The Merck Manual defines constipation as "difficult or infrequent passage of feces, hardness of stool, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation." Though typically not dangerous, constipation in children can be a symptom of a serious illness. If a child has prolonged or painful constipation, you should seek medical attention. The most common cause of constipation in children is voluntary retention, meaning children intentionally suppress the urge to pass stool. In these cases, behavioral modifications are the best treatment. Natural medicine offers many options for treating constipation in children.
Water Intake
First and foremost, the child must be drinking adequate water to prevent constipation. An easy rule of thumb is to divide the body weight in half, and the result is the number of ounces to drink in a day. For example, a 50-lb. child needs 25 oz. of water per day. For infants, breast milk has adequate water content to prevent dehydration, but formula does not.
Proper Diet
Nutrition and diet are integral in treating the cause of constipation. Start by avoiding foods that may worsen constipation. These include sugar, processed foods, bananas, nuts, dairy, white rice, rice cereal, apples and cooked carrots. Also, many children have difficulty digesting dairy and wheat, which can lead to constipation. Many naturopathic doctors (N.D.s) will advise patients to do a trial of about two weeks with no wheat or dairy intake and see how this affects digestion.
Fiber works to form softer stools with increased GI motility, according to Merck. A healthy diet for children includes fiber-rich foods such as beans, whole grains, and fruits. One N.D. pediatrician at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine recommends that children consume at least one of "the five Ps" per day. The five Ps include prunes, peaches, pears, plums and aPricots. If adequate fiber cannot be obtained from the diet, psyllium and bran are safe to use in children.
Exercise
Moving the body helps to move the bowels. If a child is not exercising on a daily basis for at least 30 minutes, lack of movement may be the cause of constipation. Get the whole family outside for some active play, and everyone's health will improve.
Vitamins and Herbs
Both conventional doctors and holistic practitioners may recommend magnesium as a remedy for constipation. The Merck Manual recommends adults take up to 25g a day of magnesium citrate for constipation. Children's dosages should be lower and will vary based on body weight.
N.D.s and herbalists commonly prescribe digestive herbs to gently stimulate the GI tract. Some gentle and mild herbs to increase GI motility in children include: chamomile, dandelion root, artichoke. Take these herbs in capsules, tinctures or teas. Traditional medicinals makes a "smooth move" tea that contains herbs to remedy constipation. Decrease the steep time for smaller children and mix with juice if they dislike the taste.
Probiotics, especially lactobacillus, work to normalize bowel function in children. In 2007, "Nutrition Journal" published an article that concluded "a mixture of probiotics has positive effects on symptoms of constipation."
Considerations
Constipation is a condition with many potential causes. In treating the potential underlying causes with dietary modification, most cases resolve. Ideally, children should be having at least one bowel movement per day. As always, consult a naturopathic doctor if symptoms persist.
References
- "The Merck Manual;" 17th Ed; Edited by Mark Beers, M.D. and Robert Berkow, M.D.; 1999
- "Medical Nutrition from Marz;" Russell Marz, N.D.; 1999
