Make Your Gut Happy with Healthy Eating

The main cause of constipation in children is incorrect eating habits, accounting for 95% of cases. Only 5% of constipation cases are due to certain diseases.

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, often accompanied by hard and painful stools. The prevalence of constipation in the pediatric age group can reach up to 28%. While less than 5% of constipation cases in children are related to other diseases, 95% are attributed to non-organic (functional) reasons, primarily mistakes in dietary and toilet habits.

Since constipation is a long-term health issue, it is undoubtedly a challenging and patience-demanding situation for both parents and children. However, while it may sometimes take months (1-12) to resolve, it is a treatable problem. As mentioned earlier, the likelihood of constipation being related to other diseases is quite low. When such a situation occurs, additional findings are often observed during the child's examination. Dr. Namık Kemal Akpınar, a specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases at Anadolu Health Center, has important messages for parents regarding this issue.

Our Intestines Don't Like Junk Food!

One of the primary causes of constipation is unhealthy eating habits. Among the many mistakes in this list of dietary habits are the consumption of junk food—often obtained from outside and containing high levels of additives—poor intake of fruits and vegetables, excessive consumption of ultra-pasteurized cow's milk, insufficient fiber intake, and inadequate fluid consumption. Therefore, to prevent constipation, the consumption of these foods should be limited, the intake of various vegetables and fruits (such as dried or fresh apricots, plums, pears, peaches, depending on the season) should be increased, and for children under two years old, daily milk consumption should not exceed two cups. It is also essential to drink plenty of fluids and avoid sugary pastries and similar foods. Popcorn can be consumed occasionally due to its high fiber content.

Don't Allow Delays!

Another cause of constipation is the postponement of bowel movements, whether voluntary or involuntary. As time passes during defecation, the liquid content of the stool decreases, making it harder, while the urge to defecate also diminishes the longer one waits. Considering that our bowel movements speed up during and within the first 30 minutes after a meal, it is crucial for parents to encourage their children to sit on the toilet after each meal, especially after breakfast. Ensuring that children sit on the toilet for at least 10 minutes and rewarding them after each toilet visit can facilitate this process.

Beware of Unscientific Practices!

Situations such as anal fissures or hemorrhoids can cause pain during defecation, leading children to develop a habit of withholding their stool. In such cases, warm sitz baths can reduce anal pain and provide relief. However, do not take any action regarding such practices and effective treatments without consulting your doctor. For instance, frequent use of suppositories, soaps, and similar products are among the wrong practices. Only heed your doctor’s advice and use medications at the doses and durations recommended by them. Medication should be tapered off gradually over several months, not stopped immediately after comfortable defecation, until treatment is completed.

Last Updated Date: 12 February 2024

Publication Date: 12 February 2024