Are apples a natural laxative or something?

GreenEyedGal

My son has always loved apples but he's been eating an entire one a day for the past few days. Yesterday, his poop was gross, like really really gross. Today, same thing. Is it it the apples or is it just coincidence? He seems to be feeling fine and having a decent appetite, it's just the unpleasant poop that worries me.

etoyama

I know they have a ton of fiber, especially if he's eating the skin, so that's probably it!

Dr.Loretta

Yes. Our dr said to give DD applesauce if she was constipated

mmttc

Yes, it's the apples. Same thing happened to DD. After a week of runs I called the doctor. The nurse asked me tons of questions over the phone including what her typical diet was. When I got to "she usually has an apple as a snack before bed" she told me that was the issue. Whole apples will do it, but apple sauce isn't as bad.

GreenEyedGal

Crap! (literally!) Is it ok if I continue giving him the apple? Should I do every other day? Will pears have the same effect?

naflmj

Is he eating the skin? If so, I'd say that's the culprit.

GreenEyedGal

naflmj:

Is he eating the skin? If so, I'd say that's the culprit.

Yep, skin and all.

LisaMarisa

Pears are the other recommendation for constipated kids so I think it would probably have the same effect. 

DS loves fruit but it doesnt love him.  I let him indulge occasionally but we both pay for it later.

Can you cut it down to half an apple?  Or switch between apples and bananas?  Bananas are binding.  Maybe just switch up his snack if it bothers you.  If it doesnt bother you and it isnt bothering him (causing rashes or belly pain) then I dont see any reason to stop giving them to him.

GreenEyedGal

LisaMarisa:

Pears are the other recommendation for constipated kids so I think it would probably have the same effect. 

DS loves fruit but it doesnt love him.  I let him indulge occasionally but we both pay for it later.

Can you cut it down to half an apple?  Or switch between apples and bananas?  Bananas are binding.  Maybe just switch up his snack if it bothers you.  If it doesnt bother you and it isnt bothering him (causing rashes or belly pain) then I dont see any reason to stop giving them to him.

Good suggestion about the bananas, I remember them constipating him back in the day when he had them in pur?e form. I'll switch up the banana, apple & pear.

samk213

Dr.Loretta:

Yes. Our dr said to give DD applesauce if she was constipated

That is the most ridiculous thing I've heard to give a child who is constipated.  Applesauce is binding, apples are not.  Drs. tell patients to follow the BRAT diet when their child has diarrhea, which is bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.  All those foods are binders, I would never give a constipated child applesauce!  Fruits that start with a P such as pears, peaches and prunes help with constipation.