Constipation

In continuing our discussion of poop I thought I would address constipation. This is a common problem that I seem to be seeing a lot more of in the past few years.  By definition constipation is infrequent stooling. Once past infancy most children stool 1-2 times a day.  If it is less freqent, hard, or painful then they are constipated. 

So, what causes constipation?  Most commonly it occurs because someone does not have enough fiber and water in their diet.  In young children there can also be a behavioral part as well.  If a child is scared to stool in the toilet or they have 1 or 2 painful stools then they start holding their stool in. Then of course it hurts to stool so they continue to hold it in.

How to treat constipation?
1. Increase fiber in the diet.  We are supposed to eat 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies a day.  (juice doesn't count!)  You can also get extra fiber in beans, bran cereals, whole grain bread, and products that have fiber added such as the brands Fiber One and Fiber Plus.  To see if something has fiber read the side of the box that has the nutrition information.  The line that says fiber should say 5 grams or higher for cereals and granola bars and 3 grams or higher for bread.
2. Drink more water.  If your body doesn't have enough fluid it steals it from your intestines and dries your stool out.
3.Take time to poop.  I know this sounds funny but in today's fast paced society many children do not want to stop playing or watching TV to sit on the toilet long enough to stool.  Keep magazines or books (not small toys unless you want to go fishing for them!) by the toilet and encourage your child to sit on the toilet for about 10 minutes after eating.
4. Use a step stool. If your child's feet do not reach the floor when sitting on the toilet then get a step stool for them to put their feet on.  It is harder to stool if your legs are dangling.
5.  Give mineral oil.  If your child is older than 12 months of age you can give 1 Tbsp of mineral oil once daily to help keep their stool soft.

If these things don't help then it is time to come and see us.