हिंदी
Constipation is generally characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stool. In the case of children, addressing constipation through home remedies is often possible without resorting to medication. It is crucial not to let constipation persist, as it can cause discomfort and disturbance for the child.
Here are some effective home remedies for managing constipation in children:
- Increase Dietary Fiber: Boosting dietary fiber is a highly effective method for relieving constipation in children. Integrate fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into their diet. Snacks like sliced apples, pears, or carrot sticks, as well as fiber-rich smoothies made with fruits like bananas and strawberries blended with yogurt and a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds, can improve bowel movements.
- Ensure Hydration: Dehydration can worsen constipation, so make sure your child drinks an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Offering water, diluted fruit juices, lemon water, or coconut water can enhance their hydration level and soften stools for easier passage.
- Yogurt with Probiotics: Yogurt containing probiotics is a tasty way to introduce beneficial microorganisms into your child’s diet, helping regulate the digestive system and maintain a healthy gut flora. Look for yogurts labeled as containing probiotics, and if your child is hesitant to eat plain yogurt, incorporate it into vegetable raitas or opt for fruit-flavored yogurts.
- Establish a Regular Toilet Routine: Encourage a consistent toilet routine for your child, prompting them to use the toilet at the same times each day, especially after meals when natural reflexes are most active. Ensure they spend at least ten minutes on the toilet, free from distractions like phones. This routine can foster healthy bowel habits and prevent constipation.
- Ayurvedic Morning and Night Routine: In the morning, provide your child with a glass of warm water and 4-5 soaked raisins. For the night, offer a glass of warm cow’s milk with half a teaspoon of cow’s ghee at bedtime. If bloating or gas is present, apply hing (asafoetida) on their stomach at night in a clockwise direction, following Ayurvedic practices.
