“Mind-body approaches—relaxation, meditation, guided imagery—are fundamental to good digestion and to dealing with “tummy troubles.” They go hand-in-hand with the simple, practical dietary changes that Dr. Rosen and Jeff Cohen recommend.”
This is a chapter of contrast. Words like diarrhea and constipation make even the most mild-mannered child giggle. However, when one of these ailments strikes, it’s anything but amusing for your little one.
With so many organs and the digestive tract housed in the abdomen, it’s no wonder symptoms and treatments can be so confusing. Can your 9-year-old son really pinpoint the difference between nausea and recurrent abdominal pain? It all adds up to, “Mommy, I don’t feel too good.”
In this chapter, we shall do our best to clarify the multitude of tummy troubles that strike kids. From there we’ll describe the causes and symptoms of each, as well as how you can treat the ailments—both conventionally and through treatment alternatives.
So if your son is currently rubbing his tummy and wincing, you’ll want to bookmark this chapter. It’s your chance to get your kid back to giggling about tummy ailments.
Getting your child to sit on the potty is challenging enough; add constipation and you’ve really got your parental work cut out for you. All pushing with nothing to show for it will frustrate even the most patient child.
Constipation is defined as difficulty in passing stools or the inability to pass stools. Symptoms of constipation include hardened and painful stools, nausea, stomach pain, cramping, or changes in the frequency of urination.
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Parental Guidance |
| “There is a very easy, natural way to relieve constipation with the essential oil, tangerine. We also like to use a Young Living blend called “Di-Gize”. Be sure to always use a grade of oil that is food grade (safe enough to ingest). Take a few drops of organic olive oil or other “fatty” oil and apply it to the top of the shin. Rub gently up and down between the knee and the ankle. Keep rubbing the shins; it may take up to 20 minutes to relieve the constipation. Drinking warm water will also help.” | |
| —Carrie Donegan & Elena Yordán, authors of the book Essential Oils 101. |
In children of potty-training age, constipation is common due to avoidance of the toilet. Changes in diet and increased junk food consumption may also cause constipation.
A number of medical conditions may also cause constipation, such as dehydration or cow’s milk allergy. Constipation is also a side effect of many medications.
If your child is busy pushing with no results, then you’ll definitely want to understand the treatment alternatives available.
Constipation Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Polyethelene Glycol 3350 | Flaxseed Powder |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Miralax | Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal Golden Organic |
| How it works | Miralax helps soften stools and makes the process of having a bowel movement easier by balancing water in the digestive system. | Flaxseeds work as a natural stool softener. |
| Dosage | Not intended for children under 2; dose is based on weight and ranges from 2 oz twice daily for children who weigh 22 lbs to 8 oz twice daily for children weighing 110 lbs. | One tbsp daily, best taken with fluids, fruits, or vegetables |
| Active Ingredients | Polyethelene Glycol 3350 | Organic flaxseeds |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Nausea, cramping, stomach pains, gas, bloating | Gas, diarrhea |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction | None |
Let’s cover a few myths and facts about constipation so you know what should and shouldn’t concern you as a parent. First, while one bowel movement per day is common, the normal range varies significantly. Some kids will go three times per day while others go just three times per week. Once your child drops below three per week, you’re flirting with constipation. One per week and you’ve entered worrisome territory.
On the myth side, some people believe constipation makes the body absorb poisonous substances in stools. While regular bowel movements do aid in normal detoxification, there’s no evidence that constipation leads to more severe conditions such as arthritis, asthma, or colon cancer.
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Science Says |
Researchers at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at the Emma Children’s Hospital and Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands, conducted a systematic review of non-drug treatments for childhood constipation. Researchers reviewed nine major studies including 640 children. Researchers concluded that fiber supplements, among the non-drug treatments examined, showed the most positive evidence in improving the frequency and consistency of stools. That may also help explain why flaxseed powder—rich in fiber—is so effective.
