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Constipation

Constipation And Bloating In Children – Which Treatment To Choose?

By August 28th, 2012No Comments

Constipation And BloatingToddlers and children frequently experience constipation and bloating. This is due the fact that they are often trying many new foods, and going through transitioning periods of learning how to control their bowels. Unfortunately as parents, most digestive troubles in children are expressed to us as tummy aches and its up to us to determine what the causes of their symptoms are whether they be constipation and bloating or gas and indigestion.

If your child is experiencing constipation, you might consider a few options. Many of us will turn to nature’s laxative offering pear or apple juice, diluted for younger children, to help ease the stool from the colon’s clenchy grasp. Walking and massaging the abdomen can also help both constipation and bloating. You might consider discussing magnesium for constipation with your child’s pediatrician if your child has been experiencing constipation for a long period of time such as one week or more, and if the symptoms do not disappear with physical activity, baths, fruit juice or herbal remedies for constipation. Your child should already be taking daily multi-vitamin containing magnesium since we rarely get enough nutrients and vitamins from foods we eat (due to radiation and processing). However, when increasing the daily dosage of magnesium for the purpose of curing constipation, it is important to speak to your child’s doctor before administering it.

If you are looking for a treatment for bloating for your young one, start by reducing fatty foods, gluten- containing products (from breads to cookies), milk or dairy products until their condition has subsided, as these can cause the bloating to become worse or more uncomfortable. Both constipation and bloating in children can often be relieved by encouraging the little ones to walk around, especially right after eating. If you have been unable to remedy your child’s condition with exercise, you may try many of the available over the counter remedies that contain simethicone, bismuth, or activated charcoal. Before administering any of these medications to your children however, it’s best to consult their health care provider.

Bloating and constipation are common ailments in both children and adults. Often they are caused by our diet and vitamin deficiencies associated with our diet, and their recurrence can frequently be reduced simply by changing the amount or type of foods that will trigger their symptoms. Excessive amounts of constipation and bloating in children should be taken by parents as a signal that it’s probably time to schedule a doctor’s appointment, to rule out digestive issues.

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