Constipation is defined as an abnormal bowel movement pattern where stools are passed less frequently than usual and are harder than usual. Constipation in children is usually the result of a poor diet or poor bowel habits. According to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, a lack of exercise can also cause constipation, as exercising helps move digested food through the intestines. In addition, children who ignore the urge to use the bathroom and hold in their stools may also become constipated. Decreasing the amount of high fat and high sugar junk food a child consumes while increasing their fluid intake and adding healthy foods to their diet can help relieve constipation.
Fluids
The water and other fluids children drink help to move stools through the intestines. According to KidsHealth.org, most school-age children need three to four glasses of water daily. Drinks with a high refined sugar content, such as soda, can also cause constipation. Decreasing the amount of soft drinks a child consumes while increasing their intake of fruit juice can help to soften stools. Apple juice and prune juice are often helpful when children are constipated.
Fruits and Vegetables
A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber can lead to constipation. According to KidsHealth.org, the body is unable to digest the fiber found in the foods humans eat. This undigested fiber helps clean out the intestines by moving the bowels along. Some high fiber fruits and vegetables to try include raisins, apricots, blueberries, apples, prunes, figs, dates, pears, broccoli, lettuce, beans, peas, cauliflower and cabbage. For children that aren't fond of fruits and vegetables, KidsHealth.org suggests kid favorites, such as oranges, bananas, baked potatoes and popcorn.
Bran
According to AboutKidsHealth, bran's high fiber content makes it a natural stool softener. Including bran in a child's diet may help treat constipation by loosening stools and may also help prevent future episodes of constipation by keeping stools soft. Children should eat at least one source of bran each day. Foods with a high bran content include bran muffins, oatmeal, high-fiber cookies, bran cereals, graham crackers, brown or red rice, whole wheat or multigrain bread and whole wheat pasta. Picky eaters may benefit from bran being added to foods they already enjoy. According to FibreFacts.com, wheat bran has a naturally sweet taste and can be added to kid-friendly foods like pancakes, biscuits, waffles, cookies and smoothies to help picky eaters get the fiber they need.
