“There are multiple complementary therapies that have been used for common urinary ailments. Fluids, good voiding patterns, treating underlying constipation, probiotics, mind-body therapies (such as hypnosis, guided imagery, and biofeedback), and some nutritional supplements (cranberry and blueberry extracts in particular) have been shown to be beneficial.”
Arms and legs get so much publicity. Must be their abilities to wave, shake hands, jump, do splits, and climb. The midsection keeps it all together yet gets little fanfare. All of that changes when the ailments presented in this chapter surface. Everything from bed-wetting and kidney stones to menstrual cramps and urinary tract infections can grind jumping and splits to a halt.
If your child has one of these midsection maladies, you’ll want to read this section closely to understand the conventional remedies and treatment alternatives available. You’ll also be surprised to find out some unexpected ailments, such as kidney stones, are creeping into the toddler years.
Ultimately, let’s work together in this chapter to get arms and legs back in the limelight. We want your kid’s childhood defined by running, jumping, and clapping, not midsection maladies. Here’s to a healthy midsection, free of ailments, keeping a low profile.
Every Wednesday morning, you religiously change the bed sheets in your child’s bedroom. You’ve got a routine down. First it’s breakfast for the little one, then it’s playtime while you make the quick sheet swap. Unfortunately, something has disrupted your weekly routine. Bed-wetting has turned a weekly chore into a daily one. You’re running out of clean bed sheets—and patience, too.
Transitioning from diapers to underwear takes time. That’s why several successful books have been written on potty training. While accidents can happen anytime, it’s the nighttime that’s trickier. You can’t exactly tell your sleeping toddler to let you know when something is coming.
Bed-wetting can also go beyond just potty training. Emotional or physical stress, environmental changes (e.g., a new house), or even bladder infections can all lead to bed-wetting. Some researchers even believe it’s hereditary—not that you’ll be anxious to ask your spouse if he was a bed-wetter! Additionally, temporary bed-wetting may occur when your child is fighting off illness like the common cold.
The good news is that most kids outgrow bed-wetting as they gain better control over their bladders. However, if you can’t wait for your little one’s bladder to get trained, check out these treatment alternatives. Your bed sheets will thank you for the effort.
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In 1985, SD Edwards and HI van der Spuy published some of the earliest trials on the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating bed-wetting. In their research, 48 boys, ages 8 to 13, were studied over six months. With one-hour weekly sessions, test subjects showed significant decreases in bed-wetting episodes compared to a control group. Another study from India found hypnotherapy more effective than a prescription drug (imipramine) to treat nocturnal enuresis (nighttime wetting) over a nine-month period.
Bed-wetting Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Desmopressin | Hypnosis |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | DDAVP | N/A |
| How it works | DDVAP acts as a hormone and helps decrease thirst and keep bed-wetting to a minimum by controlling the production of urine. | Hypnosis helps discourage bed-wetting by placing the body in a relaxed state and suggesting an alternate behavior, such as responding to a full bladder while asleep the same way one would respond to a full bladder while awake. |
| Dosage | Dosage is determined by a doctor based on age and weight; common dose is one pill daily before bed. | Hypnosis sessions should be determined by a practitioner. Duration of treatment is based upon the individual. |
| Active Ingredients | Desmopressin acetate | N/A |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Diarrhea, changes in thought process | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, irritability, fatigue, hallucinations, restlessness, weight gain, weakness, decreased appetite, allergic reaction | None |
Many parents institute a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom to reduce bed-wetting during potty training. Sure, it’s a little lost sleep for parent and child, but you make up the time not having to change the sheets the next morning. Limiting fluids after dinner is another time-tested approach. Alternatively, you can have your child wear a pad with built-in alarm sensors. The sensors emit a noise or vibration whenever wetness is detected. This can help your little one become aware of an impending accident. Finally, Blue Poppy’s Dry Nites is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that may treat bed-wetting by correcting, as the manufacturer notes, “a combination of lung, spleen, and kidney qi vacuity which is the most commonly seen pattern of pediatric bed-wetting.” Qi is defined in Chinese medicine as a form of energy or life-force that flows in and out of us. Treatments in Chinese medicines, including herbals, acupuncture, and massage, can be directed at increasing or decreasing the flow of qi along meridians (for more information on acupuncture, see Chapter 12).
The Rolling Stones made “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” famous. Perhaps this song should have instead been associated with kidney stones. Stemming from an imbalance in urine mineral concentration, kidney stones range from somewhat painful to worst-pain-in-your-life painful.
Your child’s urine normally contains water, minerals, and acids, among other components. When the balance is off, crystals may form and turn into kidney stones. In many cases, these crystals—particularly when small in size—are passed harmlessly during urination. Larger stones may require medical attention.
