Dr. Richa summarizes a mindful approach to making bowel habits a part of everyday life, despite living in today's busy world. She summarizes her top tips for parents to contemplate and discuss to optimize their child's (and their family's) bowel health, one SMART goal at a time.

FREE RESOURCE when you join our newsletter: https://parentingisalifestyle.com/parenting-is-a-lifestyle-podcast

More info on our website: www.parentingisalifestyle.com

Disclaimer: the contents of this podcast is intended for information purposes only, and is not medical advice. Speak to your own child's doctor for medical advice.

During this episode, Dr. Richa discusses some common misconceptions about functional constipation. She also shares tips to prevent and manage constipation in kids, to encourage you to be mindful about how your daily habits influence your bowel function.

Gut health is related to overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, Dr. Richa shares how your routine, your fiber and fluid intake, your sleep and many other factors can influence your child's gut and overall health.

2024 Study on the relationship between ultraprocessed food intake and constipation: https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(24)00448-8/fulltext

2024 Systematic review on the relationship between physical activity and constipation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11583288/

More on the gastrocolic reflex: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31751078/

Sleep and GI tract function and constipation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6533073/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38821029/

Intuitive eating: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39554935/

www.parentingisalifestyle.com - join our newsletter where we cover more evidence based strategies to optimize child health and wellbeing, right from the start (and it's never too late!).

Disclaimer: This podcast and its contents are intended for information purposes only. This is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your child's doctor and your own doctor for medical advice.

In the first part of this 3 part series, Dr. Richa discusses that functional constipation, which is constipation when other medical causes have been ruled out, is very common in kids. She shares some important concepts for parents to understand WHY constipation happens in kids and some signs to look out for. When parents understand why constipation occurs, they can be mindful about strategies in their day to day that can prevent and enhance the treatment of constipation.

Constipation is not just a sign to check in, it's also an opportunity to optimize your health and wellbeing. What's good for your gut is good for your health!

Part 2 will discuss some myths and parenting and lifestyle strategies to optimize constipation prevention and management for kids (and the family!).

Join our newsletter to stay up to date and learn more about our programs.

Disclaimer: the information presented in this podcast is intended as general information and addresses a broad audience. This is not medical advice. Please discuss with your child's doctor for specific medical advice.