Food For Constipated Children

Constipation in children is a problem that causes concern. Fortunately, in most cases, this can be combated with changes in the diet. What should be given to constipated children?

Constipation is a very common health problem. It is common that a high percentage of young children are constipated. This phenomenon can correct itself over the years, or else necessitate a dietary change.

Unless there is an underlying condition or mechanical cause for this condition,  constipation is normally reversible with the correct diet. Therefore, it is essential to be attentive to the diet in order to avoid having to undergo pharmacological treatments.

Although in some cases they are strictly necessary,  laxatives and other medicines can cause some side effects in the body,  causing the liver to suffer for its metabolism. In this article, we introduce you to some foods or dietary strategies that may be effective in preventing or treating constipation in children.

Useful foods for constipated children

When children are constipated, it is important to determine the severity of the problem. It is therefore preferable, above all, to consult the pediatrician in order to obtain a diagnosis. From there, the professional will determine the need for pharmacological treatments, or whether it is enough to make changes in the diet.

Fortunately, in the majority of cases, the diet is sufficient. Indeed,  many foods stimulate intestinal motility and help alleviate this problem. What are the best options?

The fruits

One of the basic nutrients to treat this pathology is fiber. Fruits and vegetables are rich in this substance  which helps increase the volume of the fecal bowl and, with it, intestinal peristaltic movements.

There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The former increase the volume of the bowl through the absorption of water. Thus, the transit is mechanically faster and efficient. In addition, the consistency of the stools is better since they are less hard.

This type of fiber is usually found in fruits and vegetables. Their daily consumption is therefore crucial. However, it is essential to vary the plants ingested. Opting for seasonal fruits and vegetables  is often an effective strategy to ensure the correct intake of vitamins.

On the other hand,  it should be noted that there is a substantial difference between the consumption of the fruit as such and its consumption in the form of juice and smoothies. The second option leads to a waste of part of the fibers of the product. This then makes it ineffective in treating constipation.

Oats for constipated children

Among insoluble fiber, one of the major representatives is oats. This type of fiber is characterized by fermentation in the intestine, producing short chain fatty acids. These substances have an anti-inflammatory power and improve the composition of the microbiota.

In addition, a healthy microbiota ensures the correct transformation of nutrients as well as an optimal exchange of liquids. Which prevents diarrhea and constipation. The fiber in oats is made up primarily of beta-glucans,  which are compounds associated with many benefits.

Indeed, they exhibit an anti-inflammatory capacity from their fermentation. Plus,  they can even regulate an individual’s lipid profile by slightly reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

Whole grains

In addition to oats, there are other types of cereals which are very interesting. However, as soon as you consume a cereal,  it is important to go for its full version rather than the refined one.

This type of food has a lower glycemic index. This is good news for pancreatic health and for the management or prevention of diabetes. On the other hand, the amount of fiber contained in cereals is significantly higher, which promotes intestinal transit.

Yogurt for microflora

Consuming at least one yogurt per day remarkably improves the health of the microflora as well as the symptoms of constipated children. This food  contains a large amount of probiotics. Live bacteria that colonize the digestive tract, leading to beneficial effects for the latter.

Therefore, a healthy microflora  guarantees the correct exchange of fluids as well as the good absorption of nutrients. Stools with a normal consistency will be more easily expelled.

It is advisable to consume  natural yogurts with very little sugar. In recent years, a large number of overly sweet dairy products have appeared on the market. It is essential to limit its ingestion.

However, consuming two natural yogurts a day or fermented milk is very positive for gut health as well as for the prevention of transit problems.

Children with constipation should drink more water

Soluble fiber will have no effect if the water intake is insufficient. It is therefore recommended to ingest at least two liters of water per day. This will ensure the formation of a fecal bowl with the correct volume and not too hard.

In addition, water is  an essential element for the absorption and distribution of vitamins by the body. It is a fundamental component of blood which is present in all systems of the human body.

How to improve constipation through diet: conclusion

The best foods for constipated children are those that are high in fiber. In addition, it is necessary to combine foods rich in soluble fiber with those that contain insoluble fiber. Therefore, it is necessary to favor the consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains.

Thus, we ensure the correct fecal bowl volume and transit without too many complications. It is also essential to add an abundant ingestion of water. Because, often, one of the main symptoms is the excessive hardness of the stools which makes it difficult to expel them.