Why childhood constipation isn't normal | What a Paediatric Clinical Nutritionist wants you to know.
Parenting can be challenging at the best of times, particularly when your little one is struggling with chronic constipation. It's a common (but, not normal) issue that can leave both kids and parents feeling frustrated, defeated, and overwhelmed. But what if a resolution was more achievable than you think? In this blog article, I’ll explain the integral role that working with a Clinical Nutritionist plays, in alleviating childhood constipation.
I see, approx. 800 patients a year in my busy clinic, most of which a children. They have a range of health concerns, including chronic constipation, stomach pains, eczema, behaviour concerns, compromised immunity and more.
Usually, parents come into my clinic feeling disheartened, defeated and fobbed off by mainstream healthcare providers and are at a loss. My approach to cases like this is with empathy, support and making sure that the parents, and the child, feel heard. There is nothing worse than dealing with the pain, anxiety and worry over your child's health when, in most cases, they have been suffering since birth, with little to no relief.
Constipation in children can be a tricky issue, affecting all ages; from birth all the way through to teen years. To effectively get to the root cause, it's essential to grasp its main contributing factors.
The Role of Diet and Hydration
Diet is arguably one of the most important factors when it comes to optimal digestive health.. A diet high in processed foods, low in fibre, and lacking in hydration can contribute to and worsen constipation. Encouraging your child to consume a diverse diet, rich in fibre-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is a natural way to promote regular bowel movements.
Fibre helps to create bulk in the stool and allows it to pass easily.
Adequate hydration helps to move the stool through the bowel with ease and helps to prevent a backlog. Water is always the gold standard when it comes to adequate hydration in kids. A rough guide for intake is 250ml (1 cup) per year of age, per day. (3)
The Impact of Stress and Emotional Well-being
In some cases, constipation can be linked to stress or anxiety. Children may display withholding behaviour due to anxieties, past painful bowel motions or changes in routine (travel, holidays etc.). It's essential to create a supportive and stress-free environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their bowel habits. This will come with practice if it is something that isn't openly discussed already.
The Need for Professional Support
While dietary adjustments and hydration are essential steps, it's vital to consider working with a qualified and accredited Clinical Nutritionist who specializes in paediatric nutrition.
Clinical Nutritionists can offer specific dietary, supplemental and lifestyle support. We'll help you and your child follow a personalized nutrition plan, considering their specific needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions. We will also offer you support as a family with referrals to other health professionals (chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists etc) who can help and suggest other techniques to help make toileting less stressful in the home. It takes a multifaceted team approach to help address and resolve chronic constipation.
Dietary Inclusions to Relieve Constipation
Prunes: Prunes and prune juice are famous for their natural laxative effect. They're rich in fibre and sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that softens stools.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a wonderful source of fibre, when soaked, become gel-like, and can help soften stools and promote regularity.
Green Kiwi Fruit: 2 Green Kiwi daily has been shown in the research to have a bowel regulating effect and can be helpful for those who suffer from constipation, and have more regular and healthier bowel motions (1).
Strain-Specific Probiotics: Each strain of probiotic is used to support and treat a different symptom or condition. Making sure you use the correct strain for your child's symptoms is integral to getting results. Lactobacillus plantarum 6595, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BS01, Lactobacillus casei LC03, and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (2) are some to consider - It is always best to work with your Clinical Nutritionist to select the best probiotic product for your child. Probiotics are strain-symptom-specific. Most of the time, not any old one will do.
The role of laxatives.
Your child’s chronic constipation is not caused by a laxative deficiency.
Laxatives and stool softeners are great temporary tool to help in the moment and the short term to momentarily relieve pain and discomfort but is not something that should be used and relied on long-term.
Over time, consistent and long-term use of mainstream laxative products can worsen your child’s gut health.
They will reduce the amount of fermentation that happens in your child’s gut, resulting in a significantly reduced number of important components like butyrate – a short-chain fatty acid that is necessary for a healthy, happy and thriving microbiome.
Childhood constipation is a common, but not normal concern. With the right dietary choices, hydration, and emotional support, it's a challenge that can be overcome – without long-term laxative use. Remember to focus on whole, fibre-rich foods, encourage hydration, and create a toilet-positive environment for your child.
If you find that constipation persists or becomes a recurring issue, consider working with an accredited clinical nutritionist.
In nurturing young tummies, the power of nutrition helps set our children up for long-lasting digestive health, well-being, and a brighter, happier future.
If your child is struggling with constipation, you can make an appointment to have a chat to discuss what options are available and how we can work together to help prevent constipation in the future.
Yours in Health & Wellness,
Casey x
References.1. Wilkinson-Smith V, Dellschaft N, Ansell J, Hoad C, Marciani L, Gowland P, et al. Mechanisms underlying effects of kiwifruit on intestinal function shown by MRI in healthy volunteers. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2019;492. Tabbers, M.M., de Milliano, I., Roseboom, M.G. et al. Is Bifidobacterium breveeffective in the treatment of childhood constipation? Results from a pilot study. Nutr J 10, 19 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-193. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/water