18 Sep Natural Alternatives for Abdominal Pain and Constipation: What Can I Give My Child Instead of Miralax?
There has been a recent wave of concern from parents about using Miralax to treat their child’s constipation issues. These concerns were recently addressed in a blog I published on my website.
Many parents have asked about natural alternatives to Miralax. There are several natural treatment options and five of them are discussed in the blog.
Natural Alternatives to Miralax
- Diet
First, look at the basics. What is your child eating and drinking? Include fruits and vegetables with every meal and snack to ensure there is adequate fiber intake. Fiber helps keep your child regular. Fiber allows more water to remain in the poop and bulks up the poop which leads to a softer, easier to pass stool. Fiber also improves the balance of good bacteria in your child’s gut and helps reduce the risk of many diseases. Ensure your child is drinking an adequate amount of water. Water keeps the body hydrated so less water is withdrawn from the large intestine. This will keep your child’s poop soft and easy to pass.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural element found in many foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, and dark chocolate. Magnesium can also be purchased as a supplement in liquid, powder, and tablet form. Magnesium relaxes the bowel and pulls water into the intestines. The water softens and bulks up your child’s poop and makes it easier to pass.
- Senna
Senna is an herbal laxative that comes from the leaves of a shrub-like plant. Senna contains natural chemicals that increase the contractions of the intestinal muscles and lead to the passage of poop.
- Lemon Water
Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass of warm water. Lemons contain minerals and vitamins and along with warm water, it helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and the waves of contractions in the intestinal muscle wall that keep things moving.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for digestive health. Your child’s digestive system contains tens of trillions of “good bugs.” An imbalance of these bugs can lead to digestive problems such as constipation. Recent research has shown that probiotics, especially those containing Bifidobacterium, may help soften poop making it easier to pass.
If you have concerns about your child being on Miralax, then please consult with your child’s doctor to discuss other alternatives.
If you would like more information about gastrointestinal (GI) digestive disorders and nutrition in children, please contact Dr. Mona Dave’s Frisco Office or Request Appointment Here.