Flaxseed powder isn’t the only flax option for constipation treatment. Oil from flaxseeds can act as a very effective stool softener as well; many brands like Barlean’s are naturally flavored. Traditional Medicinals “Smooth Move” Tea (love the name!) made with natural senna may also help. If all else fails, there are always prunes and dates to get things moving.
Diarrhea is a gastrointestinal condition that typically stems from a virus or dietary changes. Runny and frequent stools are the most common sign.
Diarrhea may also come from bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella, parasites from infected water, or contaminated food.
When diarrhea lasts longer than a few days or is particularly frequent in young children, the risk of dehydration is a concern. Oral rehydration may be required to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Diarrhea may be accompanied by stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Let’s check out the treatment alternatives for diarrhea.
Diarrhea Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
Scientists at the Swansea University School of Medicine in the United Kingdom researched the effectiveness of probiotics in treating acute infectious diarrhea. Randomized controlled trials from 63 different studies (8,014 participants) evaluated probiotic agents versus a placebo. Of the 63 studies, 56 trials recruited infants and young children. Primary data points were the mean duration of diarrhea and stool frequency on both day two and four after intervention. Researchers discovered that, when used alongside rehydration therapy, probiotics appear to be safe and have clear beneficial impacts on shortening the duration and reducing stool frequency in acute infectious diarrhea.
Beyond probiotics, you can also temporarily limit dairy products for your child during bouts of diarrhea to ease and heal the gastrointestinal system. Drinking warm chamomile tea may also soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Foods that bulk up the stool, like brown rice or bananas, are often recommended.
“GERD” stands for “Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease,” a fancy way of saying that food and drink are coming back up the wrong way from the stomach. GERD is more serious than the simple baby reflux we covered in Chapter 1.
The most common symptoms of GERD include coughing, “heartburn,” gas, stomach pain, or vomiting shortly after consuming food.
Food allergies and sensitivities—and less commonly, medication reactions and neurological conditions—may also be to blame for these digestive problems.
Here’s a look at the treatment options to consider if your child is suffering from GERD.
GERD/Reflux/Heartburn Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
Doctors at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee studied the scientific rationale for curcumin (turmeric’s active ingredient) as an anti-inflammatory agent in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Researchers concluded that curcumin inhibits the acid-induced expression of esophageal inflammation.
A small amount of apple cider vinegar mixed into water and sipped can help ease heartburn and other reflux symptoms. Fennel seeds, consumed just after eating, can also help reduce reflux symptoms. Finally, aloe juice has been known to ease symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
Any ailment that has the word irritable in its title is worth tackling immediately. After all, we all know irritable kids cry, kick, scratch, act out, slam doors, and challenge your patience.
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a digestive disorder that impacts the way the bowel system functions. Kids suffering from IBS find their stomach and colon simply don’t function properly. This causes uncomfortable symptoms and a disruption of the bowel movement process.
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Good to Know |
While 7-10 percent of the world’s population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, many are never diagnosed. That’s millions of kids and parents assuming they’re destined for irregular bowel movements for life, even though solutions are out there.
Common symptoms of IBS include pain in the stomach or abdomen, painful stools, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. These symptoms can be exacerbated by a poor diet, exposure to certain bacteria, medicines like antibiotics, and even stress.
Taking irritability out of your child’s bowel movements means investigating and trying one of these conventional or natural treatment alternatives.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Side-by-Side Comparison
*The enteric coating of the capsule prevents the oil from releasing in the stomach and causing irritation. Instead, the capsule can slowly dissolve in the small intestine where the oil can do its job without harm from inflammation.
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Science Says |
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Department of Child Health, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology in Columbia, Missouri, studied the effectiveness of peppermint oil capsules in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in kids. In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 42 children with IBS were given peppermint oil capsules or a placebo. After two weeks, 75 percent of those kids receiving peppermint oil showed reduced severity of pain associated with IBS.
Pure pear or prune juice can help the body produce healthy and regular stools. Also, an increase in the consumption of foods high in fiber (such as oats) helps to promote a healthy colon.
