Ayurvedic Home Remedies And Foods To Relieve Baby Constipation

Constipation

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent, the stools become difficult to pass. It happens most often due to changes in diet or due to inadequate intake of fiber. Constipation in infants and children occurs when they have hard stools or have problems passing stools. A child may have pain while passing stools or may be unable to have a bowel movement after straining or pushing. In the first month, infants tend to have bowel movements about once a day. After that, babies can go a few days or even a week between bowel movements. It is also difficult to pass stools because their abdominal muscles are weak. So babies tend to strain, cry, and get red in the face when they have a bowel movement. It does not mean they are constipated. If bowel movements are soft, then there is likely no problem.

According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Vata Dosha is essentially cold and dry. It governs movement and elimination. When it is imbalanced, it causes constipation. Constipation in babies refers to the time delay or difficulty for passing stool, which is present for two or more weeks. Ayurveda explains the symptoms of constipation in infants/children as Malavrodha(obstruction of stool). Ayurveda emphasizes not only to relieve the symptoms but treat the disease from the root. So Ayurveda recommends some of the foods and home remedies to control the symptoms of constipation among babies.

Symptoms Of Constipation In Babies

Signs of constipation in babies vary depending on their age and diet.

Signs that indicate constipation in a baby include

• Being very fussy and spitting up more often (infants).
• Difficulty passing stools or seeming uncomfortable.
• Hard, dry stools.
• Pain when having a bowel movement.
• Belly pain and bloating.
• Large, wide stools.
• Blood on the stool.
• Traces of liquid or stool in the undergarment .
• Having less than three bowel movements a week (children).
• Moving their body in different positions or clenching their buttocks.
• long periods of straining or crying while trying to have a bowel movement.

Causes Of Constipation In Babies

Some of the causes that lead to baby constipation are

• Changing the brand of formula from one to other.
• Switching from breastfeeding to formula.
• Switching to cow milk from formula/breast milk.
• Introducing solids (for the first time).
• Low fiber foods.
• Less water/liquid intake.
• Medical condition or illness.

Home Remedies To Relieve Constipation In Babies

Ayurveda offers some food items and a massage to relieve the symptoms of constipation. They are as follow

• Exercise

  Movement can stimulate the bowels of the baby just like it can in adults. So you can gently move your baby’s legs and mimic the motion of cycling. Massaging tummy and bicycle legs helps relieve gas and regulate bowel movements. It is a good remedy to relieve constipation for a baby below six months. It is very helpful to improve their bowel movement.

• Warm bath

  warm bath can relax your baby’s abdominal muscles and stop them from straining. It can also relieve discomfort related to constipation.

• Applying Asafoetida/ Hing

  It also provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. Choose good quality asafoetida for the baby. Take a pinch of good quality asafoetida/Hing and apply on the baby's belly button and give a gentle massage to get relief from constipation. This home remedy is suitable for a baby who is 6 months and above.

• Switch Formula

  Formula-fed babies are likely to suffer constipation than breastfed babies because formulas may have undigested protein. If your baby suffers constipation after introducing or changing a formula, ask your baby's doctor about switching brands. .

• Castor oil

  Castor oil has natural laxatives. So it helps to relieve the problems of constipation in babies. Take a few drops of castor oil in your hand and gently apply around the anal area which loosens the skin and helps in easy bowel movement. It's a great remedy to relieve constipation for a baby below 6 months. But always consult with your baby’s doctor before using the oil.

• Prunes

  Prunes also help to relieve baby constipation, it works well to regulate the bowel. Give prunes as puree, juice, or as such depends on your baby's preference and age. Prunes may be introduced as soon as the baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

• Papaya

  Papaya is very rich in water and fiber, and is well known for its power in helping with digestion. It also helps in regular bowel movement; its consumption can treat constipation. It is better to take papaya as puree, mash, or cut papaya pieces according to the baby's age. It works best when taken along with breakfast. But remember too much consumption of papaya might lead to diarrhea. .

• Warm water

  Warm water helps to flush the body to get working again, it works best when you give warm water in the early morning as soon as your baby wakes up or try to offer a sip of warm water at regular intervals when your child is constipated.

• Ajwain water

  The thymol presents in ajwain helps to relieve constipation. This is because it naturally balances stomach juices and soothes the stomach lining in babies. Ajwain water is given to babies who are suffering from colic problems like stomach pain and constipation. It is advised only for 8months and above babies.

