Constipation Remedies For Children

Some of the signs and symptoms that your child may display if they have constipation starting with the most obvious are: infrequent or irregular bowel movements, lacking in energy and loss of appetite, pain or discomfort in the stomach (in infants you can tell if he/she constantly stays in a curled up position with knees to chest), generally feeling unwell, bad smelling stools or wind, staining of underwear/nappy and irritability/crying. If your child is displaying some or all of these symptoms it would be wise to visit your GP who will be able to make a proper diagnosis simply by feeling your child's stomach.

Poor diet that is especially lacking in fibre, insufficient fluids and too much infant formula are the main contributing factors for causing constipation among toddlers and babies. Another major factor is the stress and pressure a toddler feels during the process of toilet training, as well as a fear or phobia of the toilet itself which can lead to poor bowel habits and the toddler holds the stools in, ignoring the urge to pass stools which only makes constipation worse.

There can be, of course, an underlying medical condition causing the constipation in your infant or toddler. These include conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, an anorectal malformation (anus and rectum are not formed properly) or Hirschprung's disease (a problem with the large intestine making it difficult to pass stools). Also some medications can cause constipation as a side effect of taking them.

Triphala powder is one of the most powerful and effective forms of herbal treatment for constipation in children. One or two spoons are simply mixed well in a cup of warm water which the child should drink just before bedtime. It should be consumed quickly and not sipped slowly. This powder softens the stools so the child should have a normal bowel movement the following morning.

Natural remedies for constipation in children include beverages such as apple or prune juice, water or warm milk especially taken at night time. Unprocessed bran which can be sprinkled onto breakfast cereal or a teaspoon of flaxseed can be sprinkled over meals and/or mixed with a little boiled water and taken as a drink are also excellent natural remedies for constipation in children.

There are many home remedies for constipation in children. To name but a few, a glass or warm water with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey should be drank first thing in the morning. Fruits such as prunes, figs, grapes, raisins and bael fruit should also be included in your child's diet. Simple changes like substituting white pasta/bread/rice for the wholemeal version and cereals high in fibre also act as a remedy as well as helping in the prevention of constipation.