Back to school brings all kinds of fun, exciting and sometimes anxiety producing times. It's time for fun with friends, meeting the teacher and learning. But with all that often comes bathroom troubles. From kids who are too shy to poop at school or daycare, to not having enough time between classes to go, to school lunches and not enough water, kids often really struggle with constipation this time of year. Most pediatrician will offer Miralax to help treat. But some of you many be wondering, what are some natural alternatives to Miralax for for toddlers and kids?
Natural Stool Softener Foods as Alternatives to Miralax
Constipation can often be the result of eating foods low in insoluble fiber or fiber that does not dissolve in water. Common culprits include dairy and processed foods. Increasing intake of those foods and mixing them with increased water intake can often get things...ahem...moving.
1. Fruits: Particularly ones that have the peel left on them. Just be sure to cut up these fruits into toddler size bites and avoid anything that's a choking hazard like a whole grape.
2. Vegetables: especially veggies that are high in magnesium like spinach, swiss chard, bananas, potato with skin and broccoli. Try adding the leafy greens to a smoothie with some fruit for a more palatable flavor.
3. Molasses: This old time remedy contains polysaccharides, potassium, and has microbiome friendly properties that give this superfood it's punch.
4. Dried fruit: Apricots and prunes are great but for extra help try Triphala. This is an Ayurvedic formula made up of three medicinal fruits. Contact me for dosing advice if you need to use this as the dosing on the back of the package is usually for adults. For an amusingly named product check out Little Sh!ts who make a product with fiber, magnesium and water for extra help. Just be sure you dose it correctly for your young child--reach out if you need help with that.
5. Mylk: Nope it's not a misspelling. It's how some people spell the type of milk-like drinks that are not from animals like cows or goats. Switching to a non dairy mylk like Oatly, almond milk or hemp mylk can make all the world of difference to some kids who really cannot tolerate dairy. They may get constipated whenever they have dairy milk.
Best Probiotics for Kids with Constipation
I often get the question, what are the best probiotics for kids with constipation? Probiotics can be another good alternative to Miralax. The answer to which one is best, is that it depends. Most of the time, a quality probiotic that has been third party tested, has been stored properly by the manufacturer and has many different strains of healthy bacteria is a good choice. However, in some kids too many strains can make them gassy and uncomfortable. Another factor to keep in mind is what form with your child take the probiotic. Do they prefer a powder, a chewable tablet, or do they prefer to eat a nondairy yogurt that is low in sugar and high in "live cultures?"
Another thing to remember is that probiotics may not be safe for premature babies, kids and babies with immunodeficiencies, those who are taking immune-compromising pharmaceutical medications or kids with indwelling catheters. So always talk with your doctor before starting a probiotic especially if you are dealing with any of the above mentioned issues. That being said here are some of my favorite probiotics for kids and toddlers:
1. Ther-Biotic Kids chewable tablets by Klaire Labs: These are for great probiotics for kids 2 years and older. It's a tasty chewable tablet that is naturally flavored for a more pleasant taste.
2. HMF natogen by Genestra: This one has less strains of probiotics which is great for kids who are prone to getting gasy and uncomfortable. For kids 1- years old you can mix one scoop of HMF natogen to whatever they are eating or drinking. Some kids like it in applesauce, a smoothie or oatmeal.
3. Poly-Prebiotic Capsule by Pure Encapsulations: This one is great for teens who can swallow capsules. It has the added bonus of having both prebiotics and probiotics in the formulation.
4. Ther-biotic Baby by Klaire labs: Great for younger children 6 months and older. For 6-12 months old mix 1 scoop into food or beverages. Breastfeeding moms can also place small amounts on the nipple or mix into expressed breastmilk.
The best place to buy these products is from a place with good storage facilities (not a hot warehouse), that has third party testing so you know the products are safe, effective and have the correct ingredients. There have been reports of products with all kinds of ingredients in them some of which are unsafe from places like Amazon.
If you are interesting in any of these products, I recommend signing up for my Fullscript where you will get discounts on all the and trusted products. It takes less than 15 seconds to sign up.
Herbs for constipation in kids as an Alternative To Miralax
Bulk building herbs can really help keep kids regular and keep the bowel movements soft. For a fun home remedy, try mixing together equal amounts of marshmallow root OR slippery elm with flaxseed and psyllium seed. Buzz in your mini food processor until it forms a fine powder. Then add 1/2-1 tsp of the mixture into whatever your child is eating. Breakfast cereals, dips, and nut butters are a great place to add this. Do this 1-3 times daily until your child is having 1-2 soft stools per day. Carob fruits can also be added for older healthy kids to pack extra punch as an alternative to miralax.
Not quite ready to go for the herb buying and mixing option? Try NDF pooper by Bioray instead. According to their website this mix of linum, rhubarb, bitter orange, white peony and American ginseng root helps to moisten the intestines, move waste gently downward, alleviate bellyaches, and promotes relaxation. Its a good one to try if you don't have an herbal apothecary in your house (yet).
