Can excessive vitamin D intake lead to constipation. How does vitamin D affect bowel movements. What are the potential side effects of too much vitamin D. Is vitamin D deficiency linked to digestive issues. How to maintain optimal vitamin D levels for digestive health.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Digestive Health

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including immune health, cellular growth, and bone development. While it’s essential to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, excessive intake can potentially lead to digestive issues, including constipation. Understanding the intricate relationship between vitamin D and digestive health is key to maintaining optimal wellness.

How Does Vitamin D Affect Bowel Movements?

Vitamin D itself doesn’t directly cause constipation. However, excessive vitamin D intake can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia, which may result in digestive problems, including constipation. Here’s how it works:

• Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it’s stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver.
• It helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently.
• Excessive vitamin D intake can lead to increased calcium absorption, resulting in hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood).
• Hypercalcemia can cause various digestive issues, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What Is the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin D?

To avoid potential side effects, it’s crucial to maintain appropriate vitamin D levels. The generally recommended daily intake is between 400 to 800 IU (International Units). However, individual needs may vary based on factors such as age, skin tone, sun exposure, and overall health status. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the optimal dosage for your specific needs.

The Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Digestive Health

While excessive vitamin D can lead to digestive issues, a deficiency in this crucial nutrient can also negatively impact digestive health. Research has shown a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and chronic constipation.

Can Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Constipation?

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that vitamin D deficiency was a key contributor to chronic constipation in a group of 86 patients. The researchers proposed that the link between vitamin D deficiency and constipation could be related to increased inflammation and poor immune response associated with low vitamin D levels.

How Does Adequate Vitamin D Support Digestive Health?

Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels can contribute to a healthy digestive system in several ways:

• Supports the immune system, which plays a role in gut health
• Helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract
• May promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
• Supports the integrity of the intestinal barrier

Other Vitamins and Minerals That May Affect Digestive Health

While vitamin D can impact digestive health, it’s not the only nutrient that can influence bowel movements and overall gut function. Other vitamins and minerals that may contribute to digestive issues include:

Calcium and Its Effect on Digestion

Calcium supplements, especially when taken in combination with vitamin D, can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort. Some people may experience:

• Constipation
• Bloating
• Gas
• Stomach cramps

Iron Supplementation and Gastrointestinal Issues

Iron supplements are known to cause various digestive problems, particularly constipation. This is because iron can be difficult for the body to digest when taken in supplement form. If you’re experiencing constipation due to iron supplementation, your healthcare provider may recommend a stool softener to alleviate discomfort.

Non-Nutritional Causes of Constipation

It’s important to note that constipation can result from various factors beyond vitamin and mineral intake. Some common non-nutritional causes of constipation include:

• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Insufficient dietary fiber intake
• Stress
• Lack of physical activity
• Genetic predisposition
• Underlying colon problems

If you’re experiencing persistent constipation, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Potential Side Effects of Excessive Vitamin D Intake

While constipation is one potential side effect of excessive vitamin D intake, there are several other symptoms that may occur when vitamin D levels become too high. Understanding these side effects can help individuals recognize when they may be consuming too much vitamin D.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitamin D Toxicity?

Excessive vitamin D intake, also known as vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis D, can lead to various symptoms, including:

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst and dehydration
• Frequent urination
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Confusion and disorientation
• Kidney problems, potentially leading to kidney failure
• Irregular heartbeat
• In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening

How Can Vitamin D Toxicity Be Prevented?

To avoid vitamin D toxicity and its associated side effects, consider the following precautions:

1. Follow recommended dosage guidelines for vitamin D supplements
2. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen
3. Be aware of vitamin D content in fortified foods and other supplements you may be taking
4. Monitor your vitamin D levels through regular blood tests, especially if you’re at risk for deficiency or taking high doses
5. Be cautious with prolonged sun exposure, as excessive sun exposure can also lead to vitamin D toxicity in rare cases

The Importance of Vitamin D Balance for Overall Health

While excessive vitamin D can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems, it’s equally important to recognize the risks associated with vitamin D deficiency. Striking the right balance is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

What Are the Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Insufficient vitamin D levels can lead to several health problems, including:

• Bone deformities in children (rickets)
• Osteomalacia (softening of bones) in adults
• Increased risk of osteoporosis
• Muscle weakness and pain
• Increased risk of falls, especially in older adults
• Weakened immune system
• Potential increased risk of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases

How Can Optimal Vitamin D Levels Be Maintained?

