Prevention Diet—The most important thing is to increase fluid intake. However, some children get into habit of only drinking sodas to satisfy their thirst. Most children are dehydrated from sugary drinks and from not taking time out to quench thirst. Offer clean, pure water. A child should be drinking half of his/her body weight in water each day. Include servings of fresh, organic fruit and vegetables. Teach your child to eat raw as much as possible. Make 50% of each meal fresh, raw, unprocessed foods. Include whole grains, nuts and seeds in diet. Limit white flour, chocolate, sugar, dairy and milk products. Train your child to eat slowly and moderately. Provide a relaxing environment while eating. Take a probiotic supplement daily to facilitate growth of “friendly bacteria” in colon.

Bowel habit training—Your child should be taught not to wait to have a bowel movement. To establish a regular bowel habit, ask your child to sit on toilet for at least 10 minutes at about same time each day, preferably after a meal. Make sure your child can place his or her feet firmly on floor while sitting on toilet. If this is not possible, put a footstool in front of toilet. While your child is sitting on toilet, you might let your child read a storybook or listen to radio. Educate your child, at an early age, on importance of good bowel habits. Let them know that this is not something to be embarrassed about but a normal and very necessary function for good health.

Exercise—Make sure that your child is getting enough exercise. Children spend way too much time in front of computers and TV. Encourage outside activities as much as possible. Physical activity speeds movement of waste through digestive tract.

Stress—Yes, children experience stress! Children are some of busiest people I know. Stress causes body to break down and constipation can be a result. Talk with and spend time with your children. Teach them how to relax and to be calm. Encourage them, support them and speak encouraging words to them. Teach them how to handle difficult situations, to be happy and to communicate their problems. Most important—model this behavior in front of them.

Keep The Bowel Clean—Keeping bowel clean is a great preventative step and very necessary in keeping body in good health. For complete cleansing of digestive tract we recommend a product called Oxy Powder. Oxy Powder is a safe and natural way to cleanse whole digestive track while also providing body with oxygen. Consult your healthcare practitioner for dosages appropriate for children. Chiropractic Adjustments – Helps prompt bowel movements. The waves that move material through colon occur as a result of nerve excitement that originates at spinal nerves. Adjustments also help normalize action of ileocecal valve, valve that separates large from small intestine.

Constipation can undermine whole body and it is now known that irregular bowel movements are directly related to serious health conditions. Constipation does not have to be a problem if you will practice prevention with your children and implement suggestions found in this article. Regular bowel movements are an important mechanism for removing toxins from body and thus keeping body healthy. Remember: Prevention is always key. As always, if severe symptoms persist, do not hesitate to see your healthcare professional.

A couple of easy toners you can make to help nourish, protect, and moisturize your skin during winter are PH Toner, Herbal Refresher, and Aloe Soother.

PH Toner

1Cups distilled water 4 TBS Bragg’s Apple Cider vinegar(or any other nature non-distilled apple vinegar) 10 drops of rose oil 8 drops of chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients in your bottle of choice and shake vigorously before each use. You may use a cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and spritz throughout day.

Herbal Refresher

1 cup witch hazel ½ cup distilled water 1 chamomile tea bag 10 drops of Lavender Oil 6 drops Sandlewood Oil

Heat water to boil and steep tea bag in water for 15 minutes. Add chamomile water to witch hazel and add essential oil. Shake before each use.

Aloe Soother

½ cup aloe vera gel 1 cup distilled water 10 drops chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients and shake well before each use.

All three toner recipes are great to help you get through cold and wintery harsh months that follow. Your skin will thank you by remaining soft, refreshed and healthy.