One of the most common health problems in children is constipation. However, before you give them any medications, try these home remedies to relieve constipation in kids naturally. If you are confused about which all-natural remedies you should opt for, try these methods, which are not only safe but also beneficial. On the occasion of Child Health Day, ensure your little one isn’t suffering from constipation anymore.
Increase your kid’s water intake to help relieve constipation naturally
One of the main reasons for constipation in children is not meeting the adequate amount of daily water intake. Being dehydrated for a long time can make your little one constipated. Hence, if your baby is more than 6 months old, offer 2 to 3 ounces of water at a time to relieve constipation. However, keep in mind that water doesn’t replace your regular feedings. Older kids should drink at least 32 ounces of water daily to ease their bowel movements. In addition, you can also give them cucumber or watery fruits like watermelon, pomegranate, etc., to increase their daily water intake.
Fruit juices can also aid your child with constipation
Make some fresh fruit juice at home and give it to your kids for naturally relieving constipation. Fruit juices like prune, apple, or pear juice contain the sweetener sorbitol, which functions as a natural laxative, making it easier for kids to relieve themselves. Fresh fruit juice is always a better option compared to storebought ones, as you are certain it is made of real fruit and isn’t loaded with sugar. However, if you are a busy mama, buying some for your little one from the supermarket wouldn’t hurt.
Add fibrous-rich food to your kid’s diet to help relieve constipation naturally
If your kids often complain about having issues with relieving themselves, add more fiber-rich foods to their diet. Apple, bananas, prunes, broccoli, carrots, oatmeal, brussels sprouts, and whole grains are some healthy fibrous food options that your kids can consume for naturally relieving constipation.
Increasing your child’s physical activity can also aid with constipation
If your child has a sedentary lifestyle, it’s time to get them moving. A sedentary lifestyle can also play a major role in your little one suffering from constipation. Physical activity will help stimulate intestinal contractions and bowel movements. Even activities like swimming, cycling, walking, and jogging can help reduce their symptoms. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle isn’t good for their overall growth and development to begin with, so getting them moving will ensure your kiddos are fit and healthy.
Reduce your kid’s dairy intake for naturally relieving constipation
Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are good for your child’s development and growth. However, it is best to avoid them when they are feeling constipated. Excess milk intake can also lead to constipation, especially if your kid has a sensitivity to the proteins found in cow’s milk. Hence, it is always best to limit or avoid dairy intake when constipated.
Reduce your child’s rice cereal intake
Since rice cereals are low in fiber, they can also trigger constipation in younger kids if given in excess amounts. Hence, if you often give rice cereal to your infant and they are constipated, pause their rice cereal for some time to see if their symptoms improve. If there are no signs of improvement, consult your pediatrician and work on a diet plan that will help your baby avoid getting constipated regularly.
Include probiotic food in your kid’s diet to help relieve constipation naturally
Probiotics may help kids naturally relieve constipation, especially chronic constipation. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus that naturally occur in the gut. They help immensely with the digestive process and can aid in treating constipation. So, include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, etc., in their diet to ease their digestive issue. Even including prebiotic foods like garlic, leeks, chickpeas, chicory, and onions can improve digestive health. They too can help maintain their gut health, which in turn relieves constipation.
If natural remedies don’t work out, consult your doctor immediately to learn about the over-the-counter laxatives that can provide quick relief from constipation. However, do not leave it untreated, be it in kids or adults. Constipation may lead to potentially serious symptoms such as vomiting, fever, rectal bleeding, back pain, etc. The sooner it is treated, the better!
