How to Poop (Moms, Dads, Children…Anyone)

It’s NOT humorous when you can’t poop. 

It’s even more UNhumorous when your child can’t poop. 

I remember thinking Eli had some kind of really incurable disease and I worried for days, finally taking him to the doctor and the ER – and guess what?

The poor boy just needed to poop.

With certain kids (or adults) it can be hard to get enough fiber into them for them to poop regularly – or maybe they DO eat enough fiber and still can’t poop.

I wanted to share with you guys what works for our family…because I know it’s not a fun life for ANYONE when there is constipation afoot.  (Hopefully not ON your foot.)

These are things all 6 of us do – and I am VERY vigilant that Eli does them…because we don’t particularly like trips to the ER for pre-school enemas. 

1. Probiotics

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits when consumed, generally by improving or restoring the gut flora.

—Wikipedia

Basically, when your gut isn’t healthy, YOU aren’t healthy. And when your gut isn’t healthy, YOU CAN’T POOP.

I’ve been a huge fan of probiotics for years – our family takes them religiously. They help us stay healthier in our immune system and our gut.   

Here are some great ways to get probiotics:

• A good, high quality probiotic.
• Yogurt with LIVE bacteria
• Kombucha
• Kefir (water or dairy)
• Fermented foods

2. Magnesium

If you didn’t know this, magnesium can clean you out. It also helps you sleep! And keeps cramps away! I really think magnesium is one of those magical minerals that everyone needs. 

Some great options for magnesium:

• Epsom salt baths
• Natural Calm 
• Magnesium Lotion

It’s really hard to get enough magnesium naturally with food – so try one of those options. But caution – if you take too much, you’ll have the opposite problem of “can’t poop” –> the trots. 

We use lotion from The Magnesium Lotion Shop and epsom salt baths. 

3. Enzymes

What are enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are a group of enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules into their smaller building blocks, in order to facilitate their absorption by the body.

—Wikipedia

Basically, enzymes break down food in your body. Eli especially needs this. He does so much better all around (even on his skin) when he takes digestive enzymes. 

You can find a good quality digestive enzyme from your doctor or by doing your own research. 

A few other things that are important to think about when you can’t poop.:

• Drink enough water
• Get a good bit of fiber
• Get good sleep

And then, go forth and poop. You’re welcome.