Open Up the Proper Detox Pathways and Heal Eczema
Constipation and eczema are unfortunately, inextricably linked.
That’s because, when digestion is strained, regular bowel movements may not occur. This issue is closely connected to eczema because the condition often signals gut dysbiosis, where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones. As a result, nutritional deficiencies can arise since your child isn’t properly digesting or absorbing their food, and their detox pathways become compromised. Toxins that should be eliminated through normal channels are instead expelled through the skin, leading to eczema symptoms.
All that to say, if your child is presenting with eczema symptoms, we need to do something!
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
Autoimmunity, Eczema and Constipation
Four years ago, my sweet 3-month-old, who suffered from severe eczema, once went an entire week without a bowel movement. I had to use suppositories for two days just to get things moving again. After that, I relied on regular doses of herbal support. Unfortunately, my go-to product has been discontinued, so I’ve updated this part of the course with new recommendations for your child’s constipation because I know this is an issue many of you face.
My first three kids each struggled with constipation early on due to their autoimmune conditions, which severely compromised their digestive function. We’ve talked about how an inflammatory condition like eczema is the result of compromised gut health, and extra intervention is necessary to restore it. That’s the core of what we address in the Natural Eczema Solutions Course. We holistically reboot our children’s digestive systems, open up their proper detox pathways, and, as a result, heal their skin condition.
The eczema-healing diet, skincare and bathtime routines, environmental changes, and supplements are all aimed at restoring digestive and detox function and reducing the burden on their bodies. This allows your child to start absorbing nutrients from their food and live happy, healthy lives. Fixing your child’s gut health may seem like a big undertaking—and truthfully, it is. It requires dedication, intention, and a plan. You bring the dedication, and I’ll provide the plan, holding you to your intention with our coaching calls and helping you every step of the way. This approach will not only heal eczema now but also set your child up for a lifetime of health. Your child’s condition is the signal that it’s time to turn things around, and the good news is, you can!
“Children are born with underdeveloped digestive systems, lacking the ‘digestive fire’ to handle harder-to-digest foods. Whether they have eczema or are fully healthy, it’s crucial to prepare and combine their foods properly. These considerations are vital for supporting their digestion and overall health.“
-Andra McHugh
Meet Clare McMahon, Functional Nutritionist
Clare McMahon of Wholesome Pediatric Health and certified nutrition specialist came on the podcast to talk about eczema and constipation. Early in her practice, she realized that many of these conditions had unaddressed nutritional elements. This revelation led her to dive into the world of feeding therapy, where she found that expanding children’s diets was crucial, especially since many were picky eaters.
As Clare continued her work, she identified constipation as a significant factor contributing to picky eating, yet there was a lack of effective management strategies for this issue. This gap in care, coupled with parents’ desire for support beyond pharmaceuticals, prompted her to return to school to study human nutrition and functional medicine.
Clare believes that optimal digestion and nutritional intake are foundational for pediatric health. She observed that the healthcare system often overlooks these factors, and the available nutrition guidance is outdated and insufficient. She is convinced that improving nutrition can change families’ lives by helping children in the short term and preventing chronic diseases in the long term, as pediatric rates of such conditions are increasing.
Her personal experiences with the healthcare system further reinforced her perspective. She found that many medical interventions rely heavily on pharmaceuticals, which didn’t sit right with her. She wanted something more holistic for herself, her family, and her patients.
What Is The Source Of Your Child’s Constipation?
If a child is exhibiting a more severe case of eczema, it can be assumed that there may be a greater degree of dysbiosis. Functional testing, such as stool testing or organic acids tests, can provide key indicators of the types of bacteria that might be exacerbating the eczema or reveal an underlying infection. Some children might have bacterial or fungal infections, and these tests are recommended for a thorough assessment.
However, such extensive testing might not always be necessary. In our eczema-healing protocol we recommend waiting for testing until you’ve implemented all of these strategies for at least three months. Reviewing the child’s history is required for valuable insights. Parents often know their children best, so examining the timeline of eczema flare-ups can be revealing. For instance, was there a change in diet, such as the introduction of dairy or gluten, or were there several rounds of antibiotics around the time the eczema worsened? These can be key indicators.
A Child-Sized Digestive System
Children are more prone to constipation due to a general lack of awareness about their developing digestive systems. Like the rest of their bodies, their digestive systems are still maturing, requiring careful consideration of the foods being introduced and how their overall digestive health is managed.
While there is significant discussion about major allergens in children’s diets, there is less focus on foods that can exacerbate constipation due to their difficulty to digest. For instance, lentils are a common example that can cause constipation in young children because they are hard to break down. It’s often recommended that lentils be introduced closer to two years of age, yet this guideline isn’t widely discussed.
Understanding constipation involves recognizing its many triggers, including certain foods, pelvic floor issues, and nutritional deficiencies. Appreciating these factors helps explain why children, with their more fragile and developing digestive systems, are more susceptible to dysbiosis and food sensitivities, leading to constipation.
Children’s Gut Health
A child’s digestive system may not fully develop until around three to five years of age, making them more prone to issues like constipation. When constipation occurs, it’s easy to worry that something serious is wrong. However, it often involves simple factors that need adjustment to promote regular bowel movements.
Rather than immediately suspecting a bacterial or fungal infection, it can be helpful to review the child’s history to identify potential causes such as food sensitivities or potty training habits. Recognizing these patterns can help piece together the factors contributing to constipation, making it easier to address and resolve the issue.
