American Kids Are Constipated. What Are Other Countries Doing Differently?

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in American kids today. It leads to belly pain, bathroom battles, and missed school days.. But while parents here are often told to try fiber gummies or use laxatives, other countries take a very different approach.

So what exactly are they doing differently? And what can we learn from global habits that support better gut health in kids?

The Scope of the Problem in the U.S.

Constipation affects up to 30% of kids in the U.S., according to multiple pediatric studies, and accounts for 3–5% of all pediatric visits and nearly one-quarter of pediatric GI referrals (1). 

Many parents are handed a prescription for laxatives like polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350), even though the safety and long-term effects of chronic use are still debated.

Meanwhile, fiber intake in the U.S. remains well below recommendations. One national survey found that fewer than 10% of children and teens meet daily fiber intake goals (2). That’s a serious problem for gut motility and microbial diversity, two key drivers of healthy digestion.

What Other Countries Are Doing Right

1. Food-First Fiber Culture

In countries like Japan, Italy, and parts of Scandinavia, kids are raised on meals that naturally include high-fiber foods like vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fermented options. Fiber isn’t treated as a supplement, it’s simply part of everyday meals.

• In Japan, preschool lunches often include seaweed, root vegetables, miso, and rice with vegetables.

• In Italy, legumes like lentils and chickpeas are served regularly, even in school cafeterias.

• Scandinavian countries offer rye bread, whole grains, and cooked vegetables as staples from a young age.

These food habits support gut motility without supplements or stool softeners.

2. Earlier Introduction of Probiotic and Fermented Foods

In countries like Korea and Germany, it’s common for kids to consume fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi (in small amounts), and sauerkraut at an earlier age. These foods contain live bacteria that can help regulate digestion and improve stool consistency.

Probiotic-rich diets have been shown to reduce the incidence of functional constipation in kids and improve overall gut health (3).

3. More Outdoor Play and Movement

In many European and Asian countries, daily recess and outdoor play are prioritized—even in preschool and daycare settings. Movement is essential for stimulating bowel motility, and sedentary lifestyles are known to contribute to constipation.

In contrast, American kids spend more time sitting: in front of screens, in cars, and in school with limited breaks.

4. Nutrition-First Messaging Over Medications

While medications have their place, many healthcare providers abroad emphasize nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle changes first when treating constipation. Parents are more likely to receive food-based recommendations, behavioral tips, and probiotic guidance before turning to pharmaceuticals.

What U.S. Parents Can Take Away

You don’t have to overhaul your entire kitchen or move to another country to support your kid’s gut. But adopting some global habits can make a real difference:

• Serve veggies at every meal, even breakfast

• Add legumes like beans or lentils at least twice a week

• Offer yogurt with live cultures instead of sugary drinks

• Encourage daily outdoor movement and water breaks

• Use prebiotic powders like Growing Up Prebiotics to boost fiber intake in picky eaters

Summary

While constipation is common in the U.S., it doesn’t have to be the norm. Other countries are tackling this issue with a food-first mindset, a focus on movement, and proactive gut support from early life. With a few simple shifts, American families can move toward fewer bathroom battles and better gut health for the next generation.