Natural cure for constipation for DS?

[FreshTressa]

DS, 6, was just put on Miralax by his doctor. I found out online that it's active ingredient is used in tire making. I hate feeding my kid some chemical.

Anyone know any natural methods for constipation that are apropriate for a child? I have tried altering his diet to no success.

Sorry for sharing too much info, but sometimes you run into some miracle cures here!

 

[worm761]

for my DS i use a product called Fostor's Castoria. it is mild and made for children. tastes like rootbeer from what i have been told. LOL i believe it uses some kind of root as an active ingredient.

 

[tiggerlover]

Whenever my DS is constipated I give him lots of kiwi's, they work wonders on him.

 

[RNMOM]

Believe it or not my friend was able to take her daughter off metamucil with daily bowls of popcorn. She would have it before bedtime every night and it worked for her.

I would caution you about using any laxative on a long term basis. Has you son been seen by a GI doctor? I would encourage it if not. Good luck.

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

Try giving him prune juice. I've never known anybody with that problem who didn't respond to that stuff. While it doesn't taste good, it's totally natural and has no side effects. Some people actually like the stuff.

Is this a chronic problem for him? If so, I'd recommend buying some dixie cups (the smallest of the various types available) and giving him a tiny dixie cup full each evening. Two ounces of prune juice each day will solve his problem.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

Well, before my son was put on Miralax, we tried childrens Senekot and mineral oil. They didn't work and we eventually had to use the Miralax for about 1 year. That is a very powerful laxative...is it a severe problem for your son? My DS had Encopresis from being severely constipated...which is why we ended up on the Miralax. Just don't let him get too bad...you really don't want to have to deal with the Encopresis, its not fun.
Good luck in finding a solution.

 

[Robinrs]

I used to suffer from chronic constipation until my doctor suggested prune juice. He said the best thing about it is if the first time it doesn't work you can take it until it does, unlike a chemical!

Lots of fiber and water helps, also.

 

[tkd lisa]

Glycerin suppositories are an option we used in the past. For really little babies, they have something called babylax, which is liquified, and you squirt it in like a bulb syringe.

Good luck!

 

[meandtheguys]

When my guys have problems, I just buy the sugar free jelly belllies or gummy bears. I think it is the sorbitol sweetener that does the job. Good luck,
michelle

 

[browneyes]

Will he eat prunes or apples?

 

[autochick]

my dd is 3 and when she had a problem I gave her green tea and honey, no milk. that seemed to do the trick, and she liked it.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I've also dealt with Encopresis for my son. I kept him on the Enulose syrup his Dr. prescribed for about a year and then switched him to the Fosters. I also give him daily Fiber supplements. I tried Prune juice at first, but trying to force Prune juice into a young boy is about as much fun as the Encopresis itself. Right now I still give him the Senekot laxative a couple times a week.

You can buy special Fiber gummy bears at many natural food stores.

 

[Lynn CC]

There's an over the counter product called Natures Remedy.
I've heard a lot of good things about that.
You can buy it in your local pharmacy. I'm not sure if it's all natural but you can check the ingredients.

I agree with the above poster on the Sorbitol. A carbolite bar may just do the trick get things moving as a quick solution. There's nothing worse than that feeling.
I don't blame you for not wanting to give your DS that medicine, I wouldn't either....tire making
{HUGS} to both of you

 

[Lorix2]

Yikes! I had to give DD Miralax for about a week. Xrays proved she was "full" and had to do something about it right away. It worked well for her, but I had no idea about this ingredient.

Mineral oil always worked for her when she was younger. I'd put it in her juice or milk and she had no idea.

Try to cut down on the fatty foods if you can.

Prune juice is a great choice too.

 

[zurgswife]

I found lacing drinks with dark kayro or lots of brownsugar has a laxative effect....and it was a lot easier to get down..

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I use the mineral oil but that is petroleum too. My 7yodd wouldn't have an issue if she would eat right and drink more.
She has finally starting wiping on her own. (sorry, too much tmi, I know) BUT I think that has helped. She has more "control" over it. Wierd I know.
Also she tells me if she needs mineral oil.

This summer I think I am going to get her checked out by a gastro. It won't be pretty I am sure.

Good Luck, but I would take the laxative if I could go back in time.

 

[Baboo]

When my son has the problem, I bake him a batch of really high fibre bran muffins with chocolate chips in them so that he thinks they're a treat! I also try to take him for a walk. That seems to help getting things moving.

 

[PamOKW]

I can understand that you'd like to find a more "natural" alternative for your child. However, I wouldn't let the fact that the same compound has multiple uses be a scare factor. Just because it's used as part of the rubber process doesn't mean it'll turn your son's insides into rubber. I'm sure if you look at the ingredients in many products you'll find both the chemical and nautral ingredients are used for multiple purposes. Heck, they can make fuel out of corn and we still eat it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay, to give some reputable info here....

My DS was on Miralax, due to incopresis....

First, incopresis can be a very serious problem! It can cause permanant problems as the bowel ceases to function properly. Yes it does sometimes take months of treatment for things to work smoothly again! All the Miralax does is absorb moisture and keep in your childs system.... I would prefer this to any stimulant... I would be much more concerned about chemicals like Sorbital...

We took DS to our pediatrician, and then to a specialist, a pediatric gastroenterologist... They both tell us the exact same thing... And believe me, my pediatrician is VERY conservative, doesn't ever give his kids anything but tylenol unless completely necessary... And according to him this is perfectly safe and fine.... The alternative can be very serious...

If your child is having problems, even when having a normal healthy diet, then continue the Miralax, and get a referral to a good pediatric gastroenterologist.

Hope this helps!

 

[Feralpeg]

DD had the same problem when she was little. The doctor had me give her a tablespoon of mineral oil each day. It needs to be refrigerated once it is opened. To make it easier to take, I'd poor it into a big spoon and then add Hershey's chocolate syrup in the center. When they swallow it, they taste the chocolate instead of the oil. If you do this on a regular basis, it really helps. Good luck!