Constipation is a common health issue among infants and children. Nutritional therapist Heather Leeson gives her view on the condition.
Constipation in children is a relatively common problem which we see frequently in the clinic. It can range from mild or episodic constipation to severe constipation with no bowel movement for several days or even weeks. Often accompanied by wind, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and faecal incontinence, it can cause significant discomfort and sometimes embarrassment for the child. It can be distressing both for the parents and the child, and if left go too long can cause further problems.
The reasons for constipation can often, but not always, be found by looking at the diet. A diet which is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and low in fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains will often lack necessary bulk and fibre. Adding to this is the fact that many children simply do not drink enough water.
If your child is not having a daily bowel movement or is suffering from hard or painful stools then some simple nutritional tips include giving your child plenty of water to drink, both with and in between meals; including plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, pulses, and wholegrains in the daily diet; swapping white bread, white pasta, and white rice for wholegrain versions; and limiting sugary treats.
Recent research has highlighted the importance of probiotics, otherwise known as beneficial bacteria, in the treatment of constipation. Beneficial bacteria play an important role in gut health, and more and more evidence underlines their role in treating gastrointestinal issues including constipation in adults and children. Our bacterial balance can be impacted by many factors including stress, illness, a high sugar diet, and antibiotics.
Several studies, including one published this year in The Nutrition Journal, show how supplementation with specific strains of beneficial bacteria significantly decreased constipation and associated abdominal pain and improved stool consistency, all without any harmful side effects.
A good food source of these beneficial bacteria is natural probiotic yoghurt. It is important to find a natural yoghurt, avoiding all of the sugary flavoured yoghurts and probiotic drinks which contain very high levels of sugar, some as many as four teaspoons per serving.
Many children with constipation may be helped by a short term probiotic supplement. These supplements are available in powder or capsule form, and can be found in the fridge of your local Evergreen Healthfood store. There are several good probiotic supplements designed specifically for children including Udo’s Choice Infant Blend, Udo’s Choice Children’s Blend, ABCDophilus from Solgar, and Acidophikidz from Nature’s Plus.
If you are worried about your child, or would like some advice, a qualified nutritionist or your local health store is always a good place to start. However if the constipation is severe, is causing distress, or continues for longer than a few weeks then you should consult a doctor.
Heather Leeson is a qualified nutritional therapist and director of Positive Nutrition, with clinics in Galway and Dublin. For more information visit www.positivenutrition.ie or email [email protected]
