One of the apprehensions of mothers is when their child is not well. Worries filled them during these moments. They would go frantic looking for ways on how to cure their child’s illness. One common disorder among children is constipation. This may seem not severe and there are lots of ways on how to get rid of it. Well, are you looking for an effective and efficient way to treat your child who is suffering from constipation? Worry no more! Here’s one of the best ways to treat it – prune juice. Just go over this post to know everything about prune juice in your child’s constipation.
Prune juice basically came from prunes. Prunes are dried plums. This kind of fruit is known for its laxative properties. It is considered to be a great option for relieving constipation and keeping bowel movement regular. There are many different types of plums that vary in color, texture, and taste and there are lots of ways to enjoy it as well. To make the most out of this fruit and helps your child to alleviate constipation, drinking prune juice is the way!
What causes constipation in toddlers?
Constipation is a condition wherein your body has difficulty passing stool. Regular bowel movements in every individual vary, and if your child has not passed stool in two or three days then maybe he is constipated. Constipation is usually experienced by children aged five and under. Causes of constipation in your child include:
- Insufficient water intake
- Inactivity
- Inadequate intake of fiber-riched food
- Consumption of a large number of dairy products
- Excessive intake of carbohydrates
- Too much consumption of frozen or cold foods such as ice cream
Symptoms of constipation in toddlers
- Stomach pain
- Less than three bowel movements in a week
- The stool which is hard, withered and difficult to pass
- Pain while passing stool
- Blood surfacing on the hard stool
- Traces of liquid or pasty stool in your child’s underwear
How to prevent constipation in toddlers?
- Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids.
- Give your child fiber-riched foods.
- Create a toilet routine.
- Promote physical activity.
- Prompt your child to heed nature’s call.
Risks and complications of constipation in toddlers
Constipation in children is uncomfortable but it is not usually serious. But if constipation becomes chronic, complications may occur. This includes:
- Rectal prolapse. It is the time when the rectum comes out of the anus.
- Withholding the stool.
- Impacted stool collected in the colon and rectum tends to leak out (encopresis) from avoiding bowel movements due to pain.
- Painful breaks in the skin around the anus (anal fissures).
Prune juice to treat constipation in toddlers
Dihydrophenylisatin is found in prune juice which is just a mild stimulant. This helps your child to have a normal and smooth bowel movement. The stool is softened by sorbitol and fiber in the juice which prevents the symptoms of constipation. Your child’s digestive tracts are maintained by healthy enzymes and fiber in prune juice after it cures constipation. Drinking prune juice does not cause problems in your child’s colon. In fact, prune juice is packed with antioxidants that fight off cell damaging radicals. At the toddler stage, prune juice can be given at larger doses. A glass per day during constipation is ideal.
Preparing prune juice for toddlers’ constipation
There are lots of ways to make prune juice. You can even incorporate your favorite fruits with it! Listed below are the most common ways to make home-made prune juice that your child will definitely enjoy!
Fine Prune Juice
Ingredients:
- 5 prunes
- ¾ cup of water
Instructions:
- Take at least five prunes and soak it in a ¼ cup of hot water for 30 minutes or until it became soft.
- Transfer the soaked prunes in a blender and add in ¾ cup of water.
- Blend it up until it becomes smooth.
- Strain it over a glass and press it with a spoon to extract the juice.
Prune juice berry smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of prune
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups of ice
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend it up until it becomes smooth.
Spinach prune smoothie
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of water
- 1 cup ice
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 cup spinach
- ¼ cup prunes
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon agave
- ½ tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Banana prune smoothie
Ingredients:
- 6 prunes
- 1 large peeled ripe banana
- 1.5 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ cup ice
- ½ cup yogurt
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Prune juice is an effective home remedy for treating your child’s constipation, aside from it being not that risky. However, if your child has a history of food allergies then you should be cautious and consult a doctor before trying it. Well, this may be a rare situation besides its qualities in treating constipation. So, do you now consider prune juice to provide instant relief to your child’s constipation? Let us know!
Read also:
- Best freezer meals for toddlers
- Vegetable recipes for your little one
- How important toddler feeding schedule is
