children constipation

How to prevent constipation in children?

50% of world population suffers from digestive problems and, specifically, women 2 times more than men. When we talk about digestive problems we are referring mainly to Chron’s disease, allergies, intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. To treat constipation, most people starts using laxatives, which more than a long-term solution, should be taken as an emergency and very punctual solution. The reason is because instead of helping our body to regulate intestinal transit in a natural way, they cause dependence, habituation and irritation to our intestines.

Children are another of the groups affected by constipation, being in most cases (approximately 95%) somewhat functional.

Why does constipation in children appear?

Constipation can appear for a number of reasons, including:

  • Low fiber intake
  • Insufficient intake of food, water, and fluids
  • Excess astringent foods
  • Switching from breastfeeding to bottle feeding and from bottle feeding to mixed feeding
  • Disorder in meal times
  • Excessive intake of cow’s milk
  • Immaturity of the digestive tract
  • Others (early diaper removal, routine change, attention deficit, after watery diarrhea, lack of proper habits, etc.)

5% of childhood constipation can appear due to:

  • Medication (opiates, laxative abuse, excess vitamin D, phenothiazines, iron, sedatives, etc.)
  • Motility disorders (muscle disorders, neuronal dysplasia, etc.)
  • Immunological and hormonal metabolic (hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia, diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, etc.)
  • Due to anal disorders (hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, severe diaper erythema, structural defects of the anus, etc.)

How to prevent constipation?

Constipation, like any other pathology, must be prevented and treated in a holistic and natural way. Regarding dietary habits, it is important to consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole foods and a high intake of fluids throughout the day. In addition to reducing the consumption of alcohol, red meat, fat and sweets.

As for physical habits, it is necessary to walk daily or do exercises that involve the abdominal muscles.

Finally, regarding intestinal habits, we must get our body used to evacuate at the same time during the day, avoiding sudden changes in eating habits, in terms of hours and types of food. It is also important to go to the toilet when needed, without ignoring or delaying the moment, as well as doing it in a relaxed environment.

The most appropriate advice would be to adopt these habits and, if necessary, the use of products such as food supplements, which can help in a punctual way.

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