Triphala to anjeer; Ayurveda remedies to cure constipation in kids
Constipation is quite common among kids who are prone to hold their bowel movements and addicted to junk and deep-fried food. Here are Ayurveda remedies that can provide relief.
Constipation becomes a common issue in winter, especially in small children or kids who often are not in a habit to consume high-fibre and hydrating foods. Junk food and deep-fried stuff only add to the problem as the bowel movements of the little one becomes painful and difficult. Over the period of time these foods habits can make the constipation chronic for the little ones leaving them with low energy and reduced appetite. Right lifestyle changes in your child's diet like adding more fibre, increasing water intake and encouraging them to eat green leafy vegetables can help relieve the symptoms. If your child is having less than three bowel movements a week or if the stool is hard and difficult to pass apart from stomach pain, it's time to correct the kid's diet. (Also read: Foods to get rid of constipation naturally and ease bowel movement)
Chronic constipation symptoms
"People suffering from chronic constipation have lumpy and hard stools. Their bowel movements are strained causing them to feel excessive pain at the time of excretion. A certain kind of blockage is felt in the rectum preventing them to poop comfortably," says Vikas Chawla, Ayurveda Expert, founder and Director, Vedas Cure.
Chronic constipation in kids
Chawla says chronic Constipation is quite common among kids who are prone to hold their bowel movements. The expert, however, says it is treatable.
"It is quite common for kids to develop a liking towards fatty foods like a packet of chips and burgers. Parents should take the responsibility for schooling their children and persuading them to eat high fiber fruits and green vegetables. Ayurveda identifies ‘Chronic Constipation’ as Vata Disease," says Chawla.
Ayurvedic remedies to cure chronic constipation in kids
1. Triphala
The combination of three fruits, Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki is called Triphala. It is seen as a fine balancing agent of all three doshas spelt out in Ayurveda- Kapha, Vata, and Pitta. Having Triphala solution or tablets on a regular basis can effectively manage blood glucose levels and intestinal infections. It poses as a great comforter in chronic constipation issues and is composed of anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties like Amla, Harad, and Baheda. Triphala is a naturally healing Ayurvedic laxative with no insidious side effects. It is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicines recommended to children as well as pregnant women as they are medically advised to not have hard English medicines which might have an adverse toll on their body mechanism.
2. Strict no to junk food
One must stay away from junk food to prevent digestive issues. To avoid facing the repercussions of chronic constipation, it is a hardline dietary rule to not have cold foods and drinks, dried fruit, salads and beans. A Vata-balancing diet should be the recourse. There are warm foods, homemade detoxification drinks and well-cooked vegetables. It should contain nutrition-providing components which relieve the stomach of toxins and bacteria.
3. Milk and ghee
One of the most efficient Ayurvedic remedies is to have a hot glass of milk with two spoons of ghee to get relief from chronic constipation. Ayurveda has often disabused the apocryphal belief that ghee causes and aggravates constipation. On the contrary, ghee is an effective Ayurvedic agent which lowers the severity of chronic constipation and gives instant relief.
4. Bael fruit sharbat
Bael fruit pulp is mostly available in the summer season. It can be consumed in both pulp and liquid form which assures a speedy recovery from constipation. It is good for digestion and reduces cholesterol levels. If you prefer a sweeter bael pulp juice, you can also add tamarind water and jaggery to it which makes it sugary and tastier.
5. Anjeer
Kids are mostly advised to have figs or Anjeer. They are high in fibre and are also good for bowel movement and ease symptoms of chronic constipation. Kids can take it to school and have it during recess or lunchtime. It also cures indigestion, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. Roasted fennels can also be a great source of enrichment in softening the effects of chronic constipation.
