Children with constipation should avoid eating carrots, sapodilla, and apples. When preparing porridge or mashed food, it’s essential to finely chop vegetables and include them in the meal.
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| Children who have less than 2 bowel movements per week are considered constipated. (Image: VNE) |
Constipation is not a disease but a common symptom in children. It should be considered a concern in infants if they have fewer than 2 bowel movements a day, breastfed babies have fewer than 3 bowel movements a day, and older children have fewer than 2 bowel movements a week.
If left untreated, constipation can lead to a range of issues including loss of appetite, slow growth, stunting, malnutrition, abdominal distension, bloating, indigestion, and vomiting. Toxins in feces need to be expelled daily; if they accumulate, the intestines may reabsorb them back into the bloodstream, which can harm health.
When a child is constipated, it is crucial to ensure they eat enough each day, focusing on consuming plenty of green vegetables, especially those with laxative properties such as sweet potato leaves, amaranth, and lamb’s quarters. When preparing porridge or mashed food, vegetables should be finely chopped and included whole. Encourage the consumption of fruits like grapefruit, oranges, tangerines (including segments), dragon fruit, bananas, and papaya. During constipation, avoid giving children carrots, sapodilla, and apples. Raw sweet potato juice can also be offered for relief.
If a child is constipated due to cow’s milk, consider diluting the milk slightly more than usual, or use rice porridge mixed with milk for children aged 5 months and older. Additionally, provide vegetable or fruit purees 3-4 times a day.
For nursing mothers experiencing constipation, it is important to treat the condition by consuming more fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. External stimulation can also be applied by gently massaging the abdomen in the direction of the colon from right to left 3-4 times daily, between meals, to stimulate bowel movements.
If dietary changes do not yield results, medication and enemas may be used under a doctor’s guidance. The following situations require immediate medical attention for the child:
– Constipation lasting more than one week.
– Dietary changes that have no effect.
– Constipation in newborns accompanied by abdominal distension.
– Constipation causing poor appetite, weight loss, malnutrition, and vomiting.
