Natural Pediatrics

Constipation is a common problem in children, and one that can often be corrected at home. Common causes of constipation include lack of fiber in the diet, mild dehydration, pain with bowel movements, behavior, stress, and lack of physical activity. Certain medications and supplements may also cause constipation. The age of your child should help you determine which of the above causes is most likely. If constipation is a new problem for your child, your child is complaining of pain and has a distended abdomen or fever or it has been more than 4 days since having a bowel movement, your child should be seen by his or her healthcare provider.

Most of us have heard that restricting sugar can affect how a child behaves. Refined sugar and junk foods high in simple carbohydrates are known to cause sugar rushes and crashes (often playing out as hyperactivity followed by disagreeability in children). We also know that certain chemicals can directly impact brain chemistry–caffeine is an example of a stimulant that can cause jitters, anxiety, hyperactivity and insomnia. Processed foods, refined sugar, and artificial ingredients are often identified as problem foods, but what about foods we think of as healthy?