Probiotics introduce healthy bacteria to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can ease symptoms of IBS. Finally, drinking plenty of water each day (8 or more glasses) will help regulate bowel movements.
“Mommy, my tummy feels funny.” It’s one thing to hear this childhood complaint after dinner. It’s quite another to hear this from the backseat of your shiny new car when the sign says, “Next rest area: 42 miles.” Parents worldwide know an upset tummy is foreshadowing to a $500 interior car-cleaning bill. You might even sacrifice your designer pocketbook to catch the results of motion sickness and spare your car.
Motion sickness is a condition caused by the body’s perception of movement. The inner ear transmits information regarding movement and balance to the brain. Misperceptions transmitted to the brain cause the symptoms of motion sickness.
Many forms of movement, the most common of which is driving in the car, can cause motion sickness. Kids may also feel motion sickness in a plane, boat, helicopter, or the mall carousel. Even sitting on the couch harmlessly watching TV can lead to motion sickness when the show has rapid and sudden movements.
Symptoms of motion sickness may include nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, increased saliva and sweating, fatigue, and dizziness. Before your kid plasters your leather seats with today’s breakfast, you’ll want to understand your treatment and prevention choices.
Motion Sickness Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Dimenhydrinate | Ginger |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Dramamine Chewable Tablets (50mg, orange) | New Chapter GingerForce |
| How it works | Dramamine is an antiemetic that reduces symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea. | Ginger is a natural antiemetic that helps curb symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea. |
| Dosage | Not for children under 2 years of age; children ages 2-6: 1⁄4-1⁄2 tablet every 6-8 hrs, not exceeding 11⁄2 tablets in 24 hrs; children ages 6-11: 1⁄2-1 tablet every 6-8 hrs, not exceeding 3 tablets in 24 hrs; children ages 12+: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hrs, not exceeding 8 tablets in 24 hrs. | Children old enough to swallow pills: 1 softgel daily, taken with food |
| Active Ingredients | Dimenhydrinate | Ginger hydroethanolic extract, ginger supercritical extract, rosemary supercritical extract |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Drowsiness;, dizziness, dry mouth, throat, or nose;, thickening mucus | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction, chest pain, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, wheezing, difficulty urinating, sore throat, decreased alertness | Rash due to allergic reaction, bloating, gas, heartburn, upset stomach |
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Science Says |
At the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology in Taipei, Taiwan, researchers studied the effects of ginger on motion sickness. They hypothesized that ginger ameliorates the nausea associated with motion sickness by preventing the development of gastric dysrhythmias. Researchers discovered that ginger prolonged the latency before nausea kicked in and also shortened recovery time after a motion sickness episode.
If your child can’t handle ginger in pill format, consider ginger tea or chewing on ginger candies such as GinGins to help reduce motion sickness symptoms. Homeopathic nux vomica or P6 acupressure may be helpful as well (see the next section on nausea/vomiting). Finally, teaching your child a distraction or relaxation strategy like guided imagery can be very productive.
With all this talk about motion sickness and IBS, I’m starting to feel queasy myself—but we’re not done yet. It’s time to delve into nausea and vomiting. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. In other words, you rarely see one without the other as nausea is a frequent precursor of vomiting. Symptoms that may be associated with nausea and vomiting include decreased appetite, chills, sweating, headache, or sluggishness.
Vomiting plays an important role in body functioning. It rids the body of unpleasant stomach contents and helps expel toxins that are making the body ill. Nausea and vomiting may be brought on by an illness (often caused by a virus or bacteria), medication, allergic reaction, food poisoning, motion sickness, stress, eating too much, or even more serious health conditions.
A medical professional should see children with nausea and vomiting if symptoms persist beyond several hours or if accompanied by dehydration, diarrhea, or high fever. Here are the treatment options to consider before this ailment escalates to something requiring medical attention.