Herbal tea to relieve constipation
You may also want to try this great herbal tea. It's from Herbs for Children's health by Rosemary Gladstar. This is a great book by the way! Here's her recipe:
4 parts fennel seed
2 parts psyllium seed
1 part licorice root
1 part marshmallow root
1/2 part cinnamon part
Pinch of stevia leaf to sweeten
Add hot water and brew for 20 mins. Then serve 1/8-1/2 cup of tea for occasional constipation.
Because this has licorice root, I recommend this for teens and adults only. Please only use it in moderation and only on occasion as too much licorice over time can cause severe issues. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin that is unsafe when consumed in large amounts over long time periods. In adults, 5 grams or more daily eaten for several weeks can cause heart attack and people with kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more sensitive to it. Eating large amounts of real licorice candy, lozenges or tea can cause serious side effects. If desired you may omit the licorice from the recipe entirely.
Acupressure as a Miralax Alternative for constipation
Some kids love acupressure (no needles) and its a great alternative to miralax. Try these points
1. Li4 (Large intestine-4)
Located at the top of your hand, in the soft skin between the thumb and index finger. Massage with your opposite hand with circular pressure for about a minute, then repeat on the other hand.
2. St25 (Stomach-25)
Situated 2 finger-widths from the belly button. Use a circular motion to massage both sides for a minute.
3. Lv3 (Liver-3)
This point is located in the foot, in the soft part between the bones of the big toe and the second toe. Use the same massage technique on both feet.
Exercise for constipation
Routines are very important for kids even when it comes to bowel movements. Due to the gastrocolic reflex most kids will poop more easily 15-30 mins after eating. If you combine that with a walk or outdoor playtime after eating and kids are almost always are able to poop. That's due to exercise is a free alternative to Miralax and :
Speeds up digestion
Strengthens abdominal muscles.
Stimulates intestinal contractions
Reduces Stress a common constipation trigger
Improves muscle tone
Pooping Routines.
I recommend incorporating a "pooping routine" into the day for kids who are struggling with constipation. This would allow for time in the morning and evenings to move the body physically and bowel movement wise. Ideally, these kiddos have meals high in insoluble fiber, water, and any of the herbs and probiotics recommended in this blog. I recommend kiddos then get a chance to run around and play after meals. After about 30 mins, have your child sit on the potty and try to go. It's not about forcing anything, it's just to see if they need to have a bowel movement. Make it enjoyable and comfortable. They can read a book, use a potty stool for their feet and listen to relaxing music. No pressure needed...it's just to try.
Hydration also Great Miralax Alternative
It's pretty amazing how dehydrated kids can get. With all that running around, hot weather, lack of water in school and just getting distracted, kids often don't get enough to drink. There are kids that are so dehydrated on blood tests that it looks like they've had vomiting and diarrhea for a week!
Water is required for pooping to occur comfortably. Fiber can actually make constipation worse if you don't add water. That's because the fiber draws water into the colon and helps you go. If there is no water to draw in...well, then there's just a big hay-like blockage of ruffage sitting in your intestines. So do your best to entice kids to drink. Make sure they can access water at a school regularly and provide a water bottle for them to use. Personally, I'm addicted to my Hydraflask but there are plenty of good options out there.
Summary of Alternatives to Miralax
As the school year begins, kids often face bathroom challenges due to shyness, busy schedules, and inadequate hydration, leading to constipation. While pediatricians commonly prescribe Miralax, natural alternatives can also be effective. Options include increasing fruits and vegetables high in fiber and magnesium, using molasses and dried fruits like prunes, and considering non-dairy milks for those sensitive to dairy. Probiotics can aid digestion, with recommended choices such as Ther-Biotic Kids and HMF Natogen. Herbal remedies and teas, along with acupressure techniques, can provide relief. Encouraging regular exercise and ensuring proper hydration are also crucial in managing and preventing constipation
When you're ready here's how Dr. Ellie can help:
As a holistic pediatrician, I uncover and treat the underlying root causes of symptoms while working to reduce the need for medications so they can get back to being a kid and reclaim their childhood joy.
With advanced diagnostic testing and a personalized treatment program I take a thoughtful, thorough, and caring medical approach to address your child’s health. We will address genetic factors, diet, gut health, lifestyle as I walk hand in hand with you and your child toward sustainable well being, resilience, and joy.
For more information about keeping kids healthy check out my other posts:
If your curious about other helpful articles on gut health (hint: the gut and brain are all related)
Dr. Ellie MacGregor is a holistic integrative and functional medicine pediatrician who specializes in the treatment of celiac disease, food allergies, ADHD, anxiety, depression, gut issues, eczema, and other recurring symptoms using a blend the best of conventional and alternative therapies to prioritize your child's health.. She is the owner of Middle Path Integrative Pediatrics with over 14 years of experience. Dr. Ellie MacGregor helps readers separate fact from spin to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their children.
Get Dr. Ellie’s Guide to Whole Child Health for more information or view her website to get in touch.
Comments