Going #2. This is a subject that most people tend to shy away from. Not me! There are very few things that are TMI to me, and pooping is definitely not one of them. Everybody poops.
Pooping (or not pooping) is a fantastic indicator as to what’s going on inside our bodies. So let’s dive in. Let’s talk about what digestion is, why it’s important, and what your options are to improve it.
Simply put digestion is the breakdown of food so that our body can extract and absorb the nutrients it needs. With this process comes a waste product, aka poop. Poop should be medium to dark brown in color, soft but firm in texture (not hard), and should happen AT LEAST once a day. Now babies should be pooping 3-6 times a day (yup 3 to 6 times), and their poop may be slightly softer in texture. As babies our digestive system is still immature, and continues to develop until we are about 6 years old. Why is this important to know? Because proper digestion is what ensures nourishment to our brains and other body systems. Changes in frequency, color, texture, and smell are indicators that something isn’t working right. Sometimes along with those changes come symptoms like constipation, reflux/ indigestion, diarrhea, bloating, or colic.
So what do we do when these symptoms arise? Well, there are typically two options.
The first is to seek help from your medical doctor. This route typically includes medications like Miralax or ant-acids to reduce the unpleasant symptoms. These may be a good option for temporary relief but aren’t something that should necessarily be used long term.
The second is to seek nutritional help. This may include adding supplements/probiotics or eliminating foods like gluten, dairy, eggs, and/or nuts. Neither of these are bad options! They both may be very necessary and helpful.
But...
What caused these symptoms in the first place?
What caused us to have intolerances to certain foods?
What caused us to not be able to go to the bathroom regularly?
So I am going to give you another option… addressing the root cause with Chiropractic care!
Chiropractors look to the nervous system (which is housed within the spine) when problems arise. The nervous system is the master control system of the body, ie the “boss”. It is how the brain and body communicate with one another to ensure proper function of all our systems. If there is stress on the spine and nervous system, miscommunication between the brain and body can happen. So if the nerves that go to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and/or colon are interfered with, the digestive system may become compromised. Another very important, very specific nerve that can affect our ability to digest is the Vagus Nerve. This nerve is a direct communicator between the brain and the gut and is responsible for that “gut feeling” we get. And guess what?! Chiropractors can directly affect the nerves through specific adjustments! We remove the stress on the spine and nerves, restoring proper communication and function.
So when these symptoms arise, look to find the root cause. Put chiropractic at the top of your list!
Curious if this applies to you or your child?! Call/text/email me with any questions!