Prevent children from constipation with 5 surefire ways at home

The most common signs of constipation in children are difficulty defecating and bowel movements because the stool is too long to "stay" in the intestines. Young children are prone to constipation because they usually don't eat enough fiber or drink water. Although it seems trivial, symptoms of constipation can interfere with children's daily activities. Compared to treating it, it would be better if you as a parent prevent your child from developing constipation, right? However, how? Come on, see the best ways to prevent the following constipated children.

The best way to prevent constipation in children

There are many causes of constipation in children, but that doesn't mean you can't prevent the risk.

Constipation in children, especially often caused by the habits of your little one who likes to be picky about food. Young children tend to avoid eating fruits and vegetables, and prefer foods that are high in fat such as fast food.

In fact, fiber from fruits and vegetables is important to soften food scraps so that later they become easy-to-pass stools. On the other hand, saturated fat and protein are more difficult for the intestines to digest, so they accumulate in the stomach for longer.

Small children also rarely or neglect to drink water because they prefer sweet drinks or their focus is on the activities they are doing. Children who rarely drink are prone to dehydration and constipation because their digestion requires adequate fluid intake to function normally. Water helps soften the stool so that it is easier to pass later.

When feces are allowed to accumulate in the large intestine for too long, the texture will harden over time, making it difficult to pass and the child is increasingly reluctant to defecate.

There are many simple ways that parents can do to prevent constipation in children at home, from changing their diet to adopting good daily habits. For more details, let's discuss one by one.

1. Get your child used to eating fiber

When children are constipated, try to provide more dietary fiber rich foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits.

Fiber tends to be digested more easily by the stomach so that the child's intestines do not have to work too hard. You can meet your child's fiber intake from various types of dark green vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli.

You can also give milk to treat and prevent children from constipation, namely milk that is high in fiber.

High-fiber milk contains soluble fiber type FOS: GOS which stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the intestines of children. This type of fiber also helps soften stool and expedite bowel movements so that your little one has a smoother bowel movement.

High-fiber milk helps meet children's daily fiber needs, but also make sure the amount is consumed accordingly.

Also provide fruit for him as desserts or snacks, such as pieces of apples and pears. You can also make it into fruit juice, so that your fluid needs also increase.

2. Maintain the number of good bacteria in the intestine

The next step to prevent constipated children is to keep the amount of bacteria in the intestine in balance.

These good bacteria are important to help the intestines produce fatty acids and lactic acid, which make it easier for food scraps to move so they can be excreted.

Provide foods that contain good bacteria (probiotic foods), such as tempeh and yogurt, as a way to prevent constipation in children.

However, don't forget to also keep giving your little one high-fiber foods to maintain the number of good bacteria in the body. Fiber is the main food for good bacteria to continue to reproduce.

3. Drink more water

In addition to choosing the right foods, also fulfill the child's body fluid intake needs. Water helps fiber work faster to soften hardened stool so it is effective in preventing children from constipation.

On average, young children need water intake of at least 10-15 percent of their body weight. This means that if the child weighs 10 kilograms, he must get a fluid intake of at least 1-1.5 liters per day.

Water intake does not only have to be obtained from plain water. As a way of dealing with constipation in children, you can also give him vegetables or cut fruits that contain lots of water.

Consumption of carbonated water or fresh soda water is also effective at preventing dehydration. However, avoid soft drinks that are flavorful and colored, as they can worsen a child's constipation.

4. Toilet training

When your child is able to communicate, teach toilet training as early as possible. This is a way to prevent constipation in children who often hold bowel movements.

Ask your little one to tell you if their stomach hurts and they want to defecate so they can immediately take them to the toilet. Usually the sensation of wanting to defecate will come after the child has eaten a big meal, such as after breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

When the child is sitting on the toilet, do not rush the child to finish the bowel movement. Create a calm and comfortable atmosphere that supports his desire to defecate.

Don't forget to make sure the child's meal schedule is appropriate. The goal is to apply the habit of defecating to make it more routine. For example, schedule breakfast time a little earlier, this gives the child the opportunity to defecate before leaving for school.

5. Encourage children to exercise

Apart from improving your diet, you also need to increase your child's physical activity. The reason is, physical activity supports the intestines to move normally and this can help prevent constipation in children.

You can invite your little one to take a walk in the park, ride a bicycle, swim, or just do a simple game, like throwing a catch.

Routinely check with the doctor to help prevent children from getting constipated

If a child with constipation is accompanied by other symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor so that you can find out the possibility of certain diseases and their treatment plans.

You also need to monitor your little one's development and growth at all times so that you can detect problems early. Reporting from the Kids Health website, constipation in children can be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Taking care and visiting the doctor regularly are the best ways to prevent children with IBS from experiencing more constipation.