Healthy Living

What would be the amount of laco flora you would give to a 6 year old child who suffers badly with constipation because of medication?

Desley Eleison
albert.***@****

[ducky406]

What kind of medication? For example muscle relaxers cause constipation by making the intestines slower to push things along (the peristalsis slows/stops). An antibacterial could cause problems like lactose intolerance (personal experience). Some other meds also cause the water to be removed more from the system, before it can be used. If you know HOW the constipation is occurring, that might better fight it. For example I started drinking acidophilus and bifidus milk after I became lactose intolerant. Never could eat soft cheese again, but everything else was ok.

3 things are important when it comes to constipation- flora in the gut, fiber in the diet, and water in the day.

I'm unsure of how much to give the child as far as flora goes- but starting out with yogurt such as Activia might be a good way to start. Give them one of the serving sizes as a snack and see if it helps.

Also make sure they're drinking enough water- I know 2 L is the ideal for a typical adult. Maybe make sure they're drinking at least half a liter of water?? This water is vital because it helps push fiber and food along the track. Also not enough water causes constipation.

The other is fiber, try to have him eat 1-2 apple, pear, or drink some prune juice in a day. Many fresh veggies also have good amounts of fiber, but kids are typically harder to get to eat veggies than fruits. If your child is very picky maybe look into a bran muffin.

Avoid bananas, lots of milk/diary, and too much bread. Dairy can cause constipation for many people so try to make sure he/she isn't over doing it. Same with bananas, I adore them but eating more than one is a bad move-because nothing will move. And bread, most of those store bought breads are pretty processed and can back people up. Try to make sure the child is eating whole grains over white bread. Also soda can cause constipation too, so if he's an avid drinking, maybe it's time to change the rules and kick soda out of the house.