Natural remedies for constipation for nearly 7 yr old.

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DD has suffered abdominal bloating for several years. After many tests it seems she is constipated. The consultant has suggested we consider using Movicol, but I would like to try natural remedies first.

She drinks a lot and eats a good, varied diet with lots of fibre. I am thinking of prune juice at breakfast, but I'm wondering if there are any more palatable, more effective natural remedies.

I pop up so often on constipation threads, I'm like the reverse poo troll

Constipation is very common in children, even if they have good diets and drink plenty, like your DD does.

For that reason it's worth reconsidering the Movicol, which is very effective and helps children when diet based remedies fail - which is not unusual.

One thing to also look at is her fibre intake. Insoluble fibre like bran can actually be constipating. Without lots and lots of fluid it sets in the gut like concrete. It's a real misconception that bran is good for constipation, because it can be very counterproductive.

But I would opt for Movicol, personally. Prune juice tastes awful and causes foul, embarrassing wind and painful gut cramps. Movicol is merely a stool bulker and softener and is safe for long term use. It won't make the gut lazy.

Incidentally, I have been one of those children and was quite poorly managed and my condition never improved. I started taking Movicol in my 30s and the difference it made to my life was amazing. I now have a chronically constipated three year old (poor thing!) and I'm determined she won't suffer like I did.

It's good that you've seen a consultant btw. Trust them

Ok, you've convinced me. I think we have some on top of the cupboard from before, so I will check expiry and spring into action. I was worried about lazy bowel, so hearing that it has no detrimental impact has convinced me.

How do we know when to stop?

at "reverse poo troll"!

I have been assured by DD's consultant that Movicol doesn't cause a lazy bowel because it doesn't stimulate the bowel - it just softens the stools and makes it easier to pass. Some GPs aren't even aware of this and are reluctant to prescribe long term.

When to stop? Difficult question. I'm on a long road with DD, who had symptoms virtually from birth, started Movicol at 7 months and at 3.6 is nowhere near able to reduce her dose, let alone stop. I can't even think of a time when she'll be medication free. But, apparently, it's common for children to grow out of it around age 6. Obviously, your DD is older so it's different. Just concentrate on treating her symptoms (I'm guessing she's quite impacted) and then finding a maintenance dose that works, which can be trial and error. We're really taking the consultant's lead re. when to stop, and his opinion is "God no!"

One other thing, it tastes fairly horrible, so mix it with squash.

Thank you, Sea. The sachets on top of the cupboard are good until 2016, so will get started!

I'm currently giving my Dd1(4) movicol as she does huge poos and sometimes struggles. She's had blood tests and poo samples done as she has had blood in it a few times. Does anyone have experience with this? Movicol is great, really helping her go. X

No we've not had blood or done any samples. I presume they have considered the possibility that if she is doing big poos, the blood may result from minor tears as it makes its way out?

Yes that's what they presume but often the blood is in the poo? I would think it would be outside the poo if from a tear. Her inflammation levels in her stool have come back borderline today x

I'm not sure what that suggests, but I hope you get some answers soon.