Common Gastrointestinal Signs and Symptoms
Understanding your child’s digestive health is crucial, as it provides insights into their overall well-being. Symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, and constipation are not just isolated issues; they often reflect the state of the gut microbiome which has an impact on your little one's entire health. These gastrointestinal signs and symptoms is your child's body telling you they need extra support!
1. Abdominal Pain
- Generalised or localised pain, often around the navel or lower abdomen.
- Can be after a meal or before a bowel movement
- May be random or persistent.
- Can be a sign of bacterial overgrowths, parasites, worms or anxiety in children. If your child has these signs its time to use BB Kids Eliminate to eradicate!
2. Bloating and Gas
- Excessive gas production due to microbial imbalance.
- More noticeable after meals, particularly after consuming sugar or
fermentable carbohydrates. - May be caused by excessive fermentation of food by harmful bacteria, fungi or parasites.
3. Diarrhoea
- Loose, watery stools typically due to inflammation of the intestines which can be an outcome of residing bacterial overgrowths.
- Can contain mucus or be greasy (steatorrhea), especially in Giardia
infections. - Loose, frequent stools due to inflammation or toxin production by pathogenic microbes (e.g., Clostridium difficile infection).
4. Constipation
- Some worms (like roundworms) can cause intestinal blockages, leading to constipation.
- Some pathogenic bacteria produce methane gas, which slows intestinal motility.
- Fungal overgrowth, such as Candida, may contribute to sluggish bowel movements.
- Constipation can also be due to lack of fibre intake in your child's diet
5. Nausea and Vomiting
- Common in pathogenic infections.
- Can be caused by bacterial infections (e.g. dientamoeba fragilis), which affects stomach lining and digestion.
6. Mucus or Blood in Stools
- This can be a sign of intestinal irritation or infection.
- Common in bacterial infections or inflammatory conditions linked to dysbiosis.
- Some parasites cause inflammation and ulceration in the intestines, leading to visible mucus or blood.
- Common in infections with Entamoeba or hookworms.
7. Increased Hunger or Loss of Appetite
- Some parasites interfere with nutrient absorption, causing fluctuations in hunger levels.
- Chronic gut infections or dysbiosis can lead to nutrient malabsorption, reducing a child’s appetite and growth.
8. Foul-Smelling Stools
- Pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria can alter stool composition, leading to stronger odors.
- Malabsorption of fats (steatorrhea) due to microbial overgrowth can cause greasy stools.
9. Food Intolerances and Sensitivities
- Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) due to microbial imbalances may lead to new food sensitivities, particularly to dairy, gluten, or carbohydrates.
10. Reflux or Heartburn
- Often linked to an overgrowth of H. pylori or low stomach acid, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive.
What Is the Microbiome?
The microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit various parts of the human body, with the gut being a primary residence. These microorganisms out number human cells by 10 to 1 and play essential roles in digestion, absorption of nutrients, immune system health, neurodevelopment, and even influence mood and cognitive functions. In children, a healthy microbiome is essential for proper growth and development.
The Link Between Digestive Symptoms and the Microbiome
Digestive symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, and constipation can be indicators of an imbalanced gut microbiome. Imbalances to the microbiome drive many presentations we see in the clinic including behavioural issues, recurrent illnesses and even eczema. Imbalances in good bacteria impacts neurotransmitter synthesis which impacts children's moods, sleep and learning!
Recurrent illnesses are impacted by our microbiome diversity; overgrowths of pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella and candida disrupts immune signalling and trigger low grade inflammation from toxins they release which distracts the immune system from fighting off real threats; leaving your kid sick recurrently. BB Kids Eliminate has proven ingredients to support the elimination of these bacterial overgrowths. The secretory IgA (a cell in the stomach) is a line of defence in the stomach clears out invading pathogens and when the secretory IgA cells become damaged (leaky gut) it impacts their ability to clear other viruses increasing your child's risk of becoming sick recurrently.
How Does the Microbiome Influence Our Child’s Life?
A diverse and healthy microbiome is a key aspect in setting up our children for long term health. The microbiome plays a role in tagging invaders and regulates immune system function by modifying t-cells appropriately. Emerging research demonstrates that neurotransmitter production including serotonin and GABA (these are neurotransmitters that calms the nervous system) is produced by good bacteria and thus dysbiosis increases the risk of anxiety, depression and mood disorders in children. BB Kids Repair is a prebiotic and probiotic blend which supports good bacteria colonisation. Beneficial microbiome also aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, ensuring children receive the essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal growth.
NIH Study
Standorf Medicine Article
NIH Study
What Is Our Microbiome Linked To?
The microbiome’s influence extends beyond digestion. Dysbiosis of the gut may play a role in:
- Metabolic Health: An imbalanced microbiome has been linked to obesity and metabolic disorders.
- Allergies and Asthma: Early microbial exposures can impact the development of allergic diseases and asthma in children.
- Neurodevelopment: The gut-brain axis signifies a connection between the gut microbiome and brain development, affecting mood and cognitive functions.
JCEM Article
NIH Literature Review
NIH Study
Tips to Create a Healthy Microbiome in Children
Promoting a balanced microbiome with diet and lifestyle choices:
- Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to provide necessary fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
- Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, which introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut.
- Regular exposure to natural environments can enhance microbial diversity, benefiting gut health.
- Use antibiotics only when necessary, as they can disrupt the gut microbiome.
- Encourage regular exercise, which has been linked to a more diverse gut microbiome.
- Work with a qualified Naturopath to address the root cause of your child's digestive symptoms.
By understanding and nurturing your child’s microbiome, you can address digestive issues and support their overall health and development.