Kids and Digestive Issues: What the Nervous System Has to Do With It
Tummy troubles are more common than you think, whether it’s constipation, reflux, gas, bloating, or tummy aches that seem to come out of nowhere. When your child is constantly uncomfortable, it doesn’t just affect them, it affects the entire family.
At Healthy Families Chiropractic, we approach digestion differently. Instead of starting with food or medication, we start where digestion really begins: the nervous system.
What Are Common Digestive Struggles in Kids?
Digestive challenges can look like:
Chronic constipation
Gas or bloating
Reflux or spitting up (in infants)
Stomach pain without a clear cause
Food sensitivities or irregular bowel movements
While diet can certainly play a role, it’s often not the root cause.
How Digestion Is Controlled by the Nervous System
Digestion is not just about what your child eats, it’s about how well their brain and body communicate.
The autonomic nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic branch, regulates digestion. When your child is in a calm, "rest and digest" state, the brain tells the stomach to produce acid, the intestines to move food along, and the body to absorb nutrients. But when their nervous system is stuck in "fight or flight" mode, those functions slow down or even stop.
Here’s how a dysregulated nervous system can disrupt digestion:
Delayed motility, leading to constipation or gas
Tightened abdominal muscles from chronic stress or subluxations
Brain-gut disconnect, especially in children with sensory or developmental challenges
Increased inflammation from a stressed state, worsening symptoms
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Digestion
At Healthy Families Chiropractic, we use INSiGHT scans to assess how well your child’s nervous system is functioning, especially the vagus nerve, which is the primary nerve controlling digestion.
Our gentle, neurologically focused adjustments aim to:
Improve vagus nerve function, boosting digestive coordination
Restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
Reduce inflammation and tension interfering with gut motility
Support healthy bowel movements and nutrient absorption
Many parents report fewer tummy issues, better appetite, and more consistent bathroom habits after chiropractic care.
What You Can Do at Home to Support Gut Health
Supporting your child’s digestive system starts with calming their nervous system:
Encourage slow, mindful eating, no rushing meals or screens at the table
Stick to regular mealtimes and consistent sleep routines
Add in movement and hydration throughout the day
Limit foods that cause inflammation (processed sugar, dyes, etc.)
Try daily calming activities like deep breathing or warm baths
A Nervous System First Approach to Digestion
We’ve seen it time and time again: once a child’s nervous system begins to regulate, digestion naturally improves.
At Healthy Families Chiropractic, we work to uncover and address the real reason behind your child’s tummy troubles, not just cover the symptoms. Because when their nervous system is in sync, their gut can be too.
Ready to take a deeper look at your child’s digestive challenges?
Book a consultation today and help your child find lasting relief, naturally.
