The Impact of Dietary Habits on Toileting

Lindsay O’Laughlin, OTDs & Caroline Ward, OTD, OTR/L

If you are noticing your child is having difficulty with toileting, it may be time to look at what is being served on their plate. Studies show that what is being ingested into the body impacts gastrointestinal function. Nutrition is often not deeply examined until there are more severe problems occurring in the body. The following information is intended to be used as general education, please consult your child’s pediatrician for specific, personalized nutrition advice.

Foods that help with toileting

• Fiber rich foods promote regularity in bowel habits. There are two types of fiber:
  • Soluble fiber:
    • Dissolves in water to form a gel substance in the intestines that slows down digestion, leading to feeling fuller for longer
    • Stabilizes blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, helps with weight management, softens stool

Examples include oats, peas, beans, quinoa, carrots, avocados, broccoli, citrus fruits,

apples, bananas, pears, sunflowers seeds, hazelnuts, black beans, kidney beans

• Insoluble fiber: Not dissolvable in water
  • Does not dissolve during digestion, so helps to bulk up stool, speeding up the digestive process
  • Prevents constipation, improves bowel health, helps process waste out of the body, promotes consistent bowel movements

Examples include nuts, whole-wheat, wheat brans, seeds, brown rice, popcorn, green beans, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, berries

*The skin of fruits and vegetables contain the most amount of fiber

*Most fiber foods will contain both soluble and insoluble fiber – the body needs both!

• Unsaturated fats
  • Lubricate the intestines, soften stool, improve gut health, absorb vitamins

Examples include olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, avocados, fatty fish, sesame seeds

• Probiotic filled foods
  • Can balance gut microbiomes, stimulate nervous system, help with digestion of fiber, and regulate watery stool

Examples include yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pickles, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread

Foods that can lead to irregular toileting

*Reminder that there is no food that is “bad” to eat, many people can enjoy these foods in moderation without significant issues.

• Spicy foods
  • The active ingredient in spicy foods is a chemical (capsaicin), which triggers pain receptors in the gut
  • Can cause contractions in the intestine, which speeds up the system and may lead to diarrhea
  • Can cause burning in the rectum

Ex. Chili peppers, hot sauces, various spices

*This varies person to person depending on tolerance, sensitivity, and genetics

• Greasy foods
  • Irritate intestines due to the body being unable to absorb the excess fat
  • Can lead to growth of inflammatory bacteria in the gut
  • Can cause bloating, indigestion, and discomfort

Ex. Potato chips, onion rings, French fries, cheeseburgers, donuts, pizza

• Dairy products
  • Will typically cause an issue if someone has a lactose intolerance or a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Can cause diarrhea
  • Can lead to constipation due to slowing down bowel movements
  • Can produce gases in the gut causing bloating and discomfort

Ex. Cow’s milk, ice cream, cheese, cream

Hydration

• Water
  • Can lead to decrease in urinary tract infections by flushing out the bacteria in the bladder
  • Hydrates the muscles in the bladder, which benefits tissue elasticity and function
  • Can help maintain bowel regularity because the colon uses water to help stool pass through the intestines
• Caffeinated drinks
  • Soda, coffee, and some teas contain caffeine, which can increase urine production and irritate the bladder- leading to more leakage
• Carbonated drinks
  • Soda, sparkling water, or fizzy drinks can cause bladder irritation and cause overactivity in the bladder

Ready for more personalized support? Schedule a free consultation with one of our therapists today and get expert guidance tailored to your family’s needs.