Kids and Constipation

 
 
 

Constipation is one of the leading causes of tummy aches among little ones. Kiddos often have a tricky time explaining their symptoms and can’t always tell us what is wrong. Paying attention to your kids bowel habits can help to solve the mystery.

What is constipation?

A lot of parents I talk to, especially new parents, think that their children should be having a bowel movement every day but that’s not really the expectation. Everyone has their own body clock and may not have a bowel movement every day. What is important to notice however is if bowel movements are fraught with pain and discomfort and are difficult to pass. When this is the case, you can pretty much assume your little one is constipated. If however, they are pooping without pain and discomfort and the stool is not difficult to pass, even if they are not going every day, then it’s unlikely that constipation is the issue. If you think your child is constipated, talk to their doctor and a dietitian, they can help get bowel movements back on track.

Causes of Constipation

Constipation can be uncomfortable and downright painful for kids. Parents are often willing to do whatever it takes to help relieve constipation and prevent it.

Constipation is often caused by not getting in enough fibre and fluids. It can sometimes be hard to push both fibre and fluids with littles. Picky or selective eaters who consume very little whole grains, fruit and vegetables or who survive on dairy and processed foods are often at risk of an upside down bowel routine. Sometimes kiddos who do get enough fibre but who have a tricky time with the fluid have a hard time going number 2 as well. In order for fibre to do its job when it comes to keeping things moving, kids need to be drinking enough too.

Symptoms of Constipation in little ones

As mentioned, the main symptom of constipation in kids is the frequent complaint of a tummy ache but there are other signs and symptoms to look out for as well if you think your kid is constipated.

  • Gas and bloating

  • Feeling uncomfortable

  • No appetite

  • irritable and grumpy

  • hard stools that are difficult to pass

  • pain and discomfort when passing stool

  • multiple days without a bowel movement

  • fear of using the bathroom and holding it in

  • encoparesis - this is a condition caused by chronic constipation where stool may be impacted and collects in the colon or rectum causing liquid stool to leak around the mass and cause incontinence of stool*

    * In cases of encoparesis, meeting with your doctor to discuss management would be best as it may warrant medication or prescription for stool softeners or laxatives

Fluid and Fibre

I won’t go into specific details about how many grams of fibre kids need each day or even how many millilitres of fluid because I know that every parents day is packed already and counting up grams of nutrients is an unrealistic task. Not to mention that it may feel daunting to aim for a specific number each day, instead the focus should be on bumping up fibre and fluid. Start off slowly, bombarding your child’s diet with fibre all at once will likely have the opposite effect and contribute to more discomfort. Always be sure to bump up fluids as fibre intake goes up, otherwise constipation will likely worsen.

There are two different types of fibre, Insoluble and Soluble. The key to treating and preventing constipation is to ensure adequate intake of insoluble fibre mostly. Insoluble fibre helps to promote bowel regularity and increases bulk of stools. Soluble fibre on the other hand helps to manage blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Both are essential for maintaining optimal health, but focusing on insoluble fibre in the treatment of constipation is key.

Insoluble fibre is found in wheat bran, vegetables and fruit especially with the skin on, nuts, seeds and legumes.

Soluble fibre is found in oats, barley, whole grains, beans, and lentils, vegetables and fruit.

Tips for dealing with Constipation

No parents likes to see their kid in pain and discomfort, so getting to the bottom of constipation and getting some relief for your child is the goal. Here are a few tips to get things moving:

  • Focus on increasing insoluble fibre intake

    • offer nuts and seeds with snacks (if age appropriate), choose whole grains, cook and bake with wheat bran and offer fruit and vegetables with the skin on

  • Ensure adequate fluid intake, offer water throughout the day, with and between meals and encourage your child to drink more often. Offer water in different cups, using cups with a favourite character on it, a fancy straws, or with a few drops of juice to flavour the water may encourage your child to drink more. I don’t often recommend juice, however in this circumstance a little juice can go a long way in helping your child get in enough fluid to help relieve bowel troubles;

  • If age appropriate offer dried fruit such as prunes, apricots and dates. Brush teeth well after consuming these foods as they get stuck in teeth and can lead to cavities. These foods can be stewed and added to oatmeal or spread on toast for younger kids. Prune puree is another option.

  • Choose whole grains more often, think brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat breads, cereals and pasta

  • Offer berries often

  • Add beans and lentils to favourite recipes to increase fibre

  • Add bran flakes or bran sticks to cereal or to top yogurt

Constipation can be both treated and prevented with careful changes to your kiddos diet. Gradually bumping up their fibre and fluid intake can do the trick. If the problem persists connect with your doctor and dietitian to discuss other strategies for improving bowel habits and help your child feel better.

 
 
Nutritionmelinda lamarche