What should constipated children eat

That's because fiber makes stools softer and bulkier, so they're easier to pass. Be sure your child is also drinking plenty of water, which naturally softens stools too. If your child's diet is low in fiber now, remember to add these foods slowly and in small portions at first —since a lot of fiber at once can trigger gas and bloating. It's recommended that kids get about 20 grams of fiber per day.

If your child is eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, it adds up fast—especially when you serve these 11 fiber-rich, kid-friendly foods with meals or snacks:. With eight grams of fiber per cup, this berry is one of the highest-fiber fruits.

Whether they're fresh or frozen, you'll still get the benefits. Skip fries in favor of baked, boiled, or steamed potatoes. One medium spud has nearly four grams of fiber keep the skin on for a small fiber boost. A quarter cup of shelled edamame has three grams of fiber, and kids love popping the nutty-tasting beans out of the pods and into their mouths. A packet of plain, instant oatmeal has 4 grams of fiber. Top it with sliced fruit for an extra dose of fiber and a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

There's a whopping six grams of fiber in a serving of whole wheat pasta. If your kids are used to white, mix half white and half whole wheat and call it "zebra pasta. All beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. Spread refried beans on quesadillas or stir them into your burrito filling. A quarter cup has about three grams of fiber.

Buy ground flaxseed or grind it yourself to get the health benefits of these tiny nutrition powerhouses. Flax boasts healthy fats and about three grams of fiber per tablespoon. Updates Sept 18, Jung, SJ. Effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets on bowel movements in young Korean women with functional constipation. Eur J Clin Nutr 74, — Harris G, Coulthard H. Curr Obes Rep. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily.

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Table of Contents. Fast Food. Ice Cream. Processed Meats. White Rice. White Bread. White Pasta. Potato Chips. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

This test looks at the full length of the large intestine. It can help check for abnormal growths, red or swollen tissue, sores ulcers , and bleeding. The test uses a long, flexible, lighted tube colonoscope. This tube lets the provider see the lining of the colon and take out a tissue sample biopsy to test it. The provider may also be able to treat some problems that are found. Lab testing. Several tests may be done. These include tests to check for issues such as celiac disease, urinary tract infection, thyroid problems, metabolic problems, and blood lead level.

It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Often making changes in your child's diet will help constipation. Help your child to eat more fiber by:. Adding more whole-grain cereals and breads. Check the nutrition labels on food packages for foods that have more fiber. Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, corn, green beans, green peas, acorn and butternut squash, spinach, potato with skin, avocado.

Apples with peel, dates, papayas, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, pears, kiwis, strawberries, applesauce, raspberries, blackberries, raisins.

Baked beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, lima beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili with beans, trail mix. Limiting fast foods and junk foods that are often high in fats. Offer more well-balanced meals and snacks instead. Eating a meal will often cause a bowel movement within 30 to 60 minutes. Serve breakfast early.

This will give your child time to have a bowel movement at home before rushing off to school. Having your child get more exercise can also help with constipation. Exercise helps with digestion. It helps the normal movements the intestines make to push food forward as it is digested. Have your child go outside and play rather than watch TV or do other indoor activities. Try to get your child into a regular toilet habit. Have your child sit on the toilet at least twice a day for at least 10 minutes.

Try to do this just after a meal. Be sure to make this a pleasant time. Use a reward system to make it fun. Give stickers or other small treats. Or make posters that show your child's progress. In some cases these changes may not help. If so, the provider may recommend using laxatives, stool softeners, or an enema. These products should only be used if recommended by your child's provider. Do not use them without talking with your child's provider first. Hard stools can irritate or tear the lining of the anus anal fissures.

This makes it painful to have a bowel movement. Your child may avoid having a bowel movement because it hurts. This can make constipation get worse. Constipation can be prevented by figuring out the times when it may occur, and making proper changes.

For instance, when babies start to eat solid food, constipation can result.