To ensure you’re getting the right amount of vitamin D for your body’s needs, consider the following strategies:

1. Spend moderate amounts of time in sunlight, while being mindful of skin cancer risks
2. Consume vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products
3. Consider a vitamin D supplement, but only under the guidance of a healthcare provider
4. Have your vitamin D levels checked regularly, especially if you’re at risk for deficiency
5. Be aware of factors that may affect your vitamin D status, such as skin tone, geographic location, and certain medical conditions

The Role of Vitamin D Testing in Maintaining Digestive Health

Given the complex relationship between vitamin D and digestive health, regular monitoring of vitamin D levels can be an essential part of maintaining overall wellness. Vitamin D testing can help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about supplementation and lifestyle changes.

Why Is Vitamin D Testing Important?

Regular vitamin D testing offers several benefits:

• Helps identify deficiencies or excessive levels before symptoms occur
• Allows for personalized supplementation recommendations
• Aids in monitoring the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation
• Can help explain certain digestive symptoms or other health issues
• Supports overall health management and disease prevention

How Is Vitamin D Testing Performed?

Vitamin D testing is typically done through a blood test that measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood. This test can be performed in a healthcare setting or through at-home testing kits offered by companies like Everlywell. The results of these tests can help guide decisions about vitamin D supplementation and other lifestyle factors that may impact vitamin D status.

Strategies for Optimizing Vitamin D Levels and Digestive Health

Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels while supporting digestive health requires a multifaceted approach. By implementing a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation strategies, individuals can work towards achieving a healthy balance.

What Dietary Changes Can Support Vitamin D Levels and Digestive Health?

Consider incorporating the following dietary strategies:

• Consume fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines regularly
• Include egg yolks in your diet
• Choose vitamin D-fortified dairy products or plant-based alternatives
• Incorporate mushrooms exposed to UV light, which can be a good source of vitamin D
• Ensure adequate intake of dietary fiber to support digestive health
• Stay well-hydrated to prevent constipation

How Can Lifestyle Changes Improve Vitamin D Status and Digestive Function?

Implement these lifestyle modifications to optimize vitamin D levels and digestive health:

1. Spend time outdoors, allowing for safe sun exposure to boost vitamin D production
2. Engage in regular physical activity, which can support both vitamin D metabolism and digestive function
3. Manage stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
4. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to support overall health and hormone balance
5. Consider probiotic supplementation to support gut health and potentially enhance vitamin D absorption

By understanding the intricate relationship between vitamin D and digestive health, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain optimal wellness. Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels, coupled with a balanced approach to diet, lifestyle, and supplementation, can help prevent both deficiency and toxicity while supporting overall digestive function. As always, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized approach that addresses individual needs and health concerns.

Does Vitamin D Cause Constipation? | Vitamin D Constipation

Medically reviewed on August 1, 2022 by Jordan Stachel, M.S., RDN, CPT. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• How can vitamin D affect bowel movements?
• Are there other vitamins that might contribute to constipation?
• What other side effects might come with vitamin D?
• Get in tune with your vitamin D levels with Everlywell

Ensuring that you get enough vitamin D in your daily diet can help support immune health, cellular growth, and bone development. [1] While some opt for fortified foods like milk and cereals for their daily dose of vitamin D, others opt to take supplements.

Can you take too much vitamin D? Yes, you can and it can potentially harm your gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation.

How can vitamin D affect bowel movements?

