Prune & Fiber Energy Balls with PooMotion™: A Tasty Solution For Temporary Relief Of Occasional Mild Constipation†

Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues in children (1) and the discomfort it causes can lead to irritability, pain, and frustration. Natural alternatives, such as herbal remedies and fiber rich diets, can provide gentle support for regularity by promoting good bowel health.✝︎

In this article, you’ll learn about common causes of simple constipation in kids and some home care techniques for occasional constipation in kids, and I'll share how you can make Prune & Fiber Energy Balls with the added benefits of PooMotion™, a kid-friendly herbal formula that supports healthy bowel movements.✝︎

Constipation is unfortunately quite common in children, and in the absence of medical issues, I tend to see the below lifestyle and dietary factors as contributors:

Many modern diets are high in processed foods and low in fiber. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion as it helps add bulk to the stool and supports its movement through the intestines (3). When children’s diets lack sufficient fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes (all rich in fiber), constipation can occur.

Not drinking enough water or other hydrating fluids can cause stools to become hard and difficult to pass (4). When the body is dehydrated, it absorbs more water from the waste in the colon, leading to dry, hard stools. Ensuring that your child drinks enough throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to support their digestive health and prevent occasional constipation.

To learn more about dehydration in kids, read this article: Signs of Dehydration in Kids & Infants. Plus Dr. Green Mom’s Homemade Electrolyte Drink Recipe

Children are often busy with play or school activities and may ignore the natural urge to use the bathroom. Kids who have experienced the discomfort of constipation sometimes become fearful of using the bathroom, associating it with pain or difficulty. This fear can lead to them holding in their stools, which only worsens the problem. When a stool stays in the colon for too long, it becomes harder and drier, making it more difficult to pass and perpetuating the cycle of constipation (5).

Stress and emotional factors can affect a child’s digestive system (6). Changes in routine, family stress, or even anxiety about school can disrupt normal bowel movements. Emotional stress often manifests physically, and for some children, this can result in constipation (6).

If you believe your child may be struggling with anxiety, read this article: 6 Strategies To Support A Child Struggling With Anxiety

Sometimes during travel, illness, or other times when your child is more sedentary than usual, the lack of physical activity can contribute to constipation (7). This is because physical activity plays a role in stimulating the muscles in the intestines, promoting the movement of stool through the digestive tract. Abdominal massage can also be helpful for this reason.

While occasional constipation in children is often due to dietary and/or lifestyle factors, persistent or severe constipation may indicate an underlying medical issue. It’s important to recognize when to seek medical attention, as home remedies won’t resolve constipation caused by these conditions.

• Structural Abnormalities: Conditions like Hirschsprung’s disease, where parts of the colon lack the nerve cells needed for normal movement, can lead to severe constipation (8).

• Food Allergies or Intolerances: Intolerances to certain foods, such as cow’s milk protein, can contribute to ongoing digestive discomfort and constipation (9).

• Neurological Disorders: Disorders that impact muscle control, such as cerebral palsy, can affect the ability to pass a stool (10).

• Endocrine Disorders: Issues like hypothyroidism, which slows down metabolism, can impair normal bowel function (11).

• Medication Side Effects: Medications such as certain antacids or some iron supplements can cause or worsen constipation (12).

Conventional medicine will often prescribe medications like Miralax for managing constipation (2), and while there is a time and place for pharmaceutical intervention, when it comes to occasional mild constipation, natural remedies and home care can often be very effective.

Beyond addressing the above lifestyle and dietary factors, natural remedies include eating specific foods like the p-fruits (prunes, peaches, pears, papaya, plums), utilizing herbal remedies, incorporating probiotics to improve gut health, and adding supplements like magnesium to the routine.✝︎ Note that there are different forms of magnesium available. Magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia is most commonly used for constipation, but other forms, such as Magnesium glycinate may also help ease mild constipation (14).✝︎

To learn more about gut health, read this article: What Is Leaky Gut, And How Do You Heal It?

Here’s why I love my Prune & Fiber Energy Balls:

Prunes are known for their high sorbitol content and are perhaps the most well known home remedy for constipation. Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps soften stools and promotes bowel movements (15).

Fiber, which is found in the oats and pecans in this recipe, adds bulk to the stool, helping it move more easily through the intestines, and supports regular bowel movements (3). Fiber also helps maintain overall gut health by supplying prebiotics (3), which nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome.

For targeted herbal support, PooMotion™ is added to the recipe. This gentle herbal formula contains licorice, marshmallow root, and yellow dock, all of which help soothe the intestines and promote regular bowel movements (16,17).✝︎

Constipation is a common issue for many children, often leading to discomfort, irritability, or frustration. Occasional mild constipation can usually be managed with home remedies, including increasing hydration, movement, dietary fiber intake, and supplementation with herbs and/or magnesium. Prune & Fiber Energy Balls are a kid-friendly snack that include my herbal formulation PooMotion™ to support your child's regularity.✝︎ These energy balls contain prunes, which are rich in sorbitol, plus oats and pecans for fiber, along with the soothing herbal benefits of PooMotion™.✝︎ This recipe is easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy school days, travel, or as a nutritious snack.