Does your little one have constipation? (Constipation) Let's talk about this!

Is your child reluctant to go to the toilet? Or does he have a hard time going out when he does? Then he might be constipated , which means he has a bowel movement problem. This is very common among young children, so don't worry. Let's talk about this in detail today, okay?

What is a dry stomach? What are the exact symptoms?

Simply put, constipation is when a child has fewer than two bowel movements per week, when they pass stools that are very dry and hard, or when they pass stools with great difficulty and pain. Sometimes, there may be a feeling of fullness in the stomach even after a bowel movement.

Now let's see if your child also has these characteristics:

• Don't you usually go to the toilet often? For example, if someone who goes every day doesn't go even once every two or three days, it's something to look into.
• Do you have difficulty or pain when going to the toilet? Some children go to the toilet with their faces red and struggling.
• Do you mean full or bloated? Or does that look like it to you?
• Do you take a long time to defecate?
• Do you sometimes see a little blood on the toilet paper or in your underwear? This is because the rectum can be slightly scratched by hard stools.
• Another thing is that some children may have feces on their underwear without even realizing it. This happens when stool has been stuck for a long time, and new liquid stool leaks out from around the hard lump.

If you see these things in your child, it could be a sign of constipation.

Why do babies get such dry stomachs? What are the reasons?

Think about it, there's not just one reason for this. There could be many reasons.

1. The effect of food and drink

This is the main reason.

• Insufficient water and fiber: The food we eat needs water and fiber to move easily through the intestines . Fiber is the indigestible part of the vegetables , fruits, legumes, and whole grains we eat. These are what help push stool out of the intestines, like a sweep.
• Consuming too much processed foods: Eating too much processed, packaged foods, cheese, white bread, bakery products, and meats can increase your risk of developing constipation. These foods are low in fiber and slow down bowel movements.

2. Some medications

Yes, some medications can also affect this. For example, some antidepressants, some painkillers , and iron deficiency antacids.Things like iron pills can also cause constipation. If your child is taking any medication, talk to your doctor about it.

3. When babies' meals change

It's normal for babies to have occasional stomach upsets when they switch from breast milk to formula or when they start eating solid foods. It takes a while for their little stomachs to adjust to the new foods.

4. Toilet Training

This problem can also arise when children are toilet training. Especially if they are not yet ready, are afraid, or do not like being on the toilet, they try to hold back their bowel movements.

5. Ignoring the need to defecate

There are some children who, even when they feel the need to go to the toilet, ignore it. Maybe it's because they don't want to go to the toilet outside the home, they're too lazy to stop while they're playing, or they're afraid to ask a teacher or someone else. When you don't go when you feel the need, it becomes even harder to go later. Because the longer the stool stays in the body, the more water it absorbs back into the body and becomes harder.

6. Stress

Yes, don't be surprised, stress is also a cause of constipation. The anxiety that children experience when starting a new school, when there is a problem at home, when an exam is approaching, etc. can affect the functioning of their intestines. Research has even found that there is a strong connection between mental health and intestinal health. This can lead to not only constipation, but also things like diarrhea.

7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This is also a condition that affects some children. When they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), especially when they are stressed, they may experience stomach pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, especially when they eat fatty or spicy foods.

8. Other health problems (rare cases)

Most of the time, constipation is not a serious problem. However, very rarely, it can be a symptom of another medical condition. Therefore, if your child has this problem persistently, or if it lasts for more than two or three weeks, be sure to see a doctor for advice.

How do we prevent and treat this dry stomach?

The best part is, there are lots of simple things you can do at home to help with this. Let's see what they are.

1. Give the child plenty of fluids.

Water is the best medicine for this. Drinking plenty of water helps the stool move through the intestines more easily. The amount of water a child needs per day varies depending on their age and weight. However, a school-age child should generally drink at least 3-4 glasses of water per day.

Just think, just like a plant withers without water, when the body doesn't have enough water, the stomach also dries up.

If your baby is experiencing stomach upset when transitioning from breast milk to formula or complementary foods, try giving them a small amount of fruit juice (about 2-4 ounces) a day, such as apple, pear, or prune juice. However, if the problem persists or your baby is having difficulty, see a doctor.

2. Eat more fiber-rich foods.

We've already talked about fiber. Include things like vegetables, fruits (apples, pears, oranges, ripe bananas), legumes, whole-grain bread, oats, and beans in your diet. Fiber is indigestible, so it helps push out the waste that's stuck in your intestines.

Foods high in fat, sugar, and starch (e.g., sweets, flour) reduce intestinal function.

Keep these things in mind when adding fiber to your child's diet:

• Don't give too much fiber at once. Increase it gradually over a few weeks.
• When giving more fiber, you should definitely give more water as well. Otherwise, the fiber itself can dry out the stomach even more.
• Children may not like to eat fiber, so give it to them in a way that they like. Cut up fruit and arrange it nicely. Serve it as a vegetable salad, or sneak a little into a favorite meal. You can also add a little flax meal or bran to a homemade fruit smoothie. Giving them popcorn is also a good idea.

3. Encourage your child to exercise.

Physical activity is a great way to stimulate bowel movements. So, let your children play and run around throughout the day. It doesn't have to be a big deal. It can be as simple as walking, playing with friends, riding a bike, or catching a ball.

4. Maintain a regular meal schedule.

Eating also helps the bowels function. Therefore, make it a habit to serve the main meals at regular times throughout the day. This will help the child develop a habit of going to the toilet on time . It would be great if you could wake them up a little earlier in the morning before going to school, feed them breakfast, and give them some time to go to the toilet. Then they can do the task without rushing and in a relaxed manner.

5. Establish a regular toilet habit

If your child is one of those who holds back from going to the toilet, try putting him on the toilet for about 10 minutes at the same time each day (especially after a meal). During this time, let him read a book or talk to him. Don't force him, but encourage him. After a while, this will become a habit for him.

Remember, all of this won't change overnight. With a little patience and love, you can greatly reduce your child's dry stomach problem.

Most importantly: Do not give your child over-the-counter constipation medication without a doctor's advice. While some medications may help temporarily, they can cause other problems in the long run.

Finally, remember this.

So, I hope you now have a better understanding of your baby's constipation. This is usually nothing to worry about, but we should be concerned about it.

• Give plenty of water to drink.
• Add foods with fiber (vegetables, fruits, bran) to your diet.
• Encourage your child to run, jump, play, and exercise.
• Feed on time and establish a regular habit of going to the toilet.
• Paying attention to what is on your child's mind and mental well-being is also important.

Making these small changes will help many children feel better and their bowels will function better. However, if the problem persists, if your child is having more difficulty, or if you have any doubts, be sure to see a doctor. They will be able to help you properly. Your health and that of your child are more important than anything else!

Constipation, Constipation in children, Dry stomach, Fiber-rich foods, Children's health, Diet