Eating a meal, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste – such basic functions and such an integral part of our lives! And yet who has not experienced the discomfort of a bloated stomach, indigestion or the sharp stabbing intestinal pains that quite take the pleasure out of everything else?! Children often experience one or more of the following digestive complaints, sometimes chronically so, causing pain, irritability, nutrient deficiencies, and can be disruptive to family life. 

Colic

Baby cries intensely for no apparent reason and may have a distended abdomen (hard, bloated stomach). Colic is thought to be caused by trapped gas, or abnormal intestinal bacteria that contributes to lactose/casein intolerance or gastric inflammation. Having ruled out other causes, a baby is usually considered to have colic if they cry intensely for more than 3 days a week, for 3 hours a day, for 3 weeks in a month.

Some simple home treatments for colic include gripe water (see article Using Herbs in the Home) and regular massage such as the Colic Routine taught in infant massage classes. 

Reflux

Reflux can be very visible projectile vomiting or it can be silent reflux manifesting as lower than average weight, arched back and crying, cough, wheeze, red inflamed oesophagus and aversion to bottle or certain foods. Reflux can be caused by a relaxed sphincter muscle that lets the stomach contents back up into the oesophagus (often this resolves within a few months as baby develops), by food allergies, intestinal infections or over acidity. 

To avoid aggravating reflux you can try positioning baby in a more upright position whilst feeding and for at least 15 minutes afterward. Tummy time may also help to ease reflux or if bottle feeding switching to a different formula as cows milk proteins and soy milk proteins may be the cause of a food intolerance. If symptoms continue seek professional advice and perhaps consider some gentle herbal treatments such as meadowsweet and slippery elm that will assist in lowering stomach acidity and toning muscle sphincters. 

Diarrhoea / Constipation

How often is “normal”? It is healthy for children to have one or more well formed bowel movements a day that they do not have to strain. To achieve this food choice is important – a good balance of fruits and vegetables and whole grains such as oats are important for providing enough the right types of fibre; plenty of water, exercise or for smaller children massage. Be aware that medications and antibiotics disrupt intestinal bacteria and can cause diarrhoea or constipation for even years afterwards if not balanced with probiotic foods. Food intolerances, perhaps to soy, cows milk or gluten may also cause diarrhoea or constipation.

 

Try this home tip for diarrhoea: peel and grate a green apple and leave it to stand until it goes brown, then eat. Allowing apples to stand brings out the pectin, which helps to bind loose bowel movements. The tannins in black tea have a similar effect.  

This is a brief description of some common childhood digestive complaints, if you suspect that your child is suffering from digestive disorders please seek a comprehensive assessment from a qualified practitioner.