Natural Relief for Constipation: Supporting Gut Health for the Whole Family
- Sara Britt
- Sep 13
- 8 min read
Constipation can be stressful at any age, but for parents it’s especially difficult to watch a toddler struggle. Hard stools, straining, or even refusal to go can leave little ones uncomfortable and families frustrated. The good news is constipation is not random — it’s a signal from the body that something deeper needs attention
And constipation isn’t just a childhood problem. Adults experience it too, and in both cases, it tells us something important about the health of our gut.
What Really Causes Constipation
From a biological perspective, constipation can sometimes reflect more than just physical imbalance. The body may be “holding on” — to old grief, anger, fear, or unresolved stress. Just as our muscles can tighten when we carry emotional burdens, the intestines can “clamp down” and slow their rhythm when the nervous system is stuck in tension. Releasing hidden burdens through prayer, forgiveness, and renewing the mind can free the body to let go physically as well. God designed us as whole beings — body, mind, and spirit intricately connected.
From a physiological perspective, constipation can stem from several common but often overlooked root causes:
Gut microbiome imbalance – Your colon depends on healthy bacteria. These microbes ferment fiber into short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate) that fuel colon cells and trigger motility. Without enough “good guys,” stool becomes dry and hard.
Magnesium deficiency – Magnesium relaxes smooth muscles (including those in the intestines) and draws water into stool. Low levels = sluggish bowels. This is one of the most overlooked causes of chronic constipation.
Nervous system dysregulation – Stress activates the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response, which literally shuts down digestion. Chronic stress, trauma, or even lack of rest can keep bowels from moving.
Ignoring the urge – Whether toddlers are fearful of pain, or adults are “too busy,” holding in stool dulls the colon’s sensitivity over time. Eventually the body stops sending strong signals.
Processed foods & chemical additives – Artificial ingredients, preservatives, and pesticides inflame the gut lining, alter the microbiome, and reduce natural motility.
The truth: constipation is rarely just about “what you ate yesterday.” It’s about gut function, nervous system balance, emotional release, and the inner ecosystem God designed to keep everything moving.
What Your Stool Reveals About Gut Health
Your stool is one of the clearest windows into what’s happening inside. The Bristol Stool Chart (a medical tool) categorizes stool from type 1 (hard pellets) to type 7 (liquid).
Ideally, healthy stool should look like type 3–4: soft, smooth, and easy to pass.
Hard, pellet-like (type 1–2): Too little fermentation, low magnesium, or dysbiosis (bad bacteria overgrowth).
Loose or mushy (type 5–6): Irritated gut lining, food sensitivities, or imbalance of microbes.
Watery diarrhea (type 7): Infection, strong inflammatory response, or extreme dysbiosis.
Did you know? Your gut bacteria also produce vitamins like K2, folate, and B12, and more than 90% of your serotonin (the neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and motility). That means irregular stools may reflect nutrient deficiencies, mood issues, and nervous system imbalances — not just a “bathroom problem.”
The Hidden Dangers of Stimulant Laxatives
When constipation strikes, many people reach for quick fixes like senna, bisacodyl, or even internal castor oil. These are stimulant laxatives — they force the bowel muscles to contract. Relief may come quickly, but it isn’t true healing.
Dependence develops quickly. The bowel stops contracting on its own, requiring higher doses to “work.”
The gut lining suffers. Harsh stimulation strips the protective mucosa, leading to more inflammation and poor absorption.
Electrolyte imbalance is common. Stimulants pull too much water into the colon, depleting potassium, sodium, and magnesium — all vital for heart and nerve function.
Root causes remain unhealed. The microbiome, minerals, and nervous system still need repair.
Note: Castor oil packs are very different. Applied externally, they increase lymphatic flow, circulation, and gentle detoxification. They’re a valuable natural therapy. But taking castor oil internally without addressing the root cause is only a temporary fix.
Gentle Solutions for Toddlers
Hydration – Offer water and mineral-rich broths throughout the day. Even mild dehydration slows bowel movements.
Natural fiber foods – Pears, prunes, peas, applesauce, and oatmeal gently feed gut bacteria and soften stool.
Movement & massage – Bicycle legs, tummy rubs, and active play stimulate natural motility.
Routine – Sitting on the potty after meals trains the colon’s “gastrocolic reflex” (the natural urge to go after eating).
Topical magnesium – Magnesium lotion or oil applied to the bottoms of the feet or tummy can gently support relaxation and bowel regularity. It bypasses taste/texture struggles that toddlers often have with oral supplements.
Essential oils – Young Living oils like DiGize, Peppermint, or Fennel can be supportive when applied to the tummy or taken internally as directed. They may help relax the digestive tract, reduce gas, and encourage motility.*
Mineral baths – A warm soak relaxes abdominal muscles and often stimulates the urge to go. Adding a handful of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) or Dead Sea salts boosts relaxation and provides extra magnesium through the skin, which can further support bowel regularity.
Chiropractic adjustments – Gentle pediatric chiropractic care can help align the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves that communicate with the digestive tract, supporting healthy bowel movements.
God gave us simple tools in creation — water, minerals, herbs, and gentle hands — that work with the body, not against it. Supporting the body in these ways helps restore balance without force, allowing healing to follow His design. “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Gentle Solutions for Adults
Deep hydration – Most people think “just drink more water,” but water alone may not be enough. The colon pulls fluid into stool, but without adequate electrolytes, water can pass right through without hydrating tissues. Mineral-rich choices like bone broth, coconut water, herbal teas, or adding a pinch of sea salt to drinking water help replenish electrolytes and keep stool softer.
Prebiotic foods – Fiber is important, but the type of fiber matters. Prebiotic fibers like inulin and fructooligosaccharides (found in garlic, onions, asparagus, leeks, flