Will Soy Formula Help With Constipation?
Watching your infant suffer the discomfort of constipation is never fun. Not to mention the long nights of caring for a fussy, irritable baby.
Seeking the solution that will solve your present troubles and eliminate future headaches may make you ask, “Will soy formula help with constipation?”. The answer is that yes, it will.
The first thing to know for certain is if constipation is truly the issue. Constipation in some cases is cause by large medical conditions so it’s important to stay alert for any serious symptoms that may indicate other issues.
These can include weight loss or gain, extreme loss of appetite, fever and bloating of the mid-section. In most cases however, it is likely that the infant is suffering from a response to dietary changes or overloads. Constipation is also a common response to many prescribed and over the counter medications.
High iron formula can constipate babies and quite often does. While it is touted for providing enough iron, the high levels can create disruption in normal bowel activity. The infant normally produces stool less frequently and when he or she does they are harder and more uncomfortable to pass.
If high iron formula has been recently introduced in the diet it may likely be the cause. There is also the possibility that the infant has consumed high iron formula for some time and is only now experiencing a reaction.
A low iron formula can be opted for to see if this reduces the symptoms. Many pediatricians recommend a switch to soy based formulas however if signs of digestive intolerance persist.
In fact, with some toddlers cow’s milk may be the cause. Some children have a naturally intolerance to cow’s milk which can make the stool become loose or hard. With older children switching to soy based products will also have its advantages.
This may however require a temporary or long term removal of certain food favorites such as string cheese, yogurt and ice cream in order to fully remove the source. These treats can easily be substituted with frozen juice bars, jello and fresh fruit so that the child does feel as though he or she is missing out.
Finding the right solution for your infant’s constipation will require a thorough analysis of recent changes in diet and medicines. When you identify the cause it is far easier to find the right course to take in addressing it. Generally high iron products create the perfect conditions for difficult bowel movements, which can make switching to soy formula an easy way to reduce the strain.
