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It’s really common for toddlers and preschoolers to have trouble pooping, and I am frequently asked about how to resolve children’s constipation. It can be emotional and exhausting for all involved - the upset, the denial, the hopping and wiggling, the lethargy and low appetite. This has come up again recently (including with my own kids!) during quarantine, and there’s a couple of reasons that might be: change from our regular routine, different foods due to reduced availability, lower activity levels due to stay-at-home orders, and maybe some household stress in the mix too. I’m going to run through some of the reasons that kids have trouble going to the bathroom, some of the pitfalls to avoid, and some of the solutions. Fair warning, there is lots of poop talk ahead!
Aside from the health-supportive ingredients and nutrients covered in prior posts, there are a few lifestyle choices that can also keep our immune systems functioning optimally and reduce the germs in our homes as we shelter in place, and a few that might be inadvertently sabotaging your efforts.
I’ve been getting questions about whether to take supplements, which to take, how much to take, what form, and so forth. The short (and slightly annoying) answer is: it’s different for everyone, and you should consult with your healthcare provider for personalized nutrition and supplement advice. While they are widely available to all of us, supplements can actually interact with medications that some of us are taking, so it’s always safest to check. Supplements are usually most effective for those with a deficiency, and are not necessary (or necessarily appropriate) for everyone.
With that said, I will now talk you through the evidence for and against certain supplements in viral and respiratory infections, and give you some details on each so that you can decide for yourself whether or not they might be helpful for you. The main three micronutrients for immune support are well known: the vitamins C and D, and the mineral zinc. There are also some lesser known substances (a polyphenol, a trace mineral, an amino acid and a hormone) that are currently getting attention in the current COIVD-19 pandemic, which I’ll touch on briefly after talking about the big three. |
AuthorHi, I'm Amy. I'm a nutritionist in the DC area, working with clients of all ages, focusing on prenatal and pediatrics. I'm all about straightforward, evidence-based health & wellness advice - because life/parenting in the modern world is complicated enough! Categories
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November 2022
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