Special Diets And Health Problems

[JakB]

DD has had two weeks of crying in agony. We have finally surmised (after another couple of days in A&E as the GP can never figure Dd out) that she has impacted constipation- no wonder she has been in pain. I am worried it is due in part or wholly to her 'special diet' (gluten and dairy free). What do people think? I feel really responsible, I must say. She eats really healthily, though. Lots of fruit and vegetables and, I though, enough fibre. Anybody else found this? Is constipation also a problems speficially for children with autism? Any help gratefully received

I doubt its the diet if she's eating lots of fruit and veg. DS1 went through a terrible phase of constipation- but that was caused by him holding and holding. You could add linseed to her diet. I used to add it to ds1's bread.

What do you mean Jimjams, holding his bowel movement?
Linseed a very good idea

yep- he was going about once every 4 days - and it took ages as one end was all hard (normal behind). It sorted itself out once he swapped schools! give lots of water with linseed....

I was told to crush the linseeds up too otherwise they are more likely to pass straight through.

It seems a lot of kids with SN in general get constipated. Dd is often and I remember TC mentioning it about Lottie.

Has your dd had antibiotics recently (think she did for horrid ear infection) - maybe a probiotic would help? The nutritionist at BIBIC suggested we give dd something called Acidopholis which is dairy free - to help with constipation (not sure it is working though )

dd1 gets constipated if we change her diet and she has a little processed food - fish fingers etc for dinner... once we get her back on the veges she seems fine. Constipation is a problem for children with down syndrome due to the low muscle tone. I have also read that ( again for children with ds) to get them moving and exercising which helps the bowel... don't ask me the whys of it... I also increase her apple/orange juice intake along with water and cut down the bananas, eggs and other foods that bind... and that seems to help.

Have always used regulose with ds normally only takes 1 dose but have never let him go more than two days without a movement(now 2) got it from lloyds chemist its not available everywhere dont think its very strong in a medication sence as pharmacist sold it to me ( not prescription) when he was tiny baby. Hope its of help.

Thanks for all your fab advice. Have also heard that my specialist health visitor runs a 'Constipation Clinic' so will be booking my place...

Hope the clinic has some good advice JakB, and glad dd is feeling better. Bet there aren't many yummy mummies at the constipation clinic hope they sell extra strong lattes!!