The Silent Epidemic: Why Childhood Constipation Is Rising Due to Low Fibre Diets

Children’s gut health is a topic that’s not as widely discussed as flu and other common issues.
Childhood constipation is a widespread problem, largely not recognised or even valued for what it might mean. Parents often ignore warning signs and neglect the long-term implications of children suffering from constipation. In the present day, doctors warn that it’s a silent epidemic on the rise.

We spoke to Dr Medha, Paediatrician, Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi, to understand this phenomenon, why it’s rapidly rising and why it should be attended to without delay.

Why is Childhood Constipation On The Rise?

There are several contributing factors to children increasingly suffering from constipation.

Processed Food

One big factor is the rise of consumption of processed food.

“The modern-day diet consists of a lot of processed foods, such as chips, biscuits, snacks, and instant noodles. The result is a lack of fibre in such foods, which is an important constituent of digestion,” explained Dr Megha. “The rate of digestion becomes slow, with a tendency to form hard stools that are difficult to pass.”

Inadequate Hydration

Secondly, inadequate hydration plays a larger role than many expect.

Also read: Key Health Screenings Every Newborn Should Receive in the First Year

“Water is one important component that acts along with fibre. Poor fluid intake even renders the fibre not efficient enough to absorb water, making the stool soft, which is important for easy passage,” the doctor highlighted.

Low consumption of natural produce

Most kids are known to be averse to eating vegetables as well as fruits, or even eat them in very small proportions.

This unfortunately means that they are depriving themselves of fibre, which is often quite most readily available around us.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Consequences of sedentary lifestyle: Increased use of screen devices, reduced playing outdoors, and reduced physically active lifestyles have a direct consequence on metabolism and motility of the intestines, which, in turn, is considered a major factor behind sluggish bowel.

Consequences of Childhood Constipation

The reason parents shouldn’t ignore early symptoms of childhood constipation is that the consequences are far-reaching.

Some of these behavioural and health consequences, according to Dr Megha, are:

• Creating toilet refusal behaviours: Most children, especially when in school or because of a previous unpleasant event, learn to disregard the urge to defecate. The behaviour of retaining stool exacerbates the constipation problem.
• Behavioural/mood effects: The discomfort of constipation may produce significant behavioural problems. In the case of a child, there is a likelihood of experiences with irritability, changes in sleep patterns, a marked diminished appetite, and focusing difficulties.
• Risk of chronic complications: Unless treated, constipation in kids can lead to chronic health conditions, such as anal fissures, abdominal distention, nocturnal enuresis, or even growth problems in the child.

Remedies That May Help

While acute cases must be dealt with in consultation with a doctor, some lifestyle changes can help general bouts of childhood constipation.

Dr Megha explains these to be:

1. Giving high priority to a fibre-rich diet: The most effective solution is, therefore, to implement changes in our diet. Whole fruits, various vegetables, legumes (dal), nuts, and seeds regulate bowel movements.
2. The importance of routines. Routine is the most significant part. Encouraging periodic toilet habits, fluid intake, and physical activity may bring a complete change in the child's life

When to consult a doctor:

Dr Megha added, “In cases where this persists or does not respond to some of these remedies at home, it is of vital importance not to take it lightly. It is also vital to visit a paediatrician, as they can prescribe what needs to be done to address the problem.”

An active lifestyle coupled with a healthy diet can fix occasional bouts of constipation in children, but any persistent problems must be dealt with in consultation with a professional.