Children may regularly experience digestive disturbances including constipation, diarrhea, and stomach aches. These digestive issues may be due to a number of causative factors. Ensuring adequate hydration is key in preventing constipation. Water is an essential component to a child’s overall digestive health.
Healthful nutritional choices are also key in maintaining a healthful digestive tract. It is extremely important for children to eat breakfast daily. Some breakfast ideas include oatmeal, whole grain cereals, fruit, protein shakes and natural yogurt. Planning lunches is often challenging with our busy schedules. To facilitate this, ensure plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are available on hand as these are excellent additions to brown bag lunches. By including baby carrots, sliced cucumber, sliced green or red peppers, celery sticks, bananas, apples and pears, kids are able to eat a nutritious high fibre lunch in their allotted nutrition breaks.
Promoting a healthy digestive tract also means promoting good eating habits. Children should be encouraged to chew their food well and to drink limited amounts of beverages at meal times. They should also be encouraged to take their time eating, as opposed to eating in a rush. Beverages should be consumed in between meals in order to allow for optimal digestion.
Dr. Alene Falomo, ND
Disclaimer:
The information above is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with your health care provider if this is suitable for you.
