Toddler Constipation and What are the Causes
Toddler constipation often occurs when waste material is unable to move
through the bowel as quickly and efficiently as it should. It can often
be characterized by bowel movements becoming infrequent and when they
do have a bowel movement the stools are hard and painful.
Constipation in a toddler can often be caused by little fiber in their
diet or they are eating to many dairy products such as milk and cheese
as well. It may also be caused by them not ingesting enough fluids or
they wait too long before they decide to go to the bathroom. It is
amazing just how many toddlers will ignore the urge to use the toilet
until they are 2 seconds away from wetting their pants.
A toddler who is suffering from hard and painful stools will often hold
in their bowel movements in order to stop it from hurting them again.
This will only continue to make the constipation worse. So it is
vitally important that any parent reminds their toddler they need to go
as soon as they feel it and not to wait until the last minute.
Also constipation in a toddler can be caused by a change in their diet.
You can use stool softeners or natural remedies in order to help treat
the constipation but there are some more basic measures a parent can
make which will not only treat but help prevent constipation to your
toddler.
1. Increase the amount of fluids they have in their diet each day. You can allow them to have water or fruit juice.
2. Increase the amount of fiber that they have in their diets by
increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables they eat. Raw
unpeeled fruits and vegetables (such as beans, sweet potatoes, peas,
turnips, raw tomatoes and contain). These all contain good amounts of
fiber. Why not give your toddler a vegetable soup as not only is it
high in fiber but it is a great way of getting extra fluids into their
bodies as well.
3. Increase the amount of bran your toddler has in their diet by giving
them bran cereals, bran muffins, shredded wheat or whole wheat bread.
4. Look at foods which are likely to cause constipation and restrict
the amount that your toddler has of these. This includes milk which is
heavily associated with constipation and why not replace it with Soy
milk which is shown to be good for softening stools.
5. There are many medicines available which are used to prevent
constipation and that can be purchased over the counter at your local
pharmacy such as Colace Syrup, Maltsupex, Metamucil, Milk of Magnesia,
Citrucel or Mineral Oil. But unlike laxatives these stool softeners are
not considered to be addictive. They should only be used once or twice
a day and use until your child’s stool are soft each day. If you
toddler begins to suffer from diarrhea then the dosage is too much and
you should decrease the amount you are giving them.
6. If your toddler is suffering from acute constipation it is important
that you contact your doctor first. You may if you wish to use a
stimulant laxative such as Senokot but avoid using these frequently as
they can become addictive.
7. Finally we are going to look at natural remedies which can be used
on toddlers in order to help alleviate the problems related to
constipation.
a. Garlic which destroys harmful bacteria in the colon.
b. Vitamin C with Biofiavonoids cleanses and heals.
c. Chlorophyll Liquid which eliminates toxins and bad breath.
d. Vitamin E is great for healing the colon.
e. Aloe Vera not only heals but cleans the digestive tract and soften stools when taken internally.
f. Ginger this helps to stimulate the digestive system and so food passes through the intestines more easily.
g. Flax Seed can be crushed and then added to food.
But above all else if you want to help your toddler when suffering from
constipation make sure that they drink plenty of water. Hopefully the
information above regarding toddler constipation and how it can be
treated will help you in the future should the problem arise.
|
|
