Reasons for Constipation in Children During Tet Holiday
Before seeking treatment, parents need to understand the causes of constipation.
Dietary Fiber Deficiency
During the Tet holiday, meals tend to become richer and more diverse with the presence of various delicious traditional dishes, mainly focusing on meat, candies, and processed foods.
However, the abundance of these dishes can cause green vegetables and fruits to be overlooked in the menu.
Green vegetables and fruits are essential sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for the body. But in the context of meat-heavy and sugary meals, it can lead to a deficiency of these critical nutrients.
The lack of fiber from green vegetables can increase the risk of constipation. Moreover, fresh fruits are often replaced by candies and jams, causing a feeling of nausea and dehydration.
Diet low in fiber.
Dehydration
In the festive atmosphere of Tet, children are often attracted by the abundance of traditional dishes such as sticky rice cakes, pork sausages, and sweet jams.
Many children tend to indulge in drinking sugary soft drinks, carbonated beverages, or bottled fruit juices instead of plain water.
These drinks not only contain high amounts of sugar but also fail to provide adequate hydration, causing children to become thirsty without realizing it.
When children consume salty dishes, such as braised meat or fried foods, their bodies require more water to aid digestion and eliminate toxins.
However, when children do not drink enough water, their digestion is affected, leading to constipation or indigestion.
Many children tend to drink sugary beverages.
Lack of Physical Activity
During the reunion and festival days, children often spend most of their time engaged in indoor activities, from watching TV and playing video games to enjoying delicious food.
The allure of electronic games and screen entertainment causes children to forget about going outdoors, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle.
When children lack physical activity, their bodies do not burn energy, leading to reduced digestion and blood circulation. Combined with changes in eating habits, this can result in a feeling of fullness, indigestion, and constipation.
What Should Parents Do to Relieve Constipation in Children During Tet Holiday?
Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber is an important component that aids digestion and prevents constipation.
Try to include more green vegetables and fresh fruits in your child’s diet. Some excellent sources of fiber include zucchini, carrots, broccoli, apples, bananas, and pears.
Fruit juices such as apple, pear, and prune juices act as natural laxatives, making it easier for children to have bowel movements.
Increase fiber intake during Tet meals.
Ensure Adequate Hydration
Remind your children to drink water frequently, especially when consuming salty dishes. For younger children, parents can make drinking water a fun game to encourage them.
Certain herbal teas, such as ginger or peppermint tea, can help stimulate digestion, warm the stomach, and support bowel movements.
Abdominal Massage
Parents can gently massage their children’s abdomen in a clockwise direction to stimulate the digestive system.
When performing the massage, create a quiet and warm environment, and let the child lie on a mat or bed to relax.
Take a Walk After Meals
After meals, take a walk with your child around the house or to a nearby park.
Walking after meals stimulates intestinal motility, making food move through the digestive system more efficiently, thereby reducing feelings of fullness and indigestion.
Encourage your child to take walks after meals and engage in regular physical activity.
Encourage Participation in Traditional Tet Activities
Physical activity is crucial for efficient digestion.
Organize outdoor activities for your children, such as soccer, jump rope, or traditional folk games, to create a joyful atmosphere and stimulate digestion.
If your child continues to experience constipation after applying these natural remedies, it is advisable to seek medical help.
Tet is a time for family reunions and delicious feasts, but it is also essential to pay attention to children’s health, especially constipation.
By providing a balanced diet, encouraging physical activity, and establishing regular bowel habits, parents can effectively help their children overcome constipation. Taking care of children’s health is an important aspect of ensuring that the whole family can enjoy a complete and happy holiday.
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