I will be out of the office for the next 2 weeks so I wanted to update you today with an interesting case. This week a business contact of mine described to me a problem with her child. See if you can relate.
Children are unique. There are no 2 alike. I have 2 sons that are grown up and their whole lives they have been different from one another. Totally different likes and dislikes and yet they were raised in the same house with the same parents.
Let me re-state that — They were raised by my lovely wife.
So, a business contact was here this week and told me about the GI problems her son was having. When you work for a company that makes fiber you get a lot of this type of information.
The problem is that the child has issues in the “Number 2” area and she was very concerned. She has scheduled him to see a specialist which is the correct thing to do, but I couldn’t help but ask: “Are you trying to solve a problem or manage a condition?”
We began talking about his eating habits and like all children, he has certain likes and dislikes. Mainly he likes too many things such as cheese!!!
In her effort to help the child she has been giving him Miralax®.
“Do you know what’s in Miralax®?” I asked.
“Not really,” she said.
So I picked up the sample we have in the office and asked her to read the ingredients.
“Polyethylene Glycol 3350!!” she read.
I asked her, “Now, what tree or plant does that come from?”
Here's what polyethylene glycol looks like
This is what the psyllium plant looks like
The problem we have as parents is that we want to fix the child as soon as possible, but not change the habits that may have caused the problem (constipation).
I explained that for occasional constipation this product will work but in my opinion she should make sure to have the child examined by a physician. But also start adding a few things to his diet.
She asked what should she change.
I said, “Speaking as a fellow parent, not a doctor, I would start to reduce the amount of cheese per day and switch his snacks over to fruits and vegetables. I know it’s not an easy thing to do, but wouldn’t you prefer a natural solution?”
Now, what about fiber for kids? I told her it would not hurt to start adding a little Konsyl® psyllium daily. Now you have to be smart about this because Konsyl Original® is 100% natural psyllium fiber; therefore, a full dose is too much for a child. I said why not try just 1/8 of a teaspoon of psyllium powder shaken up in his juice every morning. I have even been told parents mix Konsyl fiber with applesauce or yogurt. Second thing is to make sure he is drinking enough fluids each day. No, not soda! Water. You know, that other natural product.
She said she would try and I left it at that. I also reiterated to make sure you go to the physician.
As parents we all want our children to be well but sometimes common sense is needed. Between pulling your hair out and worrying, a plan must be put together to change our children’s eating habits. Does this sound familiar to any of you???
Just food for thought.
Have a good weekend,
The Fiber Guy
Notes from the VP 