problems.additional Duphalac і Buryachkovy sic 🙂 It is necessary to dilute it with water and see a nebulo allergy. 😉

Tatiana

Dufalak also helped us, I drank it myself after giving birth, I had the worst constipation …

Olesya

With us from 6 months. were constipated. I put an enema every day.have tried almost all of the drugs and methods you listed. from the age of 9 months she began to introduce kefir (she did it herself). gradually the chair began to improve. We are already 1.6 (from 11 months not on GV), but kefir is a must-have item on the menu!

Helen

Dufalak will not help right away, but it can cause bloating, it is written there and in the instructions, so think before giving it to your child.

Cherry

If my child didn’t poop during the day, then I gave him apple juice and as soon as he started drinking it, he immediately began to please his mother)))) In principle, we used the juice for this.

Olga

try to give tea from licorice root – not the most pleasant drink, but there will definitely not be harm, and it costs a penny. my daughter’s licorice was VERY helpful with constipation.

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90,000 What to do if a child has constipation

Every mom at least once in her life was worried about the lack of a chair in her child.
At the same time, questions always arose: “What to do? How to treat?
Whom should I run to? ”
To answer these questions, you first need to understand:
what is actually constipation,
why does it occur and
is it possible
whether to fight it with a diet.

Constipation in infants

You come from the hospital and bring your favorite envelope with you. The envelope eats, pees and defecates well several times a day.
And everything would be fine if, a few days after discharge, your child did not develop colic.Along with colic, you notice that your
the child began to poop much less often. The naturally experienced mother’s brain connects these two events and makes the assumption that the child is crying exactly
due to the fact that he can not go “on the big”.

And then grandmothers immediately appear with different, sometimes with completely incomprehensible advice. Trouble floor – advice on the use of a gas pipe,
but when a loving grandmother offers to “help” the child by inserting the tip of a mercury thermometer into the ass or shoving a bar of soap there, then poor mother,
bulging eyes, decides to urgently run to the pharmacy for candles or laxatives to avoid such advice.But it turns out that to prevent
or constipation can be cured without medication.

Let’s try to figure out what constitutes constipation in infants.

In the first weeks of life, a child can defecate up to 5-6 times a day. After a while, the digestive system matures, begins to actively
enzymes are produced and breast milk is absorbed much better, so stools become less frequent, and in some cases may be absent
even up to 6 days.And this is quite normal practice. Not having a bowel movement does not mean constipation. Constipation in infants is feces
dense in consistency, in the shape of a sausage or generally resembling goat poop. In this case, colic and constipation, in principle, are very distantly related.
Therefore, you should not give a laxative if the baby just has colic.

In children on artificial feeding constipation occurs much more often, since the mixtures, although intended for children, are still far away
from the composition of breast milk (whatever they tell us on TV), and accordingly they are absorbed much worse.Therefore, you need to carefully
measure the liquid when diluting the mixture, and not “talk by eye”.

How to deal with constipation in babies

Constipation can occur due to many factors. So its appearance can be affected by an insufficient amount of fluid entering the body.
(for example, in the hot season, when the child sweats a lot, or insufficient water intake with artificial feeding),
mom of fixing products (in particular rice).
Based on the reasons, it can logically be concluded that in order to solve the problem with constipation, you need to offer the child a drink, and in the diet of a nursing mother
introduce laxative foods such as prunes, plums (with care, as they can cause colic), apples.Children on artificial
feeding more often offer water or if this does not help, then replace the formula.

Constipation in children after complementary feeding

After the introduction of complementary foods, children’s stools change, acquiring a different color, smell and consistency. The frequency of bowel movements also changes. Now
the child can poop 1 to 3 times a day. Constipation is considered to be the absence of stool for two days, a very dense shaped stool, or painful bowel movements.

How to deal with constipation in children after introducing complementary foods

If your child is prone to constipation, then complementary foods should be started with vegetable purees (cauliflower, zucchini, carrots).These foods are rich
fiber, and it enhances intestinal motility, preventing water from being absorbed quickly. Foods such as spinach are also great for weakening,
beets, apricot, plum, pear, applesauce, and prunes. Fresh fermented milk products will have a good normalizing effect,
fermented with bifido and lactobacilli. It is better to replace regular bread with bran bread. If possible, eat fruits and vegetables unpeeled.