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Kidney stones are on the rise in kids. The two biggest risk factors are not drinking enough fluids and eating too much salt. Both increase the amount of calcium and oxalate in the urine that bind together into kidney stones. In fact, more than half of all pediatric kidney stone cases can be tied back to oxalate binding to calcium in the urine.
While many kidney stones can be attributed to changing calcium levels in the urine, this is not the only cause. Dehydration and urinary tract infections can lead to kidney stones, too.
The most common kidney stone symptoms include pain when urinating; brown or pink urine; frequent urination urges; and pain in the lower back, groin, or abdomen. Blood may also appear in the urine. Regardless of the cause or specific symptoms, you’ll want to learn about your treatment options.
Kidney Stones Side-by-Side Comparison
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Researchers at Unita Complessa di Urologia in Treviso, Italy, studied urinary alkalization as it relates to kidney stone formation. Scientists determined three major factors that impact the likelihood of developing kidney stones—the excretion of uric acid, the volume of urine in relation to uric acid concentration, and low urinary pH. Of the three, urinary pH is the most important factor for stone formation. Lemon juice has been shown to help increase urinary pH, thereby decreasing the likelihood of stones while also helping to dissolve existing stones.
Diet plays a key role in limiting stones or keeping them at bay entirely. Different types of stones—uric acid, calcium oxalate, etc.—respond to different dietary restrictions. Above all else, fluids are key. Drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day deters kidney stones from forming. If stones still develop, consider a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice together to help dissolve or pass a kidney stone. Eating black cherries or drinking cherry juice has been helpful to prevent the development of some kinds of kidney stones.
Parents worry about everything when it comes to their kids’ private parts. Often it’s focused on diaper rash and stool irregularities. Sometimes the ailment of concern—for girls—is a labial adhesion.
This condition, which affects up to 2 percent of young girls, occurs when the two inner lips of the vagina merge together. The adhesion may be partial, impacting only a portion of the labia minora. In more severe cases, the entire length of the labia minora can adhere together.
Labial adhesions are thought to be caused by new tissue growth that inadvertently fuses together the vagina’s inner lips. This new tissue that forms may be the result of skin healing from inflammation or irritation (e.g., after a soiled diaper). Additionally, low levels of estrogen may cause the labia minora to adhere together.
When suffering a labial adhesion, your daughter may experience difficulty urinating and pain when the legs are spread for a diaper change. A bladder or urinary tract infection may also develop from an adhesion if the urine is not able to properly pass through the urethra. Here are the conventional remedies and treatment alternatives available.
Labial Adhesions Side-by-Side Comparison
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According to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, animal-based studies have shown that topical application of calendula extracts help reduce inflammation. This holds true in a wide variety of skin irritations including sunburn, eczema, and psoriasis. Further, the Natural Comprehensive Medicines Database notes that the anti-inflammatory properties of calendula stem from the presence of faradiol esters in the flowers.
In minor cases, labial adhesions will typically resolve with no treatment whatsoever. Typically, this ailment will rarely go beyond toddler years. If the condition persists or is bothersome, another treatment alternative is the topical application of coconut oil or flaxseed oil to help lubricate the tissue in the labial region.
We’re midway through the book and have finally arrived at an ailment parents of young children (or boys only) may skip. Sure, you can read about menstrual cramps if you’re eager for foreshadowing on future ailments. I’m guessing you have enough to worry about just chasing your toddler and keeping her fingers out of sockets.
Menstrual cramps, technically called dysmenorrhea, are crampy pains that coincide with female menstruation. Pain can vary from slight to debilitating and usually affects the lower back, stomach, and pelvic area.
The cramps stem from muscle contractions assisting in the monthly shedding of the inner lining of the uterus. The cramps felt are actually uterine contractions, usually—but not always—much milder than those felt at childbirth.
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Over the course of her lifetime, the average woman will spend approximately 3,500 days menstruating. This time period ends with menopause. Human females are not the only mammals that make the transition; both elephants and humpback whales also undergo menopause.
Beyond midsection pain, the most common symptoms accompanying menstrual cramps include headache, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. These symptoms are usually confined to the first few days of menstruation. The following treatment options may help your teenage daughter cope with the symptoms.