So, does vitamin D cause constipation? Not exactly, but constipation is often a side effect of too much vitamin D. You might be wondering “How much vitamin D should I take?” It is generally recommended to have 400 to 800 IU daily. To help you understand how vitamin D intake is related to your bowel movements, let’s break down some facts about vitamin D and your body: [1]

• Vitamin D is fat soluble – Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. This means it’s absorbed with dietary fats. From there, vitamin D is stored in your liver and other fatty tissues. A fat soluble vitamin is excreted like water-soluble vitamins. Therefore, if you get too much of a fat soluble vitamin it’s stored in your body.
• Hypercalcemia – Is vitamin D good for bones? When you consume the right amount, vitamin D does its job—helping your body with calcium absorption for strong bones. When you get too much calcium intake, it builds up in your bloodstream. This is known as hypercalcemia.
• Digestive problems – Hypercalcemia can lead to a host of digestive problems. You might experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Others experience the opposite end of the spectrum—constipation. If left untreated, more serious problems can occur, including renal failure and even death.

Can the right amount of vitamin D keep your digestive system on track?

While you don’t want to go overboard on vitamin D supplementation, the right amount can help keep your digestive system humming along optimally. [2] In fact, a study of 86 patients who suffered from chronic constipation found that vitamin D deficiency was one of the key contributors to their digestive troubles.

The World Journal of Gastroenterology proposed that potential links between vitamin D and chronic constipation could be tied to the increase in inflammation and poor immune response that may accompany vitamin D deficiency.

Are there other vitamins that might contribute to constipation?

A toxic amount of vitamin D might not cause your constipation. There are other vitamins that can contribute to gastrointestinal problems as well. These may include: [3]

• Calcium – While some people can take calcium supplements without any problems, others find they experience an increase in gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps when taking calcium. If you’re taking both calcium and vitamin D supplement, the combination of these two might cause you some stomach distress.
• Iron – Iron supplements are also known to cause gastrointestinal problems. Iron can be difficult to digest when taken in supplement form and constipation is a common symptom associated with excess iron. Your healthcare provider may recommend a stool softener to relieve the discomfort caused by an iron supplement.

Constipation may also derive from causes outside of diet and supplement intake, such as:

• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Insufficient dietary fiber intake
• Stress
• Lack of exercise
• Genetic predisposition
• Colon problems

You should always consult with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing constipation. They can rule out more serious issues and help you mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort.

What other side effects might come with vitamin D?

Constipation isn’t the only side effect associated with toxic vitamin D intake. In addition to gastrointestinal distress, excessive vitamin D intake may also lead to:

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst and dehydration
• Frequent urination
• Muscle weakness
• Pain
• Confusion
• Kidney failure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Death

On the other hand, too little vitamin D can also lead to: [4]

• Bone deformities in children
• Bone aches
• Muscle weakness

Get in tune with your vitamin D levels with Everlywell

Your body requires a delicate balance of vitamins to function optimally. Too much or too little of necessary nutrients, such as vitamin D, can cause significant health problems.

That being said, when you intake excess or toxic levels of vitamin D, you may experience constipation, in addition to other digestive problems, loss of appetite, and muscle weakness.

If you’re uncertain if your vitamin D levels are where they should be, Everlywell can help. Our at-home Vitamin D Test is an easy and convenient way to check your vitamin D from the comfort of your home. Also note that you can now purchase vitamin D supplements directly from Everlywell. If you’re experiencing various bowel-related symptoms, consider taking an at-home colon cancer test.

Related content

Is vitamin D good for bones?

Can you take too much vitamin D?

How much vitamin D should I take?

References

1. VItamin D Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health. URL. Accessed August 1, 2022.
2. Chronic Functional Constipation is Strongly Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency. World Journal of Gastroenterology. URL. Accessed August 1, 2022.
3. Chronic Constipation. Medicine. URL. Accessed August 1, 2022.
4. Vitamin D. National Institutes of Health. URL. Accessed August 1, 2022.

Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency

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Can taking vitamin D cause constipation?

Elevated levels of vitamin D and calcium in the body can contribute to some digestive problems such as stomach pain, constipation and diarrhea. . It can also be a sign of other health problems, so it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any supplements.

At the same time, can vitamin D affect your bowel movements? If you take large doses of vitamin D, you may experience abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea. as a result of elevated calcium levels.

Briefly, what is remedy D for constipation? If you are constipated, the following quick treatments can help you have a bowel movement in just a few hours.

• Take fiber supplements. …
• Eat foods to relieve constipation. …
• Drink a glass of water. …
• Take a laxative. …
• Take an osmotic laxative. …
• Try a laxative lubricant. …
• Use a stool softener. …
• Give an enema.

