Constipation

Information Available
What is Constipation?
How can I tell if I have Constipation?
How can I treat Constipation?
Constipation in Babies

What exactly is Constipation?

Constipation refers to any irregularity in, or absence of, bowel movements. The slow movement of food through the large intestine and the amount of time the waste remains in the colon are factors that contribute to constipation. More and more water is absorbed while the waste is in our body and the stool becomes drier and bulky thus more difficult to pass.

Constipation can be caused by lack of exercise, too much junk food, poor diet, painkillers, antidepressants and/or pregnancy. However serious diseases can cause constipation as well, including thyroid problems, circulatory disorder, diverticulitis, colon malfunction (fistulas, polyps, tumors, and obstruction).

How can I tell if I have Constipation?

Regular bowel movement is necessary to remove waste and toxins from the body. It is ideal to have a bowel movement at least once per day.

How can I treat Constipation?

Home remedies for constipation

Take Apple pectin, helps with constipation and brings fibers into the body.

Take folic acid. An insufficient intake of folic acid can lead to constipation.

To clean and heal the digestive system take Aloe vera juice twice a day.

Water-soluble fibers such as psyllium seed husks, psyllium seeds, rice bran, fig powder, apple pectin, prune powder and acidophilus are helpful totreat constipation. These water-soluble fibers help to increase the water and fat absorption as the stool passes.

An all natural bulk forming Laxative

Ginger tea is a great home remedy for constipation. It helps start bowel movement.

Eat lots of fruits, green vegetables cabbage, peas, carrots, garlic, sweet potatoes, all these are high in fiber.

Exercise often a simple stroll in the park can relieve constipation.

TIP: It was believed that castor oil was a good remedy for constipation, we know now that it can cause dehydration and mineral imbalance.

Constipation in Babies

Constipation is rare in younger babies, especially breastfed ones, although it may be a problem in an older baby once solid foods have been introduced.

Breastfed babies may go from having several bowel movements a day in the first few weeks of life, to only having one or two in an entire week. Even when it's soft or liquid, all babies sometimes have to strain to pass a stool. In fact, before long, you'll recognise your baby's particular grimaces and grunts as she works on her bowel movements.

Bottle-fed babies tend to have one firm bowel movement a day, though some may only have a bowel movement once every three or four days. This isn't considered abnormal unless the stool is hard and pellet-like. True constipation occurs when stool in the lower intestine is pinched by the tightening of muscles, which can stall, and the longer it remains, the firmer and drier it becomes.

Before suspecting constipation, it may help to familiarise yourself with the symptoms below and to understand that in babies, just like in adults, bowel patterns vary.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

For babies 0-3 months old, constipation is rare, even if your baby is formula-fed. Some babies grunt and strain with every movement, although it's not necessarily constipation. Still, if your baby cries or looks uncomfortable, check with your health visitor or your GP. If your newborn passes solid stools less than once a day, it is generally considered constipation.

For an older baby who has started solids, symptoms may include:

• Irritability, abdominal pain and gastric discomfort

• A hard abdomen

• Abdominal pain which decreases after a bowel movement

• Blood-streaked stools, usually due to rectal fissures caused by passing hard stools

• Hard-to-pass, pellet-like stools

Why does constipation occur?

A baby might become constipated because he isn't getting enough fluids. If the problem persists, it's important to have a check-up; your doctor may want to rule out illness or anal fissures.

How can I treat it?

You should check with your GP or health visitor before trying anything to relieve your baby's discomfort. You may be asked to bring her in to be examined.

For an older baby who is on solids, ask your health visitor about adding a few tablespoons of pureed prunes to your baby's morning cereal, or giving him two teaspoons of prune juice.

Some experts recommend adding a teaspoon of bran to your baby's cereal, to add fibre, although take care to not overdo this. Try to give your baby fruits and vegetables (in small bits, of course) so he gets adequate fibre, and plenty of drinks, including plain water.

These remedies may also offer baby some relief:

• Try bicycling your baby's legs if he seems constipated. This may help move stool matter along his intestine.

• If he's eating solids, cut down on constipating foods, such as rice, bananas, or cereal.

It's not uncommon for babies to experience constipation, especially once they're eating solids, as their bodies learn how to manage new foods. With your attention, necessary treatment, and time, he'll soon establish easier, regular bowel movements.