Children with long-term constipation, stagnant digestive system

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Constipation is common in childhood, especially when children are potty trained around 2 to 3 years old. Prolonged constipation not only makes children tired and afraid to go out, but also affects their health.

1. What is constipation?

Children may be constipated if they have fewer than three bowel movements (BM) in a week, have trouble having a bowel movement, have hard, dry, and unusually large stools. Constipation is a very common problem in children. This is a common problem in children but is not a cause for concern. Healthy eating and exercise habits can help prevent this disease.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of constipation?

A child who doesn't go to the bathroom every day doesn't have to be constipated. One child may go three times a day, while another may go once every 1-2 days.
When a child is constipated, some of the typical signs are usually present:
Going less than usual Pain or difficulty going to the toilet Feeling full or bloated Straining to poop Seeing a little blood on the toilet paper Children who are constipated sometimes soil their underwear with bits of stool.

3. What causes constipation?

Constipation can be caused by a diet that does not include: Enough water and fiber, which helps the intestines to function properly. Children eat a lot of processed foods.

Sometimes, medications like antidepressants and those used to treat iron deficiency can cause constipation. Infants become constipated when parents switch formula milk to a solid, powdered diet.
Some children avoid going to the bathroom, even when they really want to. Additionally, many studies have shown that emotional disturbances can affect bowel function and can cause constipation and other conditions, such as diarrhea.
Some children experience constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can happen when they are stressed or eat certain irritating foods, often fatty or spicy. Children with IBS may experience constipation or diarrhea, as well as stomach pain and bloating.
In rare cases, constipation is a sign of other medical conditions. So talk to your doctor if your child continues to have problems or if constipation persists for 2 to 3 weeks.

4. How to help children prevent applesauce

4.1 Give your child more fluids to drink. Drinking enough water and other liquids helps stool move more easily through the intestines. The amount children need will vary according to their weight and age. But most school-age children need at least 3 to 4 cups of water a day.
If your baby is constipated when transitioning from breast milk or solid foods, try giving him a few ounces (2-4) of apple, pear, or pruned juice each day. If constipation persists or makes your child uncomfortable, the cause could be a health problem, so call the doctor.
4.2 Eat more fiber Foods rich in fiber (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grain bread) can help prevent constipation. Fiber cannot be digested, so it helps to clean the intestines by moving the intestines.
A diet full of fats, sugars or starches can slow down digestion by the intestines. When adding more fiber to your child's diet, do so slowly over several weeks and make sure your child is also drinking more fluids.
Non-essential fiber for kids try apples, pears, beans, oatmeal, oranges, ripe bananas, wholemeal bread and popcorn. Adding flaxseed meal or bran to homemade fruit smoothies is another way to introduce fiber into your child's diet.

4.3 Make sure your child gets enough exercise Physical activity promotes bowel movements, so encourage your child to be active. It can be as simple as playing catch, riding a bike, or shooting a few laps.
4.4 Establish a regular eating schedule Eating is a natural stimulant for the gut, so regular meals can help form a habit of frequent urination. If necessary, schedule breakfast a little earlier so your child has a chance to go to the bathroom comfortably before school.
4.5 Get in the habit of going If your child doesn't want to go to the bathroom, have your child sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes at the same time each day (ideally after a meal).
These small changes help most children feel better and help their bowels work the way they should. Talk to your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicine for constipation.
In addition, to improve taste, children eat well, reach the correct height and weight, and exceed the standard, have a good immune system, enhance resistance to less minor illnesses and less digestive problems... Children need to add necessary micronutrients: Zinc, selenium, chromium, vitamins B1 and B6, ginger, acerola fruit extract (vitamin C),...
Also recommended by leading nutrition experts Parents need to be calm and persistent when supplementing with nutrients, even through food or functional foods. In particular, the use of functional foods should choose those of natural origin that are easily absorbed, do not allow simultaneous use of many types or continuously change the types of functional foods.
Besides, nutrition experts also emphasize on the role of biological zinc; Parents should learn and supplement zinc for children properly at the appropriate time, to avoid zinc deficiency affecting the comprehensive development of children.
To have more knowledge about raising children and taking care of children by age, you should regularly visit the website https://vinmec.com and make an appointment with the leading doctors, pediatric experts - Nutrition when visiting the website https://vinmec.com need advice.