Food as Medicine: Food Therapy for Constipation
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Many children have constipation. Nutrition and other lifestyle changes can support a healthy gut throughout your child’s life.
Normal stool is:
Fluid keeps things moving. The amount a person should drink varies by their age and weight. Ask your child’s healthcare provider or dietitian to give you a daily fluid goal.
Fiber adds bulk to stool and pulls water into the intestines, making stools soft and easy to pass.
Include a fiber-rich food in every meal and snack. Build up intake slowly to avoid gassiness. Fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, and cucumbers that have a fibrous but tasty skin are good choices. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating to decrease environmental contaminants. If possible, use organic produce.
Dairy foods (like milk, cheese, and yogurt) are the main source of calcium for many children.
Most children do not get enough magnesium in their diet. Magnesium is very important for gut health. Slowly increase the amount of these magnesium-containing foods in the diet:
In addition to food, magnesium supplements can be helpful. Ask your healthcare provider or dietitian whether this is appropriate, and what dose is recommended. Look for magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. It is best to start at a low dose, then gradually increase until stool is soft and easy to pass. Make sure to go slow and be patient so the body has time to adjust.
These factors can harm the healthy bacteria in the gut and worsen constipation: