Constipation can be a common concern among children of all ages and can affect their daily comfort and overall well-being. It is characterized by infrequent bowel movements with hard or dry stools and difficulty passing stool. Understanding the causes of constipation in kids is essential for addressing the issue effectively. Below are some of the primary reasons for constipation in children:
Poor Dietary Habits : A diet lacking fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can result in inadequate fibre, making stools hard and difficult to pass. Eating too many refined and processed foods like chips, fast food, and sugary snacks contributes to sluggish digestion. Inadequate water intake in kids makes stools dry and harder to pass.
Lack of Physical Activity : Sedentary habits, such as excessive screen time or minimal outdoor play, can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation. Physical activity stimulates the intestines and helps in promoting regular bowel movements.
Toilet Training Challenges : Anxiety or fear during toilet training can cause children to avoid using the bathroom, leading to stool retention and constipation. Holding in stool due to fear of discomfort or unfamiliar toilets can make the problem worse over time.
Stress and Emotional Factors : Emotional stress, such as changes in routine, starting school, or family conflicts, can impact a child’s digestive health. Anxiety or stress often disrupts the balance of the nervous system, which affects bowel regularity.
Medical Conditions : Conditions like lactose intolerance can lead to digestive discomfort and constipation. A sluggish thyroid gland can slow digestion, causing constipation. Certain medications, such as antacids containing aluminium, antihistamines, or pain relievers, can slow bowel movements and lead to constipation.
Irregular Eating and Bowel Habits : Skipping meals or eating at irregular times disrupts the natural rhythm of digestion. Sometimes kids ignore the urge to pass stool as they are occupied with something else. It can lead to stool accumulation and harder bowel movements later.
Formula feed : Breastfed babies are rarely constipated. Most of the babies that are constipated are the formula fed ones.
Ayurvedic Recommendations for Constipation in Kids:
Dietary Adjustments : A proper diet is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment for constipation.
Increase Fiber-Rich Foods: Increase fibre intake in your kids diet as they grow up. Some families rely mostly on milk and milk products for kids diet which deprives them of essential fibre. Include fruits like ripe bananas, papaya, apples, figs, and soaked raisins. If kids are small fruit purees can be given instead of whole fruit. Try that your kids eats the meals that you eat which is balanced instead of only specific foods. Use whole foods instead of refined flours. Avoid too much sugars and excessive dairy products for kids.
Hydration: Ensure the child drinks warm water throughout the day to aid digestion. Coconut water and some juicy fruits/ fresh fruit juice can be given to prevent dehydration and soothe the digestive system.
Avoid Dry and Processed Foods: Reduce the intake of chips, biscuits, candies, white breads and other processed or fried foods that aggravate Vata dosha. These are low in fibre and one of the biggest causes of constipation.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda suggests gentle herbal treatments that are safe for children:
Triphala: Triphala is made from harad, Baheda and amla which are all natural and safe fruits with no side effects. Mix a small pinch (appropriate for the child’s age) of Triphala powder with honey or warm water and give it before bedtime. It is a natural, mild laxative that supports bowel movements.
Soaked Raisins: Raisins are high in fibre and liked by children too. Soak 5–6 raisins in warm water overnight and give them to the child in the morning. They act as a natural stool softener.
Ajwain (Carom Seeds): Roast a pinch of ajwain with a little rock salt and give it to the child to improve digestion and relieve gas.
Castor Oil: A few drops of castor oil mixed in warm milk can be given before bedtime to ease bowel movements.
Isabgol (Psyllium Husk): Mix a small amount of psyllium husk in warm water or milk to add fibre and improve stool consistency.
Milk and ghee : Ghee in warm milk with a little bit of shakkar before bedtime is an effective remedy for constipation in both kids and adults.
Bael fruit sharbat : Bael is a summer fruit high in fibre. Pulp mixed with water and some natural sweetener like jaggery can be consumed in summers for relief from constipation.
Gulkand : Rose petal jam or gulkand is also an effective remedy for constipation. One spoonful can be given with warm milk to kids before bedtime.
Lifestyle Practices
Creating healthy routines for kids helps improve digestion and prevent constipation:
Regular Eating Times: Encourage the child to eat meals at the same time daily to establish a routine for digestion.
Encourage Physical Activity: Playful exercises, cycling, or yoga can stimulate the intestines and improve bowel function.
Practice yogasanas : Specific yoga poses like Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) and Balasana (Child’s Pose) are particularly helpful.
Establish Bathroom Habits: Encourage the child to use the bathroom at a fixed time every day, ideally after meals. This helps train their body for regular bowel movements.
Oil massage and warm bath : For little babies and toddlers an oil massage with warm bath helps in softening the stool are relieves them from constipation.
Abdominal Massage
Warm Oil Massage: Gently massage the child’s abdomen in a clockwise direction using warm sesame or coconut oil. This stimulates bowel movements and relaxes abdominal muscles.
Focus on Pressure Points: Apply light pressure around the navel area to stimulate digestion.
Hydration and Warm Fluids
Warm Water with Honey: A small amount of honey mixed in warm water can help regulate bowel movements.
Herbal Teas: Light teas made with fennel seeds, ginger or cumin can improve digestion and relieve bloating.
Addressing Stress and Emotional Well-Being
Relaxation Techniques: Teach the child simple breathing exercises to reduce stress, which often impacts digestion.
Quality Sleep: Ensure the child gets adequate and restful sleep, as irregular sleep patterns can aggravate Vata dosha.
By integrating these Ayurvedic recommendations, parents can help their children achieve regular bowel movements and improve their overall digestive health.