Including right kind of foods in the diet of kids can help to relive and prevent constipation to a greater extent. Read on to find about the foods for relieving constipation in kids.Children often suffer from constipation which may result from a number of reasons. If it is due to the dietary imbalance you need to increase the intake of fluids and fibre of your child. Here is the list of foods discussed which may help in relieving constipation in kids.
Fluids
It is very important for kids to take a proper intake of fluids to keep them hydrated. Drinking adequate amount of water is extremely important to keep the bowel system working properly. Fruit juices extracted from high fibre fruits like pears and prunes are also helpful. Even if all the other diet are in proper ratio but if your child does not have the adequate amount of fluids then also he may suffer from constipation. So fluids intake is of utmost importance to maintain a healthy bowel system.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial for some kids although there is no proven evidence of probiotics to relieve constipation. Giving the kids yoghurt rich in probiotics can help your kids ease out problems of constipation.
Fruits
Not all the fruits are beneficial in treating constipation.
Fruits rich is
iron can have an opposite effect so try to avoid fruits like apples and bananas if your child has the tendency of irregular bowel system. Fruits rich in fibre such as plums, peaches, apricots and pears can be given to kids to treat constipation. Dates, prunes and raisins are also beneficial for kids suffering from constipation. Try to give fresh dates and
raisins to kids as dried fruits sometimes may have more sugar and other additives.
Green Vegetables
Almost all vegetables are rich in fibre and can treat constipation. Increase the intake of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peas and beans in your child’s daily diet. Make different preparations out of these
vegetables so that your child does not feel bored eating the same recipes every day. Sweet potatoes are better than white potatoes in the fibre content so encourage your kid to have sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. You can prepare a salad with green lettuce, which apart from improving your child’s bowel system will also provide him with adequate vitamins.
Nuts and Legumes
Unless your child is allergic to nuts and legumes you can try chickpeas and almonds in your child’s diet. Almonds and walnuts have more fibre content than other nuts. 1 ounce of almonds contains 3.5 grams of fibre and 1 ounce of walnuts has about 1.9 grams of fibre. As nuts are also high in calories so make sure to keep the portions small as kids have tendencies to gain weight randomly. Give nuts that are dry roasted or raw instead of nuts that are roasted in oil.
Seeds
Seeds are also a rich source of fibre. 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds contains about 1.1 grams of fibre whereas 1 ounce of pumpkin seeds contains 5 grams of fibre. Prepare the favourite salads of your child and sprinkle some seeds on the top which will provide for the adequate amount of fibre and also will add a crunchier taste to the salad.
Corn Flour
Corn flour is a low calorie fibre rich food and is very effective in relieving constipation in kids. You can include corn flour in your child’s diet by making corn flour rotis which can be served with different varieties of vegetables.
So if you follow a
healthy diet for your kids it will be easier to treat such problems like indigestion and constipation.
What are the causes of constipation in kids? How to prevent constipation in kids? How to help kids cope with constipation? Discuss here.