Constipation Possibly Alleviated with Probiotics

by | Feb 26, 2015 | Health Conditions, Probiotic Blog

Constipation is quite common among children. The signs that a child may be suffering from constipation vary. Symptoms include straining and pain when going to the toilet, abdominal pain, stomach aches, soiling, or diarrhea. Other problems include poor concentration, tiredness, bad breath, skin problems, muscle aches, and headaches. All come from the re-absorption of toxins coming from a constipated bowel.

Childhood constipation is typically treated with a combination of oral laxatives, a bowel diary and toilet training. Laxatives help soften the stools and put a stop to the cycle of defecation evasion. Individuals with constipation usually avoid defecating. This is due to the pain they feel whenever they go to the toilet. Only sixty percent of constipated children are able to have bowel regularity with laxatives. Other treatment options are, thus, required to deal with the problem.

Correcting constipation with regular probiotic use.

The use of probiotics for treating gastrointestinal problems with organics is currently gaining attention. These are live microbial food ingredients that are suggested to be effective in treating travelers’ diarrhea, constipation, and IBD. The colon’s peristalsis is influenced by the colonic microflora. Imbalance in the amount of colonic microflora is believed to be one of the causes of gastrointestinal problems like constipation. Probiotics like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria generate acetic, lactic, and other acids that help lower pH in the colon. Lower pH reduces colonic transit time and improves the colon’s peristalsis which can contribute to the treatment of constipation.

Several studies, particularly in adults, researched the effects of fecal incontinence probiotics. Probiotic strains like B. infantis and L. shirota have helped to soften stools. It can also increase the frequency of defecation in adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or constipation. In a study conducted at the Zanjan University of Medical Sciences the probiotic strain L. rhamnosus helped reduce abdominal pain. It also increased defecation occurrence.

The differences in probiotics used, strains and doses make it hard to interpret the result of these studies. Yet, there is enough evidence to warrant further evaluation of the effects of probiotics on constipation. Combining several strains of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria might help in treating childhood constipation.

Childhood constipation can affect a child’s digestion, weight, and everyday life. This makes it even more important to treat this problem and prevent it from recurring. If the constipation is hard to relieve and associated with a lot of blood or pain, see a health professional.

Talking to your child about the problems he might have may also help. Conveying concerns and getting reassurance will lessen the stress that may cause constipation. Introducing healthy probiotics like Probonix may also help create regularity in your child.


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About the Author

Dr. Shawn Benzinger, D.C., DABCO, FIAMA

Co-Founder, CEO | Dr. Benzinger is a certified Chiropractic Orthopedist, Acupuncturist, and Nutritionist with a passion to help people live healthier, self-sufficient lives. He has served as a national spokesperson and talk show host on areas relating to nutrition, chronic pain, and alternative health care for over 20 years. Dr. Benzinger regularly consults on musculo-skeletal and nutritional management for elite athletes across the country, and he has been working to help educate the Indianapolis community on nutrition and chronic pain for the last 36 years.