No one likes dealing with occasional constipation, especially our kids. They have places to explore and new adventures to pursue.
As a parent, you want to make sure your kids feel light and carefree. That means helping them practice certain habits throughout the day that promote regular bowel movements.
It might surprise you to learn that staying hydrated is at the top of the list! Most of us are familiar with the benefits of drinking water. It helps keep our internal temperature regulated and delivers oxygen throughout the body.
But did you know that our digestive system needs water to work normally, too?
Water helps flush food waste out of the body, meaning it keeps things moving in the right direction.
When we don't consume enough water, we risk dehydration. This condition occurs when we lose more water than we take in. It also just so happens to be a common trigger for constipation in both kids and adults.
It's safe to say that staying hydrated is key to helping you and your kids avoid constipation.
3 Drinks for Constipation
Though drinking water may help you avoid constipation, not everyone, especially our kids, are eager to grab a glass of a beverage that tastes like…well…nothing.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to add a little flavor and even fiber to their drink options.
Let's review a few:
Lemon Water
Lemons are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. They're also a great way to add a hint of citrus to a pitcher of water for a refreshing taste. Lemon water is ideal for hot summer days, when the kids are outside playing and sweating. As we know, excessive sweat and heat leads to dehydration, so be sure to keep a cold pitcher of lemon water within reach and sight!
You don't have to settle for just lemons either. Adding slices of fruit that are high in fiber, such as oranges, blackberries, or raspberries, are other delicious ways you can enhance the flavor of your kids' water and help with their constipation.
Diluted Apple Juice
Most kids love apple juice, and it's considered one of many juices that help with constipation. However, since apple juice is high in fructose, too much of it may lead to digestive issues.
Therefore, to ensure your kids can enjoy the many benefits of apples, including pectin—a water-soluble fiber that may improve bowel movements—consider diluting this popular juice option with water.
Your kids will still get the yummy apple taste and nutrients!
Homemade Prune Juice
You might already be familiar with the power of prunes. This is another fruit option that is high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. And because it contains sorbitol—a naturally occurring sweetener—it may help with constipation, too:
"Sorbitol passes through a person’s body undigested. It draws water into the gut to bulk up the stool and stimulate a bowel movement. Research suggests that sorbitol is an effective laxative that is safe to use, even for older adults," (Medical News Today).
Prune juice is easy to make at home by boiling 5-6 prunes in water.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
To help improve your kids' hydration habits, here are a few tips to make sure they're getting enough water and fluids throughout the day:
- Have water bottles filled and ready to go!
- Keep a pitcher of lemon water or prune juice in the fridge.
- Make sure they're eating fruits and veggies—remember, many foods contain water, too!
- Be the example—make sure they're seeing you stay hydrated, too!
We hope you found this article helpful! Be sure to check back for more tips on staying cool and regular from your friends at Doolies.
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