Rice porridge, bananas, milk and carrot juice should be excluded from the diet, as they have a strengthening effect.It should also be reduced
the use of sweets, sour cream and butter. These foods inhibit the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

What to do if the child cannot go to the toilet

If it happens that the child cannot poop, then you can use the help of medicines. These include glycerin
candles, lactulose-containing syrups (Normase, Duflac) and microclysters (Microlax). To abuse glycerin suppositories, as well as microclysters, do not
costs. Suppositories strongly irritate the anus and can cause noticeable discomfort during use, and microclysters, with frequent use, can
flush out the intestinal microflora.Lactulose-containing drugs are absolutely harmless, but they are not “fast” drugs.

When to see a doctor

If constipation cannot be corrected and occurs at frequent intervals, then you need to contact a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist.
Such constipation may indicate a physiological disorder of the child’s intestines (for example, Hirschsprung’s disease or a malformation
intestine, namely its lengthening or expansion).

You should also consult a doctor if there are blood streaks in the stool.This could be a sign of a fissured rectum. If on time
it cannot be cured, then infection of the wound and, as a result, an abscess may occur.

There are cases when constipation could be the result of psychological stress or severe fear. In this case, the help of a psychologist is required.

Prevention of constipation in children

Naturally, the most important and basic method of prevention is a proper balanced diet, as well as an adequate drinking regime.The child’s nutrition should include soups, borscht, whole grain cereals, high-quality dairy products, various types of meat, a large amount
fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits.

For up to three years, only diet food stewed or steamed is recommended. From the liquid, you can use ordinary water,
juices, compotes, fruit drinks, decoctions. Carbonated water, coffee and strong tea are strictly prohibited.

It is very important to observe the diet. There should be 3 full meals a day and 2-3 snacks.

Active physical activity and sports will also serve as an excellent prevention of constipation.

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90,000 after the introduction of complementary foods, the child stopped pooping on his own – Medicine

At the age of 5 months, the child’s teeth began to open up – until not one came out yet.At that time, I started to introduce feed, as it should be, with a one-component … vegetable puree. Since then, she stopped pooping on her own. It does this only with microlax. From birth, there were no problems in this area, except for colic, it was always a good shit and tests were taken as that time, too, everything was fine. Teeth began to cut within a week, the stool was liquid – most likely a reaction to the teeth. And after complementary feeding stopped altogether. After feeding the porridge in 1-2 hours, she eats sissyu, because she does not fall asleep without it. And as a result, he stays awake for 2 hours and then falls asleep with sis and so on all day.I put enemas every 4-5 days. It was such that I waited up to 7 days, hoping that she would poop. Gaziks depart well and often very much. Not pushing all this time, the stomach is soft. I tried dyufalac – it does not help. Drinks enough water. Now I am feeding her 7.5 with nestle milk porridge (on the advice of a doctor), a natural apple, mashed potatoes. I have already added butter and vegetable oil to the porridge. I stopped giving mashed potatoes at all. Only an apple and porridge in the morning. Once she squeezed out of herself all the same something, but quite a bit, then she was distracted by toys.The next day, pooped liquid. I do not know what it was connected with. Child on GW. Now I started giving curd, I hope that will help. In general, the consistency is correct – thick, which, in my opinion, indicates there that it is not constipation. Tummy massages don’t help either. And the prune compote too (from enemas she cries constantly while pooping. And she cries a lot. At first I thought that she was too lazy to push, now I don’t know (it would be necessary to give soups and egg yolk already, but we are all sitting on cereals and sis.)Please tell me what to do in such a situation, how to teach a child to roll or how to feed him better so that he does it himself ?! It’s a pity to put these enemas on her, it’s very harmful. eats porridge somewhere around 100-120g. I don’t feed her on purpose, I just can’t put her to bed in a different way. We do not use pacifiers. Therefore, she falls asleep with sis. I used to feed the gerbera puree with different vegetables, I think it’s worth starting to cook them myself.As for the soup, what about it ?! I began to give cottage cheese for a couple of days and already tried the soup, vegetable. Also without result. But in the tummy it growls. And it seems to be pushing, but then it stops. I think, could there be such a reaction to the teeth ?! Because everything was normal with her stool, then her teeth began to cut, he became completely liquid, then she stopped pooping altogether. Or on a psychological level, that maybe mom will help, I’ll poop.

23.05.15

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