Natural Remedies for Constipation in Boys

“Mom my tummy hurts.”  It’s the question every mom, parent and guardian seem to experience.  Then we move into detective mode.  “Do you think you’re going to throw up? What part of your tummy hurts? How bad does it hurt?

Once you know that you are in the clear for vomit at my house, we move into the bowel movement questions.  It is very common for boys to experience constipation.

What is constipation.  The dictionary defines it as a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent.  When this occurs it’s not usually serious, but your body does not feel right.  The average length of time between bowel movement varies by person.  Some go as frequently as three times a day and others only going a few times a week.  It is not recommended you go longer than three days without a bowel movement.

When my son complains about stomach pain that is clearly not associated with nausea and vomiting, I start looking for signs of constipation.  I ask:  When was the last time you went poop?  Was it hard or soft? I look for signs of leakage stains in his underwear.  When poop hardens in the intestines soft poop can leak past it and your child might complain of diarrhea when he/she is constipated.

What are some symptoms of constipation?

• Few bowel movements
• Trouble having a bowel movement (straining to go)
• Hard or small stools
• A sense that everything didn’t come out
• Bloating
• Leakage
• Stomach pain

What are some causes of constipation?

• Needing more water or fiber in your diet
• Consuming a lot of dairy products
• Changes to what you eat or your activities
• Being sedentary
• Holding – Resisting the urge
• Stress
• Some medications – like antibiotics

What are some natural remedies for constipation that can help my child?

• Encourage lots a water
• Try warm liquids, especially in the morning (warm apple juice or tea).
• Add fruits and vegetables to their diet
• Eat prunes
• Exercise. When you move your body, the muscles in your intestines are more active, too.
• Don’t ignore the urge to poop.
• Use Natural Vitality Calm Plus Calcium

Some doctors recommend a laxative.  I did not want to have my son on a laxative all the time so, I went looking for a natural remedies for constipation and found Natural Calm Plus Calcium by Natural Vitality.  It’s easy to use and works.  I have used Natural Calm Plus Calcium Premium Balance Magnesium-Calcium Drink (unflavored).  They also have a gummy available that I discovered after using the drink called Natural Calm Gummies.

Natural Calm Plus Calcium Suggested Use: Take  1 – 11/2 rounded teaspoons twice per day at any time, at least 5 hours apart.  Individual results may vary.  In my son’s case we can take 1 rounded teaspoon of the Natural Calm Plus Calcium dissolve it in a cup of hot water.  Then after it cools, I add the water to his favorite juice.  When mixed with the juice he does not notice at all.  If I give it him each morning when he is having constipation issues, he will end up having a bowel movement a couple of times the first day and then each day after. Then I monitor his BM each day asking consistency of BM and firmness. Once he has a couple of weeks of regular BM I back off. It is suggested to start off at a lower dose of ½ tsp.

When I find my son backing up again and complaining of stomach pains, I believe are constipation related I give him a dose of the Natural Calm Plus Calcium.  If he still does not have a BM, I give him another dose in the evening.

If you are unsure your child is having just constipation issues always check with a medical doctor and discuss the best options for your child.  Knowing my child was constipated and the pediatrician even suggesting a laxative I looked for a natural solution and just had to share what has worked for us.

From one Mom to Another-

April