EP#25: Digestive Health & Your Kid, with Dr. Carly King, ND

Feeding Families is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network.

This episode was generously sponsored by Orange Naturals & by Oak Meadow.

Summary:
In this conversation, Dr. Carly King joins the podcast to discuss various aspects of digestive health in children. She provides an overview of normal bowel habits in infants and when to seek medical attention for constipation or diarrhea. Dr. King also explains the common causes of constipation and diarrhea, including food sensitivities and acute infections. She emphasizes the importance of temporary dietary changes for food intolerances and offers general guidelines for supporting digestive health, such as consuming fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated. Additionally, Dr. King highlights the significance of foundations, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management, for maintaining optimal digestive health throughout childhood and adolescence.

Takeaways

• Normal bowel habits in infants include soft, liquid stools in the first week, transitioning to three soft bowel movements per day in the first three months.
• Parents should seek medical attention if constipation or diarrhea persists for more than two weeks, if there is severe straining or pain during bowel movements, or if there are additional symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, or blood in the stool.
• Common causes of constipation include transitions in diet, food sensitivities, and behavioral patterns related to toilet training or school-age experiences.
• Temporary dietary changes, such as avoiding dairy or high-fructose foods, can help alleviate constipation or diarrhea caused by food intolerances.
• Supporting digestive health in children involves consuming fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, promoting healthy toileting habits, and maintaining a balanced diet and physical activity.
• Foundational aspects of health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management, play a crucial role in maintaining optimal digestive health throughout childhood and adolescence.

Dr. Carly King, ND
IG: dr.carlyking.nd

Dr. Alexa Torontow, ND
IG: dr.alexatoronto
wwww.alexatorontow.com

About the EcoParent Podcast Network:
The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family’s health, the planet and to our children’s future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice across our six podcasts: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids’ nutrition, green beauty, healthy home, and raising greener teens. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life!

About Raising Kids, Naturally:
The lifelong impact we can have on our children's health is incredible. As parents, we have an amazing opportunity to teach our kids, lead by example, and set them up for a life of optimal health. Getting the foundations of health in place and tuning into what you feel is the best for you and your family are essential.

With honesty and humour, Dr. Alexa Torontow, ND, will he