Constipation or digestive problems are not just related to adults but also happen to toddlers. Babies less than 2 years are actually prone to have problems with digestion as their system is not very strong. Hence even a slight change in diet or indigestion can lead to diarrhoea and constipation in babies. Small children cannot be given many medical drugs because that also affects their growth and functioning, hence paediatrician’s advice parents to regulate it with help of diet. Today we have with us clinical nutritionist Ms. Shilpa Singh from Fatima Hospital, Lucknow to tell us about nutrition for toddlers getting affected by digestive problems.
How Does Nutrition Impact Digestion?
According to our nutritionist, it plays a crucial role in determining the ability of body to process this food. Digestive juices are present in our body that helps to break down food and provide energy to different parts of the body. In case of toddlers, their digestive functions are not that mature, hence it creates a lot of problems, as they get frequent and irregular bowel movements.
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Diet could help reduce the impact and ease symptoms for constipation and diarrhoea which are most commonly occurring problem in babies. Also you need to give toddlers solid food and very simple less spicy food that they can digest efficiently. Make them eat in small bites and chopped items that are comparatively easier to digest.
Foods to relieve digestive problems in Toddlers
1. Sweet potatoes to relieve constipation
In case your child is having constipation, then it is advised to make them eat some sweet potatoes. They should be well cooked and prepared so that it could be easily digested. Try to mash them to ease the work of digestive system of the toddlers; you must give them sweet potatoes twice in day. It could act wonders for them as in reliving their bowel movements. Sweet potatoes are made of highly insoluble fibre which helps in times of constipation; it can be tasty as well as healthy for them in this problem.
2. Eat more apples for digestive health
Apples are healthy source of nutrients, it not only does provide benefits on skin and blood, and it also helps to ease digestive issues. You can phrase it as “an apple a day keeps digestive problems away”. Well this is because of the fact that apples are very easy to digest for babies and they are also given as one of the initial diets. It aids in constipated stomach and helps poop to pass easily. You can give boiled or cooked apples to your children so that their body has to function less and things get back on track.
3. Broccoli- healthiest for stomach
Broccoli may not be liked by majority of people, but it does have amazing health benefits. For toddlers broccoli can be very effective against digestive problems and can provide healthy vitamins to the body. Broccoli has vitamins and high fibre and minerals which make it a super food for toddlers. Also it could be used in other meals of children to ease symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation. You can add it with some rice and variety of other simple foods to boost recovery from digestive issues.
4. Pears- Juicy, delicious and healthy for stomach
Pears are particularly healthy is solving problems related to digestion. In addition to that it is juicy and tastes better than other healthy foods; hence it could be a great addition for stomach problems in toddlers. This not only relieves digestive problems, but also prevents constipation from occurring to children. Since pears are softer than apples, they could be given directly to eat for children. Just cut them or break them into small pieces so that your children can have them easily. It eases their bowel movements and treats symptoms of many digestive disorders.
5. Peas- the well known food for bowel movements
Peas are widely known to provide better and easier bowel movements. They are solid foods which can be given to toddlers by boiling them or cooking them with some healthy nutrients. If your baby is suffering from diarrhoea or constipation, it could provide adequate amount of fibre to ease their problem. Peas actually have both insoluble and soluble fibre that could be efficient in easing painful straining in the bowel movements. It makes it easier to pass stool and hence relieves many problems which could occur because of indigestion.
6. Spinach- Healthy Loaded with benefits
Also Read: Pregnancy Diet: 6 Major Benefits Of Eating Spinach During Pregnancy To Mother And Child
Spinach, often regarded as super food for providing energy and healthy benefits. Spinach is a food which can be given raw as salads or can be cooked for some additional taste. It is a very rich source of fibre and vitamins that makes poop easier for them to pass. Try to blend some free spinach to their milk to ease their bowel problems and given them relief from constant digestive problems.
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