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Green stool when defecating (defecating) can occur in children who are less or more than 2 years old. Some mothers may not know why this happens. Therefore, to know whether a child's digestion is healthy or not, mothers must often pay attention to the health conditions experienced by their children. The following is an explanation of the health condition of children when they have green stool.
Learn the reasons behind a child's green bowel movement
Under normal conditions, brown stool is caused by a pigment called bilirubin. Bilirubin is made in the liver. Initially, bilirubin is yellowish green in color. From the liver, these substances are released into the small intestine along with food. When this substance travels through the intestines and is broken down by our bodies, it turns brown.
It's just that some of the natural dyes found in food cannot be fully digested by the body. Therefore, various types of food can affect the color of stool.
Especially for green stool in bowel movements of children aged 2 years, here are some possibilities that could affect or be the cause.
Eating green foods
Logically, this first cause is perhaps the easiest to understand. Foods that have a natural green color, such as spinach and broccoli, include vegetables with natural dyes.
When a child's green stool is caused by eating vegetables, the mother doesn't need to worry. Green vegetables are rich in chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives vegetables their color.
If you eat only small amounts of vegetables, your stool may not turn green. Stool discoloration will occur if you consume large amounts and this does not only apply to green vegetables.
Vegetables that are red, purple, or yellow in color can cause green stools.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea including gastrointestinal disorders commonly experienced by children, including two years old. However, if during diarrhea, the stool looks green, the mother needs to be vigilant. Especially if this goes on for several days.
So that diarrhea does not cause complications, mothers need to pay attention to symptoms of dehydration in their little one, such as:
- Rarely or stop urinating
- Dry or chapped lips
- Dry or itchy skin
- Weak or lethargic
- No sweat
- Tears when crying a little
- Dark urine
As an effort to prevent dehydration, mothers can provide drinks with electrolytes, such as coconut water. Because during diarrhea, in addition to losing fluids in the body, electrolyte loss can also occur. In addition, don't forget to continue to encourage children to drink water.
Diarrhea generally goes away on its own without requiring special treatment. However, to avoid more serious problems, mothers still need to be aware of every symptom. Immediately see a doctor or medical professional if diarrhea lasts more than usual, especially if there are signs of dehydration.
So, is green bowel movements dangerous or normal?
It is important to remember that stool discoloration is temporary. When the cause of stool discoloration is no longer present in the body's system, the stool should return to normal, which is brown in color.
Of course this includes when your little one's defecation is green. When the mother switches to providing a source of fiber other than green vegetables or the baby's diarrhea has recovered, the stool will return to normal.
Thus, it can be concluded that green defecation in children 2 years is quite normal and does not need to be considered a threat.
On the other hand, mothers still have to ensure that their children's daily fiber intake needs are met so that their digestive health is well maintained.
If you have doubts or are still worried about the child's health condition, mothers are still encouraged to ask for advice and help from a doctor or medical expert.
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