Constipation Remedies for Children
For children under one year of age, constipation can often be traced to a couple of key factors. If constipation is present from birth, it may indicate a dysbiosis issue. Another common cause is the introduction of solid foods, which can lead to harder stools due to increased liquid absorption in the colon. When solids are introduced, the colon may not have enough liquid to help the stool pass through easily, making it harder for the child.
Different treatment approaches are needed for each situation. For a child with dysbiosis, options include functional testing or using herbal supports, prebiotics, and probiotics specifically aimed at relieving constipation. In cases where constipation is related to the introduction of solids, it’s important to be mindful of the foods being introduced. Hard-to-digest foods or an overzealous approach to starting solids can contribute to constipation. In such cases, slowing the introduction of new foods and ensuring the child is adequately hydrated can help manage symptoms.
It’s also important to consider dehydration, as it may accompany constipation. Potty training can further complicate constipation issues in this age group. Additionally, food sensitivities may emerge as the child’s digestive system continues to develop. Introducing certain foods too early can trigger immune reactions that contribute to constipation.
Herbal Support for Child Constipation
Bio Ray Pooper and Herb Farm Tummy TLC are effective options for addressing child constipation. If this is an issue for you, give one of these to them for a short while they are healing. Approximately a week. We go over a constipation protocol within the Natural Eczema Solutions Course. These herbs can be helpful in getting things moving, especially when immediate relief is needed.
Pelvic Floor and Constipation
When addressing constipation, Clare suggests focusing on several areas, particularly the pelvic floor. For infants, certain positions like knees-to-chest can help align the pelvic floor and anal rectal angle, making it easier for them to pass stool. As children grow older, especially during potty training, proper positioning techniques, such as keeping knees above hips, become essential for pain-free bowel movements. Tools like potty training supports or a squatty potty can aid in this process.
Clare also recommends natural methods to stimulate bowel movements, such as cupping, massage techniques, and physical activities that activate abdominal muscles. These methods can trigger the defecation and gastrocolic reflexes, promoting natural bowel movements without reliance on medications like Miralax.
In addition to diet, Clare emphasizes the significant role the pelvic floor plays in managing constipation, especially for children who are stool withholders—those who voluntarily contract their pelvic floor to avoid bowel movements due to fear. This behavior is common during potty training or at school.
Each child’s needs vary, and while some may primarily require dietary adjustments, others might benefit more from pelvic floor-focused strategies. Often, a combination of addressing both dietary and pelvic floor issues can effectively resolve constipation, as it involves piecing together multiple aspects of the child’s overall health and development.
How To Safeguard Your Child Against Chronic Disease
Clare emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than just masking symptoms. In cases of eczema, using topical steroids may only provide temporary relief without addressing the root cause. Similarly, for constipation, relying on Miralax can mask the problem, potentially leading to more significant issues if not properly addressed. This is why Clare is passionate about early intervention.
When a child deviates from their baseline—whether it’s through inflammatory skin conditions, irregular bowel movements, or increased hyperactivity—it’s crucial to understand what the body is signaling. Clare believes that rather than resorting to pharmaceuticals, we should focus on the body’s basic needs and listen to the signals it provides.
At times, anxiety about symptoms can cloud judgment. Clare suggests reframing these symptoms as valuable indicators that something needs attention. This perspective encourages mothers to dig deeper and ensure foundational health aspects are addressed. Early intervention not only treats current issues but also prevents them from developing into chronic conditions.
In Clare’s experience, long-term use of treatments like Miralax without addressing underlying causes can lead to more serious conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, later in life. She stresses that parents know their children best and should trust their instincts when they notice deviations from their child’s normal health.
Early Intervention For Best Results
While this approach may be time-consuming, Clare believes it pays off in the long run, reducing stress and preventing feelings of hopelessness when navigating the healthcare system. Early intervention and a deeper understanding of a child’s health can save considerable effort and ensure better outcomes for their future.
Next Steps for Overwhelmed and Concerned Parents
I saw something online recently about how eating in 2024 is confusing because everyone has different opinions on what foods are good or bad. Parents are constantly bombarded with information, which can be stressful. Clare’s idea of finding trusted sources and making simple, small changes really resonates with me.
Instead of feeling pressured to overhaul everything at once, focus on small swaps. For instance, replace enriched flour pasta with brown rice pasta. Eat simple, fresh foods like in-season fruit and veggies. These small changes can add up significantly over time.
Finding and trusting a few reliable sources can help streamline the process and make it less overwhelming. Parents have the power to create a healing environment for their kids through these manageable adjustments.
It’s true that you have the power to shape your home environment, making it either healing or triggering based on your child’s needs! For more information on creating the conditions for vibrant, healthy kids check out; Safe and Non-Toxic Home Materials for Kids, The Most Nutritious Foods For Your Kids and Eczema and Gut Health from a Functional Medicine Prospective.
FAQ
Why is my baby so constipated? I’ve tried everything!
Constipation in children under one year often stems from two primary factors. First, dysbiosis, which can be indicated if the constipation has been present since birth. Second, starting solids can lead to constipation as solid foods absorb more liquid in the colon, making stool harder to pass. You can manage and reverse these conditions inside the Natural Eczema Solutions Course.
What are some eczema-safe herbal supports for child constipation?
Two notable herbal supports for child constipation include Bio Ray Pooper and Herb Farm Tummy TLC. These can be helpful in managing acute constipation issues, but they shouldn’t be relied upon daily. They are particularly useful during periods when parents are identifying and addressing the underlying causes of constipation. An entire eczema-safe diet and supplement schedule is included in the Natural Eczema Solutions Course!