Which vitamin stops constipation?

1. Magnesium. Magnesium plays a number of important roles in the body, and some forms of this mineral can help with constipation. For example, studies have shown that Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Sulfate all improve the symptoms of constipation.

really, what are the symptoms of too much vitamin D?

The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity can progress to bone pain and kidney problems such as calcium stones.

Contents

Can vitamin D cause gas and bloating?

Unfortunately, very few food sources naturally contain this nutrient, which can make it difficult to meet your needs (23). If you’re vitamin D deficient, supplementing can be an easy way to increase your intake and potentially prevent bloating.

Can I take 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day?

The Endocrine Society Practice Guidelines recommend that up to 10,000 IU per day is safe for adults. This is in contrast to the recommended UL of XNUMX IU/day from IOM.

Can I take 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 every day?

So long-term vitamin D3 at doses between 5000 and 50,000 IU/day seems safe.

Is it better to take vitamin D every day or once a week?

Output. Daily vitamin D was more effective than weekly, and monthly was the least effective.

How soon will I feel better after taking vitamin D?

So, when it comes to treating vitamin D deficiency, how long does it take to feel better? Those with the lowest levels should feel better after just a few days, while those who only need to top up may have to wait a week or two before they begin to feel healthier and more energized.

Does vitamin D cause weight gain?

Vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to lead to weight gain. However, it may cause other health problems or unpleasant symptoms that should be avoided. You can maintain adequate vitamin D levels by combining limited sun exposure, a vitamin D-rich diet, and vitamin D supplements.

Bloating Tips

1. Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after meals to reduce bloating by flushing out excess sodium, which can often lead to bloating.
2. Get some exercise.
3. Try yoga.
4. Try peppermint oil.
5. Massage your belly.
6. Digestive enzyme supplements.
7. Take an Epsom salt bath.

Can vitamin D3 cause constipation?

Constipation is a possible side effect of taking too much vitamin D3 (a form of D that the body makes when exposed to sunlight). According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, the maximum daily amount of vitamin D3 that people should consume is 1,000 to 1,500 IU for infants.

What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3?

There are two possible forms of vitamin D in the human body: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Both D2 and D3 are simply referred to as “vitamin D”, so there is no meaningful difference between vitamin D3 and just vitamin D.

When should I take vitamin D, morning or evening?

The most important step is to include vitamin D in your daily routine and take it consistently to ensure maximum effectiveness. Try taking it with breakfast or bedtime snacks – as long as it doesn’t interfere with your sleep.

Is 10,000 units of vitamin D a lot?

The current recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 600 IU per day for adults under the age of 70 and 800 IU for older adults. Up to 4,000 IU/day is generally considered a safe upper limit, however doses up to 10,000 IU/day do not cause toxicity.

Is there a downside to taking vitamin D?

Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Long-term vitamin D intake in excess of 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day may not be safe and can result in very high blood calcium levels.

When should I stop taking vitamin D?

Do not take more than 100 mcg (4,000 IU) of vitamin D per day as this may be harmful. This applies to adults, including pregnant and lactating women and the elderly, as well as children aged 11 to 17 years. Children aged 1 to 10 years should not exceed 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) per day.

Can I take 1000 mg of vitamin D per day?

Current recommendations suggest 400–800 IU (10–20 micrograms) of vitamin D per day. However, people who need more vitamin D can safely consume 1,000–4,000 IU (25–100 mcg) per day. It is not recommended to consume more as it is not associated with any additional health benefits.

Does vitamin D3 cause constipation?

Constipation is a possible side effect of taking too much vitamin D3 (a form of D that the body makes when exposed to sunlight). According to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, the maximum daily amount of vitamin D3 that people should consume is 1,000 to 1,500 IU for infants.

Does vitamin D reduce water retention?

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is said to help with mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 are brown rice and red meat. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium and vitamin D help the body eliminate excess fluid. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy products in your daily diet.

Does vitamin D cause drowsiness?

The study was not designed to investigate causation. However, the authors’ previous and current research indicates that suboptimal vitamin D levels may cause or contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness, either directly or through chronic pain.

Can too much vitamin D make you tired?

