Children experience no shortage of abdominal pain. Many children between the ages of four and ten may experience regular stomach aches caused by a variety of causes, ranging from digestive complaints and food allergies to sensitivity to stress, fatigue and even growing pains. .
When it comes to helping children relieve their stomach upset, it can be difficult to get direct answers out of them. They are not always adept at describing exactly where their symptoms come from or how they really feel. As a parent you want to support them effectively, without making the situation worse. The following natural remedies are great ways to soothe an upset stomach in children.
Ginger
Ginger has been trusted for thousands of years to soothe nausea. Modern research also supports it as an effective way to relieve stomach upset. It is generally considered safe and can be eaten in the form of food, tea, or supplements. For children, the best way to use ginger for fast-acting nausea relief is in the form of a tincture, combined with other beneficial and soothing herbs, such as fennel and peppermint. Digestive Rescue GI Normalizer for Kids is an herbal blend specifically designed for children who need an occasional soothing agent for stomach upset.
Probiotics
Sometimes children experience ‘stomach upset’ that is actually in the intestines. It can be the result of constipation, diarrhea, or problems digesting food properly. This may be a result of the fact that more good bacteria are needed in the intestines. The human microbiome changes in response to environment, diet and lifestyle. When diets contain too many refined or processed foods, the bacteria that live in the intestines change. Fiber, fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats, are all necessary to support a diverse and healthy microbiome.
Most children are not fond of eating fermented foods, and even the types of yogurt that children typically eat have too much sugar to be really helpful. Adding a daily probiotic to your child’s diet can help restore good gut bacteria and address regular stomach upset, such as constipation and slow movement of food through the intestines.
There are many probiotic varieties available, but make sure you read the ‘inactive ingredients’ and avoid ingredients that contain fillers, flavors or sugar. Choose one that is specifically labeled for children. They are often available in powder, chewable tablet or capsule form, but most capsules can be broken open to add to juice, water or applesauce.
Fiber
Likewise, if children often experience constipation or diarrhea, an imbalance of fiber in their diet may be the cause. Suddenly increasing fiber intake can also make it worse, so it should be a gradual change over a few weeks. The best way to boost children’s fiber intake is to eat more fruit and vegetables. If that’s not enough, psyllium husk can be a good way to increase their fiber intake. Some supplements are made for children, but adult versions can also be used, if you adjust the dose.
Talk to their pediatrician about the right dose. You can also take the recommended adult portion and divide it by eight to start, and slowly work your way up to a quarter or a half dose, depending on the child’s age. Fiber supplements are usually in powder form and can be added to smoothies, stirred into applesauce or mixed with juice.
Water
If your child often complains of not feeling well or has stomach problems, pay special attention to regular water intake. Most children do not drink enough water every day. Although the amount they need varies greatly depending on age and weight, getting a personal recommendation from their pediatrician is the best way to start. If kids have trouble drinking water because they don’t like it, try buying them a fun new water bottle or infusing water with fruit to boost the taste.
Chamomile
Chamomile, another herbal remedy that has been trusted for thousands of years, is soothing for children who suffer from stomach upset due to stress or general stomach upset. Chamomile helps relax stomach muscles and reduces spasms, which can provide relief. If your child doesn’t like the taste of chamomile tea, consider adding a little honey to taste, or combine it with another liquid he or she does like, such as peppermint tea. You can even water it down and let them drink it over the course of a few hours so the taste isn’t as strong.
The bottom line
Although these natural remedies are all safe and effective for children, if your child repeatedly complains of the same or worsening problems, it is important to make sure your pediatrician evaluates them. Children can develop food allergies or other conditions that can lead to digestive or intestinal problems. These are best addressed as early as possible.
Writer Aimee McNew has a master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and is also a Certified Practitioner of Nutrition Therapy (CNTP).
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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