Let me first start off by saying, I am here on this platform because what I have to say and educate about takes more than just a 30-90 second video and 1-3 sentence answer but I will say it is so helpful to have a notepad ready when you read, watch or listen to my publications. I am here showing you the puzzle pieces but it is up to you to piece them together for your own life and needs. Thank you for being here!
*this information is for educational purposes only.
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Do you have a child who has constipation? Do you have constipation? Then this article is for you!
Let’s first cover Miralax:
Miralax is Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG), it is a a synthetic, neutral, hydrophilic polymer-based laxative formula. It is used for occasional constipation but many pediatricians tell parents to give it to their child for years.
Safety studies following the biochemical and clinical profiles of children older than 2 years of age taking PEG 3350 for more than 3 months revealed no major adverse events or laboratory serum abnormalities- BUT….
WHY does the label say it is not recommended for children under 17 years old?
In 2009, however, the Drug Safety Oversight Board of the United States Food and Drug Administration published a summary of neuropsychiatric side effects that had been reported in children taking PEG for the treatment of constipation including seizures, tics, lethargy, aggression, tremors and obsessive-compulsive behaviors….Causative and correlative effects, however, are challenging to distinguish in patient cohorts.
If we want our children to have health then we have to resolve constipation naturally and use food and herbs as medicine to get us there. Herbs and Foods have much less or hardly any side effects when used in therapeutic doses and it also allows your child to learn their body and listen to their body—ultimately knowing how to heal and prevent disease for the rest of their lives.
Constipation does increase the risk of many other diseases including psychiatric disorders.
Let’s go over a few symptoms and side effects of constipation:
hard stools
“I feel like I can go but I cannot”
not having a bowel movement daily
not able to empty fully
straining
insomnia/restlessness
anxiety
depression
panic
PTSD
Suicidal ideations
OCD
It is clear that people who suffer from constipation have a higher rate of anxiety/mood disorders compared to the general population.
We are told as parents that the constipation is “idiopathic” but I am here to tell you the messages I have received in my research and life experiences. If you are told there is “no known factor” then this makes you further live in fear and doubt and leaves you helpless. But what if I told you that you have the capacity to help you and your child get results? You will feel empowered, hope will start to be restored especially since you have me showing you what used to be and now what is in my own life. YOU have so much more power than you have been lead to believe. I am going to share these natural protocols that I have used for myself and my daughter.
Emotional work and Lifestyle/Dietary changes will help reduce constipation. This loops back around to my work and talks about Nervous System healing- giving your child a 5-10 minute light massage, guided breathing will help restore nervous system function and help with stress levels ultimately helping with bowel elimination.
*If you need help with restoring your nervous system and need a myofascial release massage and release then look into booking an at home massage with one of our supporters: Erin Holsomback, you can find her here!
She is on a mission to help restore health in Louisiana and I am grateful to be a part of it!
Natural Remedies for Constipation
Have a Tea Party with your children
Let’s go over some gentle, fast and effective herbs and food to help you and your children get relief fast!
I’ll share a tea recipe at the end of this article :)
Nervine herbs that help with nervous system
Chamomile
Lemon Balm
Reishi (dual extracted tincture)
Mucilaginous/Vulnerary Herbs/Foods
Chamomile
Marshmallow root
Slippery Elm
Calendula
Oats (organic and prepared the right way)
Hibiscus
Flaxseed or Chia seed pudding
Okra
Irish Sea Moss
Seaweed
Ripe bananas
Figs
Foods to avoid when wanting to heal intestinal issues and overall wellbeing
wheat of any kind/gluten
processed foods and junk foods
alcohol consumption
smoking
limit dairy
foods high in glyphosate
Foods to enjoy in moderation
jasmine rice
organic oats
gluten free breads (sourdough)
legumes/lentils
Foods to enjoy
fruits
ripe bananas
pineapple
berries of all kinds
dragonfruit
cherries
avocado
easy to digest and pass fiber ( both soluble and insoluble fibers)
organic meats (no pork)
Letting your child be a part of cooking and preparing food keeps them interested and also makes them feel empowered so don’t mind the mess, let them be with you and create healing teas and meals.
What all I have shared with you is how I have help myself and my daughter with this very common but not normal issue. We all deserve to know these solutions.
Tea Recipe I have used for almost a decade with my daughters:
1 part Chamomile flowers
1 part Calendula
1 part Lemon Balm
1/2 part peppermint (optional)
Preparation:
Pour just boiled water over the herbs/flowers in a french press and let it steep for 10 minutes and drink it.
Pour cold water over the herbs/flowers in a french press and allow it to sit overnight to have a more medicinal tea that is a bit more concentrated. (do this cold brew to help decrease bitterness of the tea); you can then warm it in a pot to enjoy it warm.
I do suggest consuming warm or room temp tea not cold especially when you have constipation or slow motility.
Below I will share a chart from my Beginner’s Guide to Herbalism e-book that helps you determine what dosage to use for your child.
If this was valuable for you and you would like to help spread more health to families around our communities then please share this article with those who need it.
*Remember Rooted Aether is a reader-supported publication that is here to serve you and empower your health journey and practices. Your support means the world to this small town Louisiana woman xoSam.
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