The Brain-Gut Connection in Kids: Constipation, Reflux & More

Introduction

If your little one struggles with constipation, reflux, or tummy aches that never seem to quit, you’re not alone. Digestive challenges are some of the most common concerns we hear from parents—and they can leave both kids and moms feeling frustrated and exhausted.

But here’s the part that surprises many families: these gut issues often have less to do with food alone and more to do with the nervous system. The gut and the brain are constantly talking to each other, and when that communication gets scrambled, kids may end up stuck in cycles of discomfort and imbalance.

At Solstice Chiropractic, we love helping parents in Colorado Springs uncover this powerful brain-gut connection and discover natural ways to support their child’s digestive health.

The Gut-Brain Highway

The gut and brain communicate through a network of nerves, hormones, and signaling pathways. The star player? The vagus nerve—a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system that helps regulate digestion, relaxation, and healing.

When the vagus nerve is functioning well:

• Food moves smoothly through the digestive system

• Stomach acid and enzymes are balanced for proper digestion

• Kids can rest and absorb nutrients effectively

But when the nervous system is dysregulated—often due to birth stress, early illnesses, or chronic stress—the brain-gut connection weakens. That’s when constipation, reflux, and other digestive issues often appear.

Constipation: A Signal from the Nervous System

Constipation isn’t just about diet or hydration—it’s often about nervous system stress. If the body is stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode, digestion slows down as energy is diverted to survival functions.

Signs of nervous system-related constipation include:

• Long gaps between bowel movements

• Discomfort or pain when passing stools

• Emotional stress tied to bathroom struggles

When parents only address diet but not the nervous system, constipation tends to keep coming back.

Reflux & Tummy Troubles

Reflux in infants and kids is another red flag of nervous system imbalance. If the vagus nerve isn’t firing properly, the esophagus and stomach may not coordinate well, leading to frequent spit-up, discomfort, or even colic-like symptoms.

Nervous system dysregulation can also lead to:

• Gas and bloating

• Abdominal pain without a clear cause

• Poor appetite or picky eating

How Chiropractic Supports the Brain-Gut Connection

A Pediatric Chiropractor in Colorado Springs helps restore communication between the gut and brain by reducing nervous system stress.

Here’s how:

• Insight CLA Scans reveal where stress is stuck and how it affects digestive regulation.

• Gentle Adjustments support vagus nerve function, improving rest-and-digest responses.

• Regulation over Time allows kids to adapt better, improving bowel movements, easing reflux, and calming tummy discomfort.

Parents often notice not just better digestion, but also improvements in sleep, mood, and overall adaptability—because when the nervous system is balanced, every system works better.

Why This Matters for Your Child’s Health

Digestive health is about so much more than food. When your child’s nervous system is regulated, they’re not only more comfortable, but also better equipped to grow, learn, and thrive.

That’s why we’re excited to share even more at our upcoming event:

👉 Raising Healthy Kids Naturally Workshop
📅 October 2nd | Colorado Springs

We’ll dive into the brain-gut connection, sensory challenges, immune health, and more—so parents can feel empowered to support their kids naturally.

Call to Action

If your child is struggling with constipation, reflux, or other digestive challenges, don’t settle for temporary fixes. There’s a better way—through supporting their nervous system and strengthening the brain-gut connection.

👉 Schedule your child’s consultation at Solstice Chiropractic and join us for our Oct 2nd Raising Healthy Kids Naturally Workshop to learn more!