Constipation accounts for 3 percent of visits to pediatricians and up to 30 percent of visits to gastroenterologists. Infrequent or difficult bowel movements define constipation. Often, young children develop constipation when they withhold bowel movements, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. They may be stressed about potty training, not wanting to interrupt playing or fearful of painful bowel movements. Withheld stools become hard and difficult to pass. One treatment option uses diet to soften stools.
Fluids
Water makes up about 60 percent of the human body, and increasing fluid intake may relieve symptoms of constipation. A minimum of two to three glasses of fluids should be consumed daily. Water is the best choice but soups and diluted fruit juices increase fluid content, too. Sports drinks do not hydrate better than water but a child is likely to drink more, thus increasing dietary fluid intake. Also, milk is associated with constipation and should be limited to 16 ounces per day if constipation is an issue.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber slows digestion, giving your body time to absorb the nutrients. It dissolves in water and increases stool water content. Oats, apples, dates, mangos, lentils, barley, breads and cereals contain soluble fiber. Many fruits and vegetables include this type of fiber. Vegetable soup has double benefits due to large amounts of soluble fiber and high fluid content.
Insoluble Fiber
Soluble and insoluble fibers differ in how they function within the body. Insoluble fiber increases intestinal motility. Although these fibers increase stool bulk, they also soften the stool. Softer stools are easier for children to pass. Insoluble fiber is found in whole grains, seeds, bran and some fruits. This type of fiber passes through the body without being absorbed and is renowned for its ability to maintain intestinal health, thus reducing constipation.
Decrease Constipating Foods
Several types of food increase incidence of constipation in some individuals. Milk, milk products, processed foods and fatty meats are examples of such foods. It is likely that proteins within cow's milk cause an intestinal reaction and swelling, which causes the constipation. This is a body's lactose intolerance reaction and can be eliminated by removing milk products or switching to soy milk. Processed foods have fiber removed, and red meat takes many hours to digest.
Diet Planning
A typical diet for children with constipation should include high fiber, sufficient water and low amounts of processed foods, according to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. A breakfast of oatmeal with chopped apples, including skin, and diluted apple juice is high in fiber. Whole wheat peanut butter sandwich with green beans, strawberries and a glass of water is good for lunch, while dinner can be vegetable soup with a glass of milk. For a snack, popcorn is a good source of fiber. If changes in diet do not assist in alleviating constipation, an appointment with a physician is indicated to rule out more serious causes.
