Preventing Constipation in Children

[RawJules]

Constipation

Constipation is a common problem for many, especially those following the SAD (Standard American Diet). Constipation can become a viscous cycle because once a child experiences the discomforts of a hard stool the tendencies to "hold it in" increase, resulting in the stool becoming dryer and more painful to release.

There are several factors to consider when battling constipation.

1. Is your child getting enough fluids in their diet? Consider increasing your child's fluid intakes by 2- 3 glasses per day. Clean, pure water or fresh juices are ideal for hydrating the body and relieving the impacted waste.

2. Is your child getting enough fiber in their diet? Fiber helps form soft, bulky stools; a lack of fiber can leave your child with dry, hardened waste, resulting in constipation. Refined and processed foods are often devoid of any fiber, avoiding them is best! Including foods in your child's diet that are high in fiber, such as, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and sprouted grains and beans is a sure way to meet your child's requirements of fiber and reverse any symptoms of constipation. Using freshly ground flaxseed is another way to relieve and prevent constipation. An easy and wonderful tasting meal(sure to delight most children) that is full of fresh fruits and fresh flaxseed (fiber) is a smoothie. Adding a variety of fresh fruits to a blender and mixing until smooth and then adding a couple tablespoons of flaxseed per serving is a wonderful addition to your child's diet and this alone usually regulates the colon to return to a state of balance.

3. Is your child going through a negative phase or emotional upset that may cause reluctance to have a bowel movement? When a person is upset, his or her intestinal functions may be upset, showing either diarrhea or constipation. According to Dr. Elisa Song, “The mind body connection in kids is very important. What I see in kids all the time is how their emotions and what they are feeling can really affect their health."

http://www.naturalpath.com/mind_body/emotions_and_diseases_in_children_interrelated

By adapting a raw vegan diet with lots of fresh juices and clean water and releasing any negative emotions, we can all regulate our bowls and help our bodies maintain a healthy digestive system.

~RawJules