Constipation in kids is another major health problem nowadays. Kids usually withhold their stools out of the fear of pain. And it leads to constipation. If you take a little care about their toilet habits you can easily prevent this problem. In this article, we will discuss some of the simple home remedies to avoid constipation in kids and provide constipation relief

Constipation remedies at home

Avoid Junk Foods:

Avoid giving too much of biscuits and other snacks. It can contribute to hardening of stools.

Fiber Intake:

Encourage them to eat at least a fruit daily. It’s better to eat fruits as it is than drinking fruit juice. The fiber content of the fruits (which is very important for the smooth passing of stools) is lost while making juice. Ripe bananas play an important role in avoiding constipation as the high soluble fiber in them draws water from the intestine and helps in bowel movement.

Drink Plenty of Water

Encourage fluid intake. You can give them flavored water, Fresh fruit juice (for the sake of drinking water)

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best remedies to cure constipation in kids. Exercising will stimulate the contraction of muscles in the intestine which helps in releasing the stools easily. For babies who are yet to crawl/ walk, try moving their legs gently. Doing this will help ease constipation in babies

Avoid Withholding

Make a note when your kid passes stools and when he/does not. It’s common for toddlers and infants to pass stools once in two days. But bigger kids should have the practice of emptying their bowels daily.

• If your child is withholding stools due to the pain you can apply a little lignocaine gel in his/ her anus.

Squeeze a little gel on your finger tip and apply it on your child’s anus. Since it’s a local anesthetic your kid won’t know the pain when he/she defecates. Do not make it a habit; apply only if the kid has pain in the anus. This is not a stool softener; it suppresses pain temporarily so that the kid can pass stools without pain. You should apply it only when your kid complains of pain (because of passing hard stools).

Home remedies for constipation are the best and safest way to help in digestion process. If your child continues to suffer from constipation even after trying these home remedies, consult your doctor immediately.

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