Menstrual Cramps Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Naprosyn | Vitamin B1 |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Anaprox | BlueBonnet Vitamin B1 |
| How it works | Anaprox helps relieve pain and tenderness caused by menstrual cramps for those with extreme pain during the menstrual cycle. | Vitamin B1 helps provide significant relief of menstrual symptoms such as cramping when taken in supplement form. |
| Dosage | Dosage must be determined by a medical professional based on age, weight, and severity of menstrual cramps. | Take one capsule daily as directed by a doctor. |
| Active Ingredients | Naproxen sodium | Vitamin B1 (thiamine) |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, constipation, itching, bloating, shortness of breath | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction, shortness of breath, chest pain, slurred speech, internal bleeding, bloody nose, vomiting that contains blood, bloody stools, kidney failure, liver damage | None |
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Researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National Women’s Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, studied both herbal and dietary therapies for menstrual cramps. In various studies, the lead researchers found both vitamin B1 and magnesium to be promising treatments for dysmenorrhea. The recommended dosage for vitamin B1 is 100mg daily. More research is needed to determine the best daily dosage for magnesium.
Aviva Romm, MD (also a noted herbalist and midwife; www.avivaromm.com), suggests a combination of herbal liquid extracts containing equal parts of the herbs cramp bark and ginger root to treat menstrual cramps. Take 2-3 mL (about 1⁄2 measured teaspoon) every 2-4 hours during cramps. The “cramp bark” relaxes the cramps as does ginger while also acting as a mild anti-inflammatory.
Limiting caffeine can also provide menstrual cramp relief, as can replacing caffeinated drinks with raspberry or chamomile tea to soothe the uterine nervous system. Taking fish oil supplements may also reduce cramping by decreasing bodily levels of prostaglandin, a hormone that is partially responsible for cramps. In more severe cases, consider acupuncture or acupressure, particularly focused on a specific acupoint on the inner ankle. This spot, known as “Spleen 6,” is thought to reduce menstrual cramping sensations.
Earlier in this chapter, we covered how labial adhesions may lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Whether caused by adhesions or other factors, urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract, contaminating a previously sterile part of the body. Starting at the urethra, the infection can travel up the urinary tract past the bladder and up to the kidneys if left untreated.
Beyond labial adhesions, urinary tract infections may be associated with poor toileting hygiene and improper cleaning after urination or bowel movements. Younger children are susceptible to urinary tract infections because they may not wipe properly after going to the bathroom. Some babies are born with vesicoureteral reflux, meaning regurgitation of urine back up the ureters to the kidney during voiding; this condition may predispose these babies to urinary tract infections.
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Most folks associate urinary tract infections with girls. By the age of 5, approximately 8 percent of girls have had at least 1 UTI. However, boys may experience the ailment, too, as 1 to 2 percent of boys under 5 have also had at least 1 UTI. While relatively rare in boys without urinary reflux, UTIs may be somewhat more common in uncircumcised boys.
Diabetic children, those with kidney problems, and kids with poorly functioning bladders are at higher risk for urinary tract infections. Common symptoms include pain when urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and frequent urge to urinate. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. While some UTIs are viral, bacterial UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. The following conventional remedies and alternatives represent prevention strategies for your consideration.
Urinary Tract Infections Side-by-Side Comparison
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Researchers at the Department of Pediatrics at Catholic University in Rome, Italy, studied the effectiveness of cranberry juice in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections. In the study, 84 girls between the ages of 3 and 14 were randomized to receive either cranberry juice, Lactobacillus (a friendly bacteria), or a placebo. Data from the study suggests that daily consumption of cranberry juice significantly prevents recurrence of urinary tract infections in children and was far more effective than placebo or Lactobacillus.
In terms of natural supplements, consider D-Mannose (found naturally in cranberries, other fruits, and some plants) to prevent urinary tract infections. Like cranberry, it promotes a healthy urinary tract by interfering with bacterial attachment in the urinary tract. Uva ursi, known as bearberry, is an herb used to treat urinary tract infections with its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, Echinacea, taken in either pill or tea form, is another herb that may fight or prevent bacterial UTIs.
Cranberries have earned their superfood status.
We’ve already seen the positive effects of cranberry with respect to urinary tract infections. It turns out cranberries are considered a superfood with tremendous antioxidant properties to decrease inflammation in a host of ailments.
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that aid in preventing the adhesion of certain bacteria, including E. coli, which is commonly associated with urinary tract infections. The anti-adhesion properties of cranberry also inhibit other bacteria, particularly those associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.
The benefits don’t stop there; recent research also shows that cranberries contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. Right up there with açai berry and pomegranate, cranberry absolutely deserves to be crowned a superfood.
Of note, drinking more cranberry juice may not be particularly healthful due to higher sugar concentrations. Instead, focus on high-quality cranberry extracts either in capsule or concentrated liquid forms. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water and doesn’t resist the urge to pee.