Too much vitamin D in the body can cause an increase in calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood). Symptoms include: fatigue.

How to make yourself fart?

Foods and drinks that can help a person fart include:

1. carbonated drinks and carbonated mineral water.
2. chewing gum.
3. dairy products.
4. fatty or fried foods.
5. fiber-rich fruits.
6. certain artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and xylitol.

What is an endo belly?

Endo belly is a colloquial term for bloating caused by endometriosis. Unlike the brief bloating that sometimes accompanies menstruation, an endoscopic abdomen is much more serious and causes physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

How do you debloat and poop?

It’s quite easy to change your lifestyle to get rid of constipation:

1. Leave enough time in the morning to take care of your bathroom needs. Do it, even if it means getting up a little earlier, Reynolds suggested.
2. Do not make drastic changes in your diet.
3. Drink plenty of fluids.
4. Include plenty of fiber in your diet.

Which deficiency causes constipation?

B12 deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue and constipation, and can even lead to permanent neurological damage if left untreated.

Can I take vitamin D3 every day?

Most experts recommend not taking more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day. When serum D3 levels are very low (less than 12 nanograms per milliliter), some may recommend a short weekly course of 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 or D3, followed by the usual dose of 600 to 800 IU per day.

Who should not take vitamin D3?

Who should not take VITAMIN D3?

• sarcoidosis.
• high amount of phosphates in the blood.
• high amount of calcium in the blood.
• excess amount of vitamin D in the body.
• kidney stones.
• decreased kidney function.

Should older people take vitamin D or vitamin D3?

My recommended daily dose of vitamin D for seniors

For most older people, I recommend an extra 1000 IU of vitamin D per day. I do this because: The American Geriatric Society (AGS) recommends that clinicians recommend that older patients take 1,000 IU/day of vitamin D to prevent fractures.

Constipation in children – causes, symptoms and treatment

Tiunova Elena

Published: 07/04/2023

Reading time: 10 minutes

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All parents experience constipation in a child at least once. It is especially difficult with babies: they still cannot tell what and where it hurts them, why they cry. It is difficult for a mother to determine whether the child is worried that he is lonely, hungry, cold – or he is tormented by his tummy. When breastfeeding, when the stool may be absent for 1-2 days for natural reasons, it is not at all clear whether it is already constipation or not, should you already start treating the baby or should you just wait? Let’s try to figure out in detail what to do if a child has constipation, and how to help him.

How to help a child with constipation

Constipation should not be ignored, hoping that the baby’s digestion will improve by itself. This condition always causes discomfort to the child. Note that constipation is not necessarily associated with infrequent stools. A child can poop every day, but at the same time strain, experience pain, and his feces will be formed and hard – and these are already signs of constipation. But if a baby suckles with appetite, sleeps soundly, actively plays and soils diapers, for example, in a day or two, this is most likely not constipation, but a feature of his digestion.

If you are not sure if your child’s stool is normal, be sure to consult your pediatrician. No need to do an enema, and even more so use “grandmother’s” recipes with soap and a thermometer for prevention – “just in case”. (By the way, there are no cases for a thermometer and soap at all, these methods are simply unacceptable!)
To help a baby with constipation, you need to understand what condition is no longer the norm and determine the reason why digestion failed. By eliminating it, you will save the child from the consequence – constipation.
On breastfeeding for a baby, the norm is yellow homogeneous mushy stools from 1-2 to 5-7 times a day. It should not contain an admixture of mucus and blood, only blotches of white curdled lumps are allowed. The smell should not be offensive, but just sour. In artificially fed children, the stool is denser and darker, as a rule, it happens less often: 1-3 times a day.

Change, that is, become more liquid or more dense, the stool of the baby of the first year can be in transitional periods when the child adapts to new conditions, in particular, to a new diet:

For example, constipation can be:

• In the first weeks of life;

• When switching to artificial feeding;

• When changing formula;

• During the introduction of complementary foods.

