Constipation is common in children and chronic symptoms can impact quality of life and behavior. A naturopathic approach to pediatric constipation focuses on uncovering the underlying causes and utilizing natural therapies to restore healthy digestive function.
This blog post will outline the generalized clinical framework that we use in practice to address constipation in children.
Understanding the Root Cause: The Naturopathic Workup
Our journey towards resolving your child’s constipation often begins with an evaluation to understand why their digestion is sluggish. This may include:
- Blood Work (When Appropriate): We may order blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions that can contribute to constipation. We understand that blood draws can be stressful for children, so this is not always possible for all kids.
- GI Specialist Consult: If we suspect more complex issues, or if a child is not responding to naturopathic approaches, we will refer to a pediatric gastroenterologist. Collaborative care ensures the best outcome for your child.
- Microbiome at Home Stool Testing: This testing evaluates the composition of both beneficial and potentially problematic gut flora. Microbiome testing is imperfect and our doctors are experts at knowing when to use these tools.
- Food Sensitivity Testing: Parents may be surprised to learn that is not a common test we order initially. If we suspect a dietary trigger, we often start with an elimination diet. And we will often start with using in-network labs to test for food antibodies if needed.
- Pelvic Floor Muscles: sometimes we refer to a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist to work on the muscular component of stooling. Some children have weak muscles, overly tight muscles, and/or lack awareness and coordination of muscular movements in this area.
The Power of Diet and Hydration
Before diving into supplements, we always prioritize the foundation of gut health: adequate hydration and fiber.
- Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for keeping stool soft and easy to pass. This is a helpful resource from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
- Fiber: Most kids aren’t getting enough fiber in their diet. This can be tricky with children who are selective eaters or sensitive to certain textures. Fiber goals depend on age, and this is a good resource from the Cleveland Clinic. We may use supplemental fibers as well, focusing on those that are easy to get into children.
- The Dairy Connection: Dairy products are a major trigger for constipation in many children. This is a different reaction than lactose intolerance.
Natural Treatments to Restore Balance
Once we have a better understanding of the underlying factors, we develop a personalized treatment plan using natural therapies to support your child’s digestive health. This may include:
- Natural Laxatives: We often use natural laxatives while working on underlying causes. Many parents come to us upset that their child was recommended ongoing Miralax. However, we need to use laxatives so the child does not get overly constipated and stretch out the colon. We often to change to a laxative that is naturally-derived.
- Natural Motility Support: We may incorporate a specific herbal supplements to help bile flow and move stool through the body.
- Microbiome-Specific Support: If we’ve done at-home stool testing and identified imbalances in your child’s gut flora, we use specific prebiotics, nutritional changes, or probiotics to restore a healthy balance of bacteria.
Working with a Naturopathic Doctor for Pediatric Constipation
If your child is struggling with constipation, schedule a new patient visit. The outline above is our general approach that then gets tailored to your child. Together, we can uncover the root cause.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your child’s diet, sleep routine, or supplement regimen.
