Dr. Tanmay

DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR CONSTIPATION

Take Regularly	Avoid / Restrict to Occasional Use
Plenty of water Other fluids (fruit juices with snacks, buttermilk, soups with meals) Green leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek) Salads (cucumber, carrot, cabbage) Other vegetables (cauliflower, okra, French beans, peas, onions) Soft fruits (bananas, cantaloupe, papaya, soft pears) Sprouted grains Whole wheat flour (instead of refined flour) Dates, raisins, dried apricots (soaked in warm water) Oats cooked with water	Refined flour (bread, biscuits, pasta, noodles, pizza, cakes, naans, etc.) Cornflour-based gravies or soups Caffeine-containing food (tea, coffee, coffee-flavored toffees, ice cream, pastries) Cocoa-containing products (e.g., chocolate) Apple, pomegranate Colas (e.g., Coca-Cola, Pepsi)

Take Regularly

Avoid / Restrict to Occasional Use

Refined flour (bread, biscuits, pasta, noodles, pizza, cakes, naans, etc.)
Cornflour-based gravies or soups
Caffeine-containing food (tea, coffee, coffee-flavored toffees, ice cream, pastries)
Cocoa-containing products (e.g., chocolate)
Apple, pomegranate
Colas (e.g., Coca-Cola, Pepsi)

Morning Routine: Set aside 10-15 min of morning time for your child to pass stools before leaving for school; bowel movement can be encouraged by giving your child a cup of warm water with 1 tsp honey and some lemon juice.
Toilet Comfort: Make sure the toilet is comfortable for your child to use – adequate lighting and ventilation, clean smell, and appropriate seat size.
Stimulating Bowels: Giving a soft fruit like banana 1st thing in the morning, just after brushing teeth, may also help stimulate the bowels.
Morning "Tea": A "tea" made with hot water, ginger and honey in the morning will help stimulate bowel movement.
Note: These are to be individually adjusted depending on any food allergies in every child.