A variety of circumstances can cause constipation – from a banal mistake in diluting the mixture to congenital diseases of the digestive system. Among the most common reasons are:

• Lack of fluids, such as preparing a formula that is more concentrated than recommended, or introducing solid foods (for example, less water was used to make porridge to dilute it)
• Physical or psychological discomfort associated with defecation, including irritation skin around the anus with diaper dermatitis.
• Violation of the intestinal microflora due to past infection, taking antibacterial drugs can lead to a slowdown in peristalsis, that is, a slower movement of food through the intestines.
• Frequent uncontrolled use of enemas and certain drugs, such as enzymes or laxatives. All this disrupts the natural course of digestion: it slows down peristalsis, teaches the child to empty only after additional medicinal or mechanical action.
• Diseases not directly related to the digestive organs: rickets, hypothyroidism, iron deficiency anemia, etc. In the first month of a baby’s life, you need to feed on demand, and when a more or less stable regimen is established and before the introduction of complementary foods, breastfeed at intervals of no more than 3 hours during the day and 4-5 at night. For a bottle-fed child, you need to dilute the mixture according to the instructions, do not violate the proportions of the dry product and water.

  After the introduction of complementary foods, regardless of the type of feeding, it is necessary to offer additional water – in total per day, approximately in the amount of one feeding, that is, 150-200 ml. If the child is prone to constipation, then the first food should be vegetables, not cereals.
  Carefully monitor the cleanliness of the baby: wash instead of using wet wipes when changing a dirty diaper, if necessary, apply a diaper cream or baby powder. Don’t force yourself on the potty.

  If the baby poops less than once every 36 hours, and the baby is bottle-fed – not every day, if during the process the baby pushes hard or cries, if the feces are formed, hard – contact your pediatrician.

  The doctor will determine whether it is constipation or not and will advise how exactly to adjust the drinking regimen and nutrition in your situation, and if necessary, he will prescribe procedures and medications.

  Do not self-medicate. Constipation is not a harmless deviation, it can lead to serious health problems for the child.

  Tummy massage for newborns for constipation

  Tummy massage is effective for preventing and treating constipation. For prevention, it is enough to carry it out at least once a day and often lay the baby on the tummy. If constipation has already happened, then massage sessions should be performed 2-3 times a day.

  Do not massage a full belly. After a meal, 2 hours should pass, and an hour or at least 30 minutes should be left before a new meal.
  Before massage, calm the baby, play with him, so that the baby is in a good mood. If the child will cry and scream, which means straining the tummy, massage will not help.
  In order for the massage movements to stimulate emptying, they must coincide with the movements of the intestines during the digestion of food, the so-called peristaltic waves.

  How to massage the tummy:

  • Lay your baby on their back on a flat surface, such as a changing table. Make sure you have warm hands.

  • Do 5-6 circular strokes of the tummy in a clockwise direction.

  • Go to the opposite stroke. To do this, place the right hand on top of the baby’s left side of the abdomen, and the back of the left hand on the bottom of the right side. Then at the same time stroke the baby’s belly in different directions: move your right palm down, and lift the back of your left up. Repeat 5-6 times.

  • To work out the oblique muscles, it is necessary to stroke the lateral sections of the abdomen. Place both palms under the baby’s lower back, and then, in a wrapping, stroking motion, move your hands up and forward towards each other, connecting them above the navel. Do 5-6 repetitions.

  • Finish the massage again by stroking the belly in a clockwise direction with the same number of repetitions – 5-6 times.

  Does the mother’s constipation affect the baby while breastfeeding?

  Inaccuracies in the nutrition of a nursing woman can affect the digestion of the baby. To save the baby from constipation, his mother will have to revise her menu. What specific eating disorders can cause constipation?

  • lack of water: if a mother drinks little, then where does the body get the liquid to produce milk?
  • excess of foods with a fixative effect: rice, pasta, pastries, white bread, strong tea and coffee;
  • a lot of milk and dairy products. Constipation can be the result of intolerance or allergy to cow’s milk protein – the most common type of allergy in the first year of life
  • a woman’s diet is low in fiber.

  Rotavirus constipation

  Mothers tend to associate diarrhea with rotavirus rather than constipation. But rotavirus causes inflammation in the intestines and disrupts its functions during illness, so constipation in case of rotavirus infection is quite possible:

• an increase in temperature causes a large loss of moisture, the liquid can be absorbed in the body, including from feces, compacting them;
• The work of digestive enzymes during illness is disrupted, and the number of “harmful” (pathogenic and opportunistic) bacteria grows, because of this, intestinal motility may slow down.

