January 29th, 2025

Constipation is a common issue among children that can significantly impact their overall
well-being. Characterised by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, or hard and painful stools, constipation can lead to discomfort and even behavioural changes. There are many drivers of constipation, and the role of gut health is at the forefront of effects and causation as well as dietary factors can all play a role in the development of constipation.

There are several factors that can contribute to constipation in children.
A diet low in fibre can hinder regular bowel movements. Many children consume diets high in processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, leading to inadequate fibre intake. This goes hand in hand with insufficient fluid intake which can result in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Children may forget to drink water, especially when engaged in play or school activities.
A lack of physical activity can slow down digestion and contribute to constipation. Regular movement is essential for stimulating the digestive system.
Some children may avoid using the bathroom due to fear of pain from previous experiences, embarrassment, or distractions. This avoidance can lead to a cycle of constipation, as well as life changes, such as starting school, traveling, or changes in diet, can disrupt a child's regular bowel habits and lead to constipation.

Gut health plays a crucial role in preventing and managing constipation. The gut
microbiome, made up of trillions of bacteria, influences digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. A healthy and diverse microbiome can promote regular bowel movements and overall digestive health.
When constipation occurs, it may disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to
further digestive issues and impaired gut function. A healthy gut microbiome contains a diverse array of bacteria that can effectively ferment
dietary fibres. When the microbiome is imbalanced, there may be a decrease in beneficial
bacteria that break down fibre, leading to inadequate production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs help maintain gut motility and promote regular bowel movements.
Dysbiosis can affect the neural signalling pathways that regulate gut motility. An imbalance in gut bacteria may disrupt normal peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract), leading to slower transit times and increased stool hardness.
This imbalance can contribute to increased intestinal inflammation. This inflammation can affect gut function, impairing the gut lining and leading to issues such as increased
permeability (often referred to as 'leaky gut'), which can further exacerbate constipation and can lead to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria that produce toxins and metabolites, which may disrupt normal digestive processes and contribute to constipation. This can also lead to food sensitivities which further drive the condition.  

The gut microbiome communicates with the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis. Dysbiosis can affect mood and stress levels, which can in turn influence
gastrointestinal function and potentially lead to constipation.
The consequences of constipation in children can extend beyond discomfort and can have several negative impacts on the body:
Chronic constipation can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort, making it difficult for children to engage in daily activities. Persistent constipation can lead to a disrupted gut microbiome, increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, and even conditions like faecal impaction and faecal leakage.
The discomfort and pain associated with constipation can lead to irritability, anxiety, and
mood swings. Children may become less engaged in activities they typically enjoy and this
discomfort may interfere with sleep quality and duration which can lead to fatigue and
difficulty concentrating during the day.

Prolonged constipation can result in poor absorption of nutrients. When the digestive system is not functioning optimally, children may miss out on essential vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies seen on blood testing which can become chronic if the problem isn't dealt with and themselves lead on to further symptoms. Common examples of this can be iron or B12 which both influence energy and mood among other benefits. 
Children may begin to avoid social situations or outings due to fear of bowel discomfort or embarrassment about their condition, impacting their overall quality of life.
There are many ways we can support you and your child to help alleviate the symptoms of
constipation by getting to the route cause and supporting regular bowel movements with
natural and effective solutions. We also offer functional testing such as stool testing to
assess the microbiome, inflammation and digestion which can give us a good insight into
strategies to support your child's gut microbiome.

To learn more and to book a free discovery call with one of our clinical team, click here