World Digestive Health Day comes as a gentle reminder for all of us to keep our guts healthy. However, to keep the gut of the children healthy paediatrician urges parents to be to prioritise their children's gut health to prevent common digestive problems. The commonly observed problems of the gut in children are constipation, increased acidity (Hyperacidity) and diarrhoea. Constipation affects up to 30% of children [1]. This is the most common cause of stomach pain in children and is often overlooked. Hyperacidity affects 22-25% of infants in India [2]. Diarrhoea kills an estimated 300,000 children under-five in India each year. [3]
Deliberating on the importance of maintaining healthy gut health in children, Dr Viswanathan M S, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Apollo Children’s Hospitals, Chennai, said, “It is very important for parents to prioritise the gut health of their children from the very beginning. Constipation, diarrhoea and acidity issues are major digestive problems reported in children. Constipation is mainly due to poor fibre intake in the diet, inadequate intake of water and a sedentary lifestyle. Thus, parents should ensure their children take a good amount of fibre in their diet and compulsorily involve in physical activities for 20 to 30 minutes a day.”