Constipation in infants during the introduction of complementary foods

The introduction of complementary foods, that is, the transition to a qualitatively new type of food, often causes constipation, even if everything was in order with the digestion of the crumbs before. Complementary foods are recommended to be introduced into the baby’s diet in addition to breast milk or formula from 4 to 6 months. Mistakes in the introduction of complementary foods can cause constipation in the baby:

• If complementary foods are introduced before the age of 4 months, the infant’s digestion will not yet be able to cope with other foods besides breast milk or its substitutes.
• If complementary foods are introduced on time, but the consistency of the food is too thick, this can also cause constipation. Dense food will have difficulty moving through the still immature intestines. Of course, zucchini or broccoli puree is difficult to make too thick, but with porridge it is quite possible to miss. Make sure that at the beginning of the introduction of complementary foods, cereals are no thicker than liquid sour cream in consistency, and only then gradually transfer the baby to thicker food.
• Constipation can be caused by rice porridge as a first meal if the child is prone to constipation. For a baby with a dense physique, especially if he has a stool delay, you should choose vegetables to start complementary foods. Of the cereals, buckwheat or corn is the best for the first feeding. Do not forget that cereals at the beginning of complementary foods should be dairy-free and consist of one type of cereal.
• With the introduction of complementary foods, the baby begins to need additional fluids. Offer baby water in a bottle, cup, or sippy bowl throughout the day. Let him drink at least a sip. During the day, the volume of additional liquid should be approximately equal to what the baby eats in one feeding, this is about 150 – 200 ml. If water does not enter the baby’s body additionally, then it will be absorbed, including from the feces, which will become more dense and dry.

Teething constipation

No undesirable effects, from runny nose to fever, have been associated with teething. Constipation, like diarrhea, is also among these symptoms. Is it really?
Yes and no. In itself, teething from the gums, of course, does not cause constipation. However, itching and pain in the place where the tooth is cut disturb the baby, his appetite decreases and the temperature may even rise, which leads to an increased consumption of moisture. The baby eats and drinks worse, which means less poop. His stool may become dry and hard from lack of fluid.

Constipation from vitamin D3

Sometimes mothers notice constipation in babies when they start giving them vitamin D3 for prevention. This is more of a coincidence than a consequence of taking the vitamin, since taking the prophylactic dose prescribed by the pediatrician does not cause such an effect.
But an overdose of vitamin D3 can cause constipation. The fact is that vitamin D3 promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines. In turn, excess calcium in the contents of the intestine leads to the formation of difficult-to-digest compounds that thicken the stool.
Do not violate the recommended dosage. With vitamins, as with other drugs, more is not better.

Psychosomatics for constipation

If the child is only a month old, he will not develop constipation of psychosomatic origin. The central and autonomic nervous systems must mature in order to fully regulate the functioning of the intestines.
Psychosomatics as the cause of constipation can be assumed in a child at the age of a year and a half or older, that is, at the time when they begin to teach him to the pot.
Constipation for psychosomatic reasons can occur if:

• the baby has already experienced pain during defecation and is afraid of its repetition, therefore, delays the stool;
• parents force the child to sit on the potty, but this is unpleasant and scary for him;
• parents scold or punish the child for soiled and wet pants;
• unfavorable emotional situation in the family, bad relations between parents, negative attitude towards the child;
• the child went to kindergarten or changed the children’s team. Constipation can be caused both by stress and by the fact that the baby is embarrassed to go to the potty in the presence of other children and other adults (caregivers, nannies).

Almost all children have constipation. For some, these are isolated cases, for others, they are regular. Parents should be aware of what can cause constipation and how to deal with it.

So

1. To help a child with constipation, first of all, a sufficient intake of liquid will help: in the form of an additional portion of water, both before and during the introduction of complementary foods. It is impossible to use medicines, enemas, folk remedies without a doctor’s prescription.

2. For the prevention and treatment of constipation, it is worth mastering the techniques of tummy massage: these are circular, counter stroking and stroking the lateral sections of the abdomen.

3. Constipation in the mother can cause the same indigestion in a breastfed baby.