What is the cause of dry stool in children?

We all know about adult constipation, but we don’t know that dry stools in children are also a type of constipation. When children do not consume enough dietary fiber in their diet, it will cause dry stools. In particular, many mothers like to give their children snacks, and most of the snacks children eat are fried foods with very little carbohydrate content. If they follow this eating habit for a long time, it is very common for children to have dry stools. So is this the only reason for dry stools in children? Let’s learn about it together.

1. Causes of dry stool in children

The reason why children have dry stools is improper food ingredients. The nature of the stool is closely related to the food ingredients. If the food contains a lot of protein but insufficient carbohydrates, the intestinal flora will change secondary, the fermentation process of the intestinal contents will be less, and the stool will tend to be alkaline and dry; if the food contains more carbohydrates, the intestinal fermentation bacteria will increase, the fermentation effect will increase, and more acid will be produced, so the stool will tend to be acidic, frequent and soft; if the intake of fat and carbohydrates is high, the stool will be smooth. If you eat a large amount of calcified casein, your stool will contain a large amount of insoluble calcium soap, causing increased stool volume and constipation. Among carbohydrates, rice noodles and flour foods are more likely to cause constipation than cereal foods. Children are picky eaters. Many children like to eat meat and eat little or no vegetables. There is too little fiber in their food, which can easily lead to constipation.

2. Treatment of dry stool in children

Cut the soap into strips and insert them into the anus. The method is simple and the effect is good. Inserting an oiled rectal watch into the anus and gently shaking it can also cause a laxative effect. Let the child lie on his back on the bed, and the massager should place the base of his right palm against the abdominal muscles, kneading and pushing from the right upper abdomen - the left upper abdomen - the right lower abdomen. Repeat in this direction, with gentle pressure, for about ten minutes each time, two to three times a day, until the constipation is relieved. Continue for another one to two weeks to consolidate the effects. Abdominal massage can promote gastrointestinal blood circulation in the abdomen and increase intestinal peristalsis. It can not only make bowel movements smooth, but also increase the appetite of infants and young children. Injecting one-third of a pediatric enema into the anus can stimulate the rectal wall reflex and induce defecation.

3. What to eat for children with dry stools

You can add some whole grains, such as standard flour, potatoes, corn, barley, etc. Oily foods and cold boiled water can also help prevent and treat constipation. For babies over four to five months old, complementary foods can be added appropriately. It is best to chop spinach, cabbage, green vegetables, shepherd's purse, etc., put them into rice porridge and cook them together to make a variety of delicious vegetable porridge for the baby. In addition, complementary foods contain a large amount of vitamins, which can promote the recovery of intestinal muscle tension and are very helpful for defecation.

4. Prevention of dry stool in children

Provide enough fiber. Eating more fruits and vegetables can not only keep you away from cancer, but the most direct benefit is preventing constipation. Young children should consume five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day, three of which should be vegetables and two should be fruits. Mothers can cut the fruit into small pieces, put it in a cute cartoon bowl, and let their children eat the fruit as a snack. Drinking more water can help prevent your baby from constipation. If your child urinates regularly every few hours and his urine is light in color, then he is getting enough water. If the urine is yellow, it means the baby is dehydrated. Parents should remind the baby to drink water in time.

To avoid the problem of dry stools in children, you need to change the child's eating habits, give the child more whole grains, do not let the child develop the habit of eating snacks, pay attention to the balance of nutrients, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, help gastrointestinal digestion and peristalsis. In addition, pay attention to replenishing the child with more water. It is best to feed the child water at regular intervals and in a fixed amount every day. Hydration is the best way to help solve the problem of dry stools.