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Dr. Alexa and Dr. Kris Keep You Informed being regurgitated, many parents worry that they aren’t getting enough nutrition. With this concern in mind Colic, reflux and constipation are three common many pediatricians will immediately prescribe a drug difficulties for infants, generally considered to be treatment regimen. separate conditions that need to be treated individually. But in reality, the opposite is true. Digestion and Chemical Treatment of Reflux
elimination are two bodily systems that are directly linked and controlled by the central nervous system. The drugs most commonly used to treat infantile reflux are H2 blockers such as raniditine, famotidine and Your Family Wellness Chiropractor recognize nizatidine (also known as Tagamet, Zantac and when your infant’s central nervous system is worki Pepcid). With all of these chemicals the side effects properly, and the child being given the proper nutrition, can include sleepiness, dizziness, rapid or changed these three nightmares of motherhood can be heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and trouble controlled if not completely eliminated. breathing. It should also be noted that since this is a Colic
Colic has been defined as excessive, inconsolable crying of the infant, and research has shown that 10- 20% of all infants under the age of 4 months suffer from infantile colic. Episodes of colic can happen anytime day or night but will usually begin to follow a pattern. The general consensus between pediatricians is that colic is caused by excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract and so their response is, of course, to medicate. prescription that has to be given on a regular basis at The most commonly prescribed medication for the specified times, missing doses can also cause irritating treatment of colic is dimethicone. The side effects of this drug include fatigue, sedation, blurred vision, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and headache. While The second round of treatment when H2 blockers fail is this list is certainly reason for pause, the most alarming usually proton pump inhibitors. These include fact is that the makers of this drug note on their esomeprazole, omeprazole and lansoprazole (also literature that this chemical should not be given to known as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid). With these chemicals the side effects can include headache, diarrhea, abnormal heartbeat, rash, dizziness, muscle Reflux
pain as well as nausea and vomiting. Has it not occurred to them that they’re actually causing what While most infants will spit up a little after eating, infant reflux or gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is a whole different matter entirely. It typically happens due to a Constipation
relaxation of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus and is considered a result of a lack of coordination Constipation is generally defined as infrequent or hard between the organs of the upper digestive system. stools. Our bodies naturally remove water from the stool while the fecal matter is in the colon, if the fecal Sometimes the matter being regurgitated is breast milk matter remains in the colon too long and too much or formula, but a lot of times it will include stomach water is removed then the stool mass will be dry and acids causing the infant to be extremely distressed due to the discomfort caused to the esophagus. The highest concern when an infant is suffering from I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E
infant reflux is the fear of “failure to thrive”. Since sometimes a large amount of the child’s nutrition is Page 1 Digestion and Elimination
2008 Generations
Generally, a child that has not had a bowel movement the digestive system is directly controlled by the in three days or more may be constipated; however, central nervous system. Many parents report an your baby grunting or straining when passing stool isn’t improved quality of life for their children shortly after Typically a pediatrician will recommend either lactulose In regards to constipation, vertebral subluxation can sometimes be the cause of this discomfort. Parents or a glycerine suppository. The problem with these is who have chosen to take their child to a Family that they both have uncomfortable side effects that Wellness Chiropractor have reported improved bowel function and regular bowel movements with the initiation of a Chiropractic adjustment. Current Chiropractic Research

A randomized clinical trial by Wiberg, et. al. studied infants that had been diagnosed with colic and reported that adjustments were proven to be more effective in relieving the infants’ symptoms than the drug dimethicone. In fact, the final results showed that Chiropractic care was 200% more effective than the typically recommended drug therapy. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has a parent e-newsletter – sign up by visiting Another case study by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association followed 132 infants with colic. In this study, 91% of parents reported their infant improved within one week of beginning care with just The Role of the Nervous System
Since your baby’s digestive and elimination systems are controlled by their central nervous system, a healthy spine is going to be conducive to a healthier infant. When vertebral subluxation is present in the spine it leads to the interference of nerve impulses, which may affect how your infant’s muscles, tissues This information is not meant to imply that a Doctor of Chiropractic Reflux has been attributed to a lack of coordination treats, cures or prevents any disease. between the organs of the upper digestive system, and Dear Parent, Dr. Alexa and Dr. Kris are dedicated to providing you with the absolute best in family wellness care and with that dedication comes an understanding that an informed parent makes wise decisions for their child. So, take a moment to discuss with your Family Wellness Chiropractor any concerns you may have regarding your child’s overall health and wellness. The Chiropractic Office of
Dr. Alexa Valdez-Fagan
and Dr. Kris Fagan
at 3605 Madaca Lane
Tampa, FL 33618
813.265.8200
2008 Generations

Source: http://totallychiropractic.net/newsletter/Digestion%20and%20Elimination.pdf