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In this week’s episode, we discuss five ways to manage constipation in children even if they take laxatives like Movicol and Lactulose.
I shared on the show that I have completed my training with Monash University in FODMAPs for the management of IBS.
What is IBS?
It’s an acronym for irritable bowel syndrome.
IBS is thought to affect 7 to 15% of the population worldwide, although rates of more than 20% have been reported
IBS is 1.5 times more common in women than men, and it affects people of all ages, including children.
What is constipation?
In constipation, children pass less than three stools per week. Use the Bristol chart to view what the following grading of poo looks like:
- type 1: hard, separate stools
- type 2: sausage like with cracks
More information with links to the Bristol chart in this previous blog post below:
Fluids
We discuss the role of fluids and how important it is for children to drink plenty of fluids to help them pass poo that is soft and pain-free.
For tips on how to get kids to drink water see:
- Blog: 7 Tried-and-Tested Ways to Get Your Child To Drink Water
- Podcast: How To Get Kids To Drink Water
Fibre
Some fruit, vegetables and grains contain insoluble fibre that helps children to open their bowels comfortably when passing poo.
Importantly, fibre helps to feed the good bacteria in the gut by releasing short-chain fatty acids during digestion to feed the microbiome.
Fibre also has gel-forming properties that may increase stool viscosity.
- This effect may:
soften hard stool in constipation - firm up the loose stool in diarrhoea
Kiwi fruit
A secret weapon in managing constipation. Find out in the podcast why it’s so effective and how much to give. Or download the FREE GUIDE for quantities.
Oats
Cheap, and available all year-around, oats contain soluble fibre that contains gel-forming properties to help the bowel to relax. This helps children pass soft stools easily.
Exercise
Children need regular exercise to help stimulate their bowels to open regularly.
Tune into this podcast episode to find out how much exercise children really need:
Need help with a fussy eater?
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No matter what you are worried about, I’ll help you manage these with confidence.