Nausea/Vomiting Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
The Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care at the Chinese University of Hong Kong researched P6 wrist acupuncture effectiveness in postoperative nausea and vomiting (common complications after surgery and anesthesia). Nearly 5,000 participants were studied across 40 trials. Compared to a placebo treatment, those receiving acupoint stimulation showed significantly reduced nausea, vomiting, and need for rescue antiemetic medications. No serious adverse effects were noted.
Quelling the feeling of nausea can be accomplished in multiple ways. First, pressing a cold compress to the forehead helps soothe the body. In the drinkable department, peach syrup can ease nausea, as can water with grated ginger mixed in or tea with warm water and clove. Mind-body techniques like hypnosis have been found effective for children with nausea and vomiting postoperatively or from medications like chemotherapy.
When you think about the word recurrent and your kids, wouldn’t you love to hear phrases like “recurrent A+ in school” or “recurrent thank you” or “recurrent cleaning your room”? Unfortunately, many of those terms are better suited for the word intermittent. This section is about recurrent abdominal pain (or sometimes called functional abdominal pain), a specific type of bellyache with no single cause.
It’s often hard to pinpoint the cause of abdominal pain because this area houses the digestive system (including the appendix) and key organs such as the kidneys, bladder, and liver. In girls, the uterus and ovaries also take up space in the abdominal area.
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Parental Guidance |
| “My parents are Italian and a common stomach remedy in Italian households is fennel seed. I used to heat about 1⁄2 teaspoon of fennel seed in water for my daughter, strain it, and let her drink it slowly once it cooled. It was always good for infant gas, agita in older children and even nausea.” | |
| —Elise, mom to an 8-year-old girl |
Recurrent abdominal pain is a unique condition defined as frequent and recurrent episodes of abdominal pain occurring over a three-month period. Symptoms can vary and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, and often no physical cause is found. It is thought that these episodes can be aggravated by anxiety and may be accompanied by headache. Missed days of school can become problematic, so the more recurrent the abdominal pain for your child, the more important it becomes to consider one of the following treatment alternatives.
Recurrent Abdominal Pain Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
The Department of Pediatrics at St. Antonius Hospital in The Netherlands studied hypnotherapy for children with functional abdominal pain. In all, 53 pediatric patients between the ages of 8 and 18 were randomized to either receive six hypnotherapy sessions over a three-month period or standard medical care and six sessions of supportive therapy. Researchers concluded that hypnotherapy was much more effective than standard care in reducing abdominal pain. Even one year later, at follow-up, treatment was deemed successful in 85 percent of the hypnotherapy group and only 25 percent of the standard medical therapy group.
Other mind-body therapies, including yoga and meditation, may be helpful for recurrent abdominal pain. Massage and acupuncture have also been studied for this condition and help some children. Finally, probiotics also are worth trying to alleviate chronic, episodic abdominal pain.
Meditation is one technique used in mind-body medicine.
Have you ever wondered why certain smells remind you of certain people? Or a song will jog memories of a long-ago love? These connections between mind and body are incredibly powerful, triggering surges of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Welcome to the world of mind-body medicine, a recognized form of healing by the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Many cultures have developed practices that harness the power of the mind-body connection with the purpose of calming the mind to improve bodily functioning and promote overall health. Many of these practices have been studied and found to have measurable physiological effects.
You’ve probably heard about the well-chronicled connection between stress and sickness. Everything from inflammation to depressed immune systems and major depression has been linked to mental stress. Well, the field of mind-body medicine capitalizes on the opposite association. It’s based on the concept that positive emotions and thoughts can actually trigger beneficial physiological reactions.
It’s worth checking out the scope of mind-body medicine techniques to see what resonates with your child. Examples include yoga, meditation, music therapy, biofeedback, hypnosis, and guided imagery. Entire books have been written on each, so start with simple searches for these terms and see what feels like the right fit for your child.
The beauty of these therapies is that they promote self-care and build confidence in a child’s ability to heal himself. They are low-cost and portable, and children can develop mind-body stress coping skills to last them a lifetime.
Ultimately, it’s worth investigating mind-body medicine as a complementary treatment approach for many of the conditions covered in this book.