How To Improve Your Child’s Digestion

How To Improve Your Child’s Digestion

Is your little one facing frequent digestive issues? Are you wondering what is causing these problems and how to improve your child’s digestion? Problems such as gas, loose motions, bloating, and constipation and are very common among kids these days. The main reason behind these issues is unhealthy eating habits coupled with lack of exercise and outdoor play. We need to realize that if digestion is impaired, that means the food that we are eating is not being broken into bits and absorbed properly. As a result, the body does not get its nutrition and required energy to function. The benefits of a healthy gut are as varied as they are vital. From better immunity to preventing obesity in kids, a thriving and healthy digestive system can boost your little one’s overall health and well being in many ways.

Improving your Child’s Digestion

Here are some ways to improve your child’s digestion.

#1. Eliminate Processed foods

Processed foods, carbonated drinks, deep fried junk foods are all very unhealthy for our kids. Even though they are tempting to eat but we need to strictly avoid them in order to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system. These foods contain several harmful ingredients like trans-fat, preservatives, flavoring agents, artificial colors, and more, which interfere with your digestion. Studies confirm that children who consume a lot of sugary items and junk foods are at a risk of cardiovascular diseases during early adulthood due to high cholesterol levels. Also Read: 10 common reasons of stomach pain in babies

#2. Include a Probiotic supplement in their diet

It is vital that we include a probiotic supplement in our kids’ daily diet to help their digestive tract maintain an adequate balance of bacteria good for gut health and overall immunity. Probiotic drinks and supplements help kids recover quickly from common seasonal illnesses as well.

#3. Drink Away from Meals

Many kids are habitual of drinking something or consuming water while having their meals. This combination of foods and liquids often interferes with the process of digestion and slows it down. It is best to keep the fluid intake low while your little one is having meals. Alternatively, ask your child to drink water 20 minutes before having food or half an hour after the meal has finished.

#4. Limit Heavy foods

It is advised to control the consumption of heavy foods like cheese, butter, meat, and other foods which are difficult to digest. These foods need to be limited to help the digestive system recuperate from all the excess work it is doing. Try to have at least three days in a week that include a complete vegetarian diet and preferably a light one with fruits and vegetables only. This relaxes the tummy and makes for a wholesome well-balanced meal as well.

#5. Eat with Awareness

In today’s world where we have a lot of distractions, kids often end up overeating while indulging in reading, playing games, or watching TV along with the meal. Distracted eating also leads kids to the habit of consuming junk foods, carbonated drinks, and other sugary items. One of the best ways to improve your child's digestion is to be aware of what your child is eating. Mindful eating is a habit that is best inculcated and indulged in right from the start. Stop your child from multitasking while eating. Keep mobiles, books, and TV away from the dining space. Teach your kids to chew their food well before swallowing. Always eat together and at the dining table or a place designated for family meals. Also Read: Protect your Child from Hand Foot Mouth Disease

#6. Let them get Dirty

Excessively shielding our children from playing in the mud or getting dirty does more harm than good. A regular exposure to dirt actually has a vital role to play in helping kids develop a strong immune system and a better digestive tract health. The microorganisms that the children are exposed to when they are messy are the key for creating a balanced gut health and over-protecting your children from such exposure can have long-lasting health effects. However, make sure they wash their hands well before eating anything after playtime.

#7. Add gut friendly foods in the diet

There are certain foods that have shown to have properties, which will support a healthy gut and good microbial balance in the intestine. The primary source of these is fibre-rich foods. These foods not only help healthy bacteria to flourish in the gut and aid digestion, but also prevent constipation in kids. Some fiber-rich foods are apples, multi-grain breads, green leafy vegetables, and pears. Encourage your kids to notice when they are satisfied and full. Do not force them to clean their plate. After eating, make a point to sit together and enjoy a pleasant conversation. This will help digestion to get off to a good start. Also Read: Asthma in Babies: Causes & Symptoms By incorporating these strategies into your child’s eating habits can support in reducing the burden that is placed on the digestive system. Once this burden is reduced, your child will start noticing an improvement in symptoms like bloating, gas, loose motions, and even discomfort. If the problem continues then you should consult your doctor for better results.
Want to share your mommy experience with other moms through words or images? Become a part of the Moms United community. Click here and we will get in touch with you

null