Pune: While milk is a vital source of nutrients such as proteins, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B-12, excessive milk consumption among children aged 3 to 12 years can lead to digestive problems, particularly constipation. Pediatricians caution that overconsumption of milk can reduce a child’s appetite for other essential nutrients, leading to a feeling of fullness and irregular bowel movements.
Constipation is characterized by irregular, hard, and painful bowel movements. Children suffering from constipation may experience abdominal pain, discomfort while passing stools, and bloating. Some of the major causes of constipation include:
Poor dietary habits
Lack of fiber in food
Excess consumption of dairy products, processed flour (maida), biscuits, and oily foods
Dr. Samrat Shah, a medical expert, stated, *“Children should pass stools at least three times a day. If they don’t, it is essential for parents to ensure they develop the habit of using the toilet regularly. Parents should also focus on reducing their child’s screen time and encouraging physical activities and outdoor play. The child’s diet should include fiber-rich foods such as fruit peels, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, and leafy greens. If the child experiences chronic constipation, hard stools, or frequent stomach pain, medical attention should be sought immediately.”
Senior pediatrician and counselor Dr. Seema Joshi stressed the importance of a regular toilet routine for children. She explained that apart from excessive milk consumption, holding bowel movements for long durations, hurried toilet use, insufficient fluid intake, and a dairy-heavy diet are some of the causes of constipation. She advised, “Encouraging children to use the toilet at a fixed time daily can help develop a natural bowel movement pattern, reducing the risk of constipation.”
Pediatricians’ Key Recommendations for Preventing Constipation:
Limit milk intake to once a day after the child turns one year old.
Monitor bowel movements and ensure the child drinks enough water.
Avoid excessive milk, dairy products, refined flour, biscuits, oily foods, and junk food in their diet.
Give 4-5 soaked raisins on an empty stomach to aid digestion.
Massage the child’s stomach gently in a clockwise direction with asafoetida (hing) if they have gas-related issues.
Include fiber-rich foods like rice gruel, fresh fruit juice, coconut water, vegetable soup, buttermilk, and lemon water in their diet.
