Dealing with occasional constipation can ruin anyone's weekend. But when our kids struggle to go #2 with ease, it can make us feel like we're letting them down as parents.
Push those thoughts aside!
Because although occasional constipation may be stressful, the road to relief doesn't have to be. In fact, by reading this helpful guide, you and your kids can soon wave "bye-bye" to constipation blues and say "hello" to more family time together!
Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation
Let's face it. Going #2 should feel natural. So, why are we looking for over-the-counter products or prescribed medications to experience "natural" relief? Believe us when we say there are items in your home right now that can give your kids a natural boost in healthy digestion to get things moving.
Let's review 4:
H20
It's easy to "think" we're getting enough water each day, but with all the running around we do, especially our kids, it's even easier to forget if we've reached our daily amount.
Experts recommend that children between the ages of 1 and 3 drink approximately 4 cups of water daily. Kids 4-8 years old need 5 cups, and older children should aim for at least 8 cups daily.
Of course, if your kids are active outside and sweat a lot, they may need more water, so talk to your pediatrician about which amount is right for them.
How does water help with constipation?
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of occasional constipation: "The digestive system needs plenty of water to keep food waste moving through it. Otherwise, the stool can become hard, lumpy, and difficult to pass" (Medical News Today).
Check out this article for tips on staying hydrated!
Fiber Foods
If you follow our blog, then you saw this one coming! But we can't deny that fiber is a key component to relieving occasional constipation.
Also called roughage, dietary fiber is naturally found in different fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes. It also acts as a prebiotic, providing food for gut bacteria and promoting healthy microbiome colonies.
Finally, fiber helps our kids with potty time, whether they're struggling with constipation or loose, watery stool. It does this by adding bulk and size to our stool (i.e., insoluble fiber) while softening it so it's easier to pass (i.e., soluble fiber).
It's recommended that children between the ages of 1 and 3 need about 19 grams of fiber per day. Kids 4-8 years old should aim for 25 grams of fiber.
If you're looking for creative ways to make fiber fun for your kids, we have a few ideas you can try right now.
Our bite-size snacks offer kids a delicious daily dose of fiber-TASTIC ingredients. We're talking real-fruit ingredients and flavors paired with naturally-sourced fiber from Psyllium Husk in each mouthful! When taken daily with water, Doolies can help your kids go #2 with ease, so they feel light and free.
Speaking of light and free….
Exercise
A daily routine of water, fiber foods, and exercise is the perfect recipe to help relieve occasional constipation.
Since kids need at least 1 hour of moderate-to-vigorous activity 3 days per week, play can ensure your kids are having fun while getting enough exercise.
Exercise helps reduce the time it takes for our food to pass through the large intestine, limiting the amount of water our bodies absorb from stool.
Check out this article for fun ideas on keeping your kids active!
Don't Forget Doolies
Life gets busy fast! So, to be sure your kids are getting the naturally-sourced fiber and real-fruit ingredients they need to keep it real and regular.
Give Doolies a try today! We promise you won't be disappointed and your kids will love them.
For more tips and ideas, stay connected to our blog.