Constipation Treatments

Many of you have asked what we are using to help treat Asia's constipation. I was telling my husband that it is crazy how many people are suffering with constipation and it seems like it is only getting worse. I am going to share what we use for Asia- along with what friends are using for their children and any other helpful tips I have acquired. I am listing everything because everyone is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Often a combination of things are the key. Remember to make sure nothing will interfere with any current medications or conditions. You can research all of this a little more-I want to list it briefly. If you have any additional questions you can always email me. I am also listing "natural" treatments vs. a prescribed medication. My goal is to find something natural that works and keeps working. Maybe it will give you some good ideas.

-Probiotics (buy them at your local health food store, usually in the fridge)
-Lots and lots of water:)
-Apple, pear & prune juice
-1 Tbsp dark Karo Syrup in 2 ounces of warm water
-1 Tbsp of coconut or pure olive oil
-1Tbsp black strap molasses
-Additional Fiber: High-fiber foods include cooked dried beans or peas (legumes), apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, figs, spinach, broccoli, or cauliflower. Raw and unpeeled are best.
-Herbs that may help would be Oregon Grape & Dandelion Root
-Dr. Christophers Kid-e-Reg  (bowel tonic-health food store)
-Fresh fruit smoothies (uncooked spinach and fruit)
-Abdominal massage. (see link below for process) You can also have your child lie on his or her back, legs flexed onto his or her belly, and rotate his or her legs in a clockwise direction-may ease some discomfort.
-Acupressure points & Reflexology
-Essential oils that can help with constipation: Black pepper, rosemary, basil, lemon, peppermint, marjoram, Digest Zen, ginger, fennel, orange, rose, sandalwood and more.
-Increase whole-grain foods, such as bran flakes, bran muffins, graham crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. Offer your child whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
-Avoid too much dairy. Dairy can cause constipation.
-These foods can also cause constipation: whole cow's milk, bananas, cheese, cooked carrots, and other foods that are high in fat.
-Honey or Honey & Lemon Juice
-Fruit-Eze: This is a healthy spread that consists of Prunes, Raisins and Dates. Friends say that it works great and tastes good.  Put it on Toast, waffles, in juice etc.   Link:   http://fruiteze.com/

~When Asia was little and we could get her to eat what we wanted:) Diet did not do the trick to treat her constipation. That is when we resorted to Miralax. She is a super picky eater right now and we can hardly even get her to eat or drink sometimes. To keep her off of Miralax, this is what we are currently doing. Not sure yet which of these steps is the key but it's working. I do see a dramatic difference when she will drink lots of water.~

-Total Digestive Enzymes: This was a recommendation from a friend and it really seems to be working great. She has been taking it for awhile now and I have tried different dosages. Right now
I give her two tablets a day and it's a combination of probiotics and herbs.  Here is the link:  http://divinenature.com/enzymes/total-digestive-enzymes/item/total-digestive-enzymes

-If Asia's stool gets dry or hard I give her 1 Tbsp of the pure olive oil once a day in her drink and usually after one or two days she is soft again.

-Asia gets medication twice a day mixed with yogurt or applesauce. I usually alternate the two and when she gets applesauce I do mix in honey-not too sweet and no exact amount:) Honey is a natural laxative-it stimulates the bowels.

-Reflexology: I massage her feet- I want a chart to put on Asia's wall...right now before bed I massage essential oils into her feet focusing on the colon & intestine areas.

 There are also good points on the hands.

This is all I am doing right now! Something is working so I am sticking with it until I have to try something else.


~This is a great link for Essential oils for constipation, acupressure points, 7 step abdominal massage and diet.~  
http://radiantrestful.blogspot.ca/2012/12/constipation-techniques-and-essential.html