Chronic constipation in children can occur for a number of reasons including poor diet, lack of fiber, dehydration, lifestyle changes, stress and avoidance of painful bowel movements. To relieve chronic constipation it is not only important to add foods to a child's diet, but also to take away some foods. Foods that should be avoided include cheese, meat and foods that have been processed, reports the MayoClinic.com. Also, it is important to consult your child's doctor in addition to changing her diet.
Fluid
Fluid intake is an important part of helping a child overcome chronic constipation. Adequate fluid intake is important for bowel movements; it makes stool softer and easier for children to eliminate, reports the National Institutes of Health. Fluids in general are important to ward off constipation, but there are some fluids that are better than others. Try getting children to increase their water intake and drink some prune juice. The NIH reports that fluids containing added sugar or caffeine should be avoided.
Fruits
Providing children who battle with chronic constipation an abundance of fruits is important to increasing the fiber in their diets. Children who eat diets high in fiber are less likely to experience constipation because fiber aids in digestion and elimination, reports NIH. Children should eat fruits with every meal and they should be provided with snacks that contain fruits. Fruit cups that have added sugar or syrup should be avoided. Examples of high fiber fruits that children with constipation should be eating include strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, watermelon, oranges, apples with the skin, plums and raspberries.
Grains with Fiber
Children tend to eat large amounts of grain products, but consuming the wrong grain products can contribute to the development of constipation. Consuming grains that provide the child with a rich source of fiber will help reduce constipation. Avoid feeding a child with chronic constipation white breads, pastas and rice. Switch to whole grain pastas, breads and rice. This will reduce the constipation-inducing grains and increase the constipation-reducing grains in the child's diet.
Vegetables
Provide the child with a constant supply of vegetables. Vegetables are rich in fiber and contain high amounts of water. The fiber and hydration found in vegetables will help the child's body properly digest foods and keep constipation at bay. Possible vegetable choices for children include baby carrots, tomatoes, slices of orange or red peppers, and broccoli. If the child refuses to eat the vegetables plain let him dip them in hummus. Hummus is made with chickpeas and, therefore, has a higher fiber content than many other vegetable dips.