• Pineapple juice

  Pineapple juice is a great remedy for preventing and treating constipation by regulating the digestive system. Pineapple possesses fluids and water that help create a smooth passage for stool to pass through. The fruit also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which improves bowel function and controls regularity. Kids above 10 months can take 1/2 cup of pineapple juice preferably along with breakfast in the morning to get relief from constipation.

• Orange juice

  It is another natural home remedy that helps in constipation as it's full of fiber. Oranges are high in fiber content that adds bulk to the stool and stimulates bowel movement. This citrus fruit is also packed with a flavonol know as naringenin, which gives immediate relief from the problem of constipation. A constipated kid can take 1/2 cup of orange juice with the pulp along with breakfast, it helps in stimulating the bowel. It is preferable for infants above 10 months.

• Lemon water

  It is a simple home remedy that you can try for treating constipation. The combination of water and lemon acts as a natural lubricant and stimulates bowel movement. Lemon juice is one of the most effective and easy-to-make home remedies to cure constipation. Citric acid, a natural laxative, that presents in lemon fights the toxins in your digestive tract. Lemon juice acts as a stimulant and flushes out the toxins from the body providing quick relief. Take a glass of water and squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice into it. Mixing warm milk with ghee is an Ayurveda remedy that helps regulate bowel movements. Add 1 tsp of ghee to the boiled warm milk and offer your toddler before bed.

• Warm milk with ghee

  It is also an Ayurvedic remedy that helps regulate bowel movements. Add 1 tsp of ghee to the boiled warm milk and offer your toddler before bed. It is given to a baby who is 1 year and above.

• Brown sugar and water

  Sugar is used in constipation remedies because it draws additional fluid into the baby's bowels to soften a hard stool. To add sugar to a bottle, first, prepare a minimum of 7 oz of water in a bottle with the appropriate amount of infant formula as you usually would. Offer this to your kid 2-3 times a day. It is given to a baby who is 1 year and above.

• Raisins/dry grapes

  They are natural laxatives that are good for treating constipation. You can use either black or golden dry grapes for treating constipation based on availability. For small babies and kids, you can give dry grapes water which helps to pass the stools easily.

• Dates

  Dates are other good laxatives as they are rich in fiber which helps the bowel movement. Take 3 dates and wash them properly. Soak them overnight in water and completely mash them the next morning with your hands. Mix the mashed dates with 1/2 cup of warm water/ milk and give your baby. They are normally given to 8 months and above.

• Figs

  Figs are rich in fiber content, which can help promote regular bowel movements. Figs can be given in dried form or in the ripe form to treat constipation. For small babies, soak a dried fig overnight in water and mash well the next day. Mix it with milk or water, and offer your baby. Fresh figs (not dried) may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

• Oatmeal

  Oats and oatmeal work great for constipation as it has both soluble and insoluble fiber. Cooked Oats can be given as porridge or in any convenient form to get relief from constipation. That may be introduced for babies around 8 months of age.

• Barley

  It is a great choice for constipation relief and prevention as It helps in regulating bowel movement. Barley water or barley porridge works best for constipation treatment. These are given as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

• Dalia

  Dalia helps in proper digestion and prevents constipation. It also improves the consistency of stool, which helps relieve constipation. You can give a small bowl of Dalia in the form of Dalia kheer or daily khichdi.

• Spinach

  Spinach is loaded with fiber and vitamins that help make your baby's poop easier to pass. It is clearing the intestines and regulating bowel movement. Include spinach in your child's diet at least 3 times a week to relieve constipation. Cooked Spinach can be taken in any form to treat constipation but spinach soup works best. It is preferable for 10 months and above babies.

• Broccoli

  These are a great source of soluble fiber which makes them a wonderful food to offer during constipation. Broccoli is a vitamin powerhouse and is high in fiber.

Foods To Avoid During Constipation

• Avoid Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toasted Bread.
• Avoid foods that contain white flour (Maida), white sugar, and processed foods.
• Carrots & Potatoes.
• High Salted Foods.
• Fried foods.
• Red meat.
• Dairy products in excess.

For babies who are introduced to solids, including fiber-rich foods in their daily diet helps fight constipation and helps to loosen up the stools. Also, it regulates bowel movement if taken daily. If your baby has crossed the six-month mark, you can make babies sip water in small amounts. Before six months, the baby will get all the hydration the baby needs through breast milk. Later, you can start with foods that contain water and fiber, as water and fiber will improve his bowel movements. Include high-fiber foods in his diet. Make prunes, berries, whole grains, and pulses in his diet as they are high in fiber content and aid digestion.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned information is taken from various ayurvedic resources. Always seek the advice of your child specialist before starting any diet for the treatment of constipation.