Holistic Approach For Constipation
/As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your child suffer from chronic constipation. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, constipation affects up to 30% of children worldwide resulting in many pediatricians turning to Miralax as a first-line treatment.
Miralax passes through the digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed. It works by osmosis, meaning it pulls water into the bowel from surrounding tissues, increasing the water content of the stool. This increased water content, softens the stool and promotes more frequent and easier bowel movements. In a healthy digestive system, the bowel maintains a balance of water absorption and stool consistency through a complex interplay of nerve signals, muscle contractions, and fluid exchange. When Miralax is used, it artificially alters this balance, potentially leading to side effects and dependence on the medication.
The FDA has not approved Miralax for use in children under 17 years old and using it in this age group is considered an “off-label” use. They received numerous reports of adverse events in children who have used Miralax, including neuropsychiatric side effects such as anxiety, aggression, and paranoia. The most common side effects include: bloating, gas, nausea, abdominal cramping, allergic reactions, and diarrhea.
The traditional medical approach often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause of constipation. This approach fails to recognize that chronic constipation is often a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body, such as a disruption in the gut-brain axis or nervous system dysregulation. By relying solely on medication to treat constipation, we may be masking important warning signs and allowing the underlying dysfunction to persist or worsen over time.
It’s important to recognize that digestive health is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach. In addition to chiropractic care, factors such as diet, hydration, exercise, and stress management all play a role in promoting healthy bowel function.
HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP?
We understand the frustration and helplessness that parents feel when their child is struggling with chronic constipation. That’s why we use a unique approach to pediatric digestive health that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying neurological dysfunction that contributes to constipation and other digestive disorders.
By performing neurologically specific adjustments that reduce stress and tension on the sympathetic nervous system, as well as stimulate and activate the vagus nerve and parasympathetic functions, we often notice clinically that one of the first vital health functions to improve is digestive motility.
Using cutting-edge technology called INSiGHT Scans to provide a detailed picture of a child’s nervous system function, we can pinpoint the exact areas that need attention and create a customized care plan.
