Does drinking honey water at night help treat constipation in children?
My son is constipated, and I want to let him drink honey water at night, but we are unsure whether this might have any adverse effects on his health. May I ask the doctor, is drinking honey water at night an effective remedy for constipation in children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Drinking honey water at night may help relieve constipation in children, but attention should be paid to the appropriate age and consumption amount.
Honey has a certain effect in moistening the intestines and relieving constipation. Components such as fructose may help promote intestinal motility, thereby alleviating symptoms of constipation. For older children with relatively mature intestinal function, drinking an appropriate amount of honey water can serve as an auxiliary method to alleviate constipation. However, honey water should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of honey may lead to excessive sugar consumption, increasing health risks such as obesity and dental caries.
In addition to drinking honey water, parents can take other measures to help relieve their child's constipation. For example, adjusting the child's diet structure, increasing dietary fiber intake, and eating more fresh vegetables and fruits. Encourage the child to drink more water to keep the intestines moist. Appropriately increasing the child's physical activity can also help promote intestinal motility.
If the child's constipation symptoms persist or are accompanied by other abnormal symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting, timely medical consultation is necessary for relevant examinations and treatment. Under the guidance of a doctor, more specific and targeted treatment measures can be taken to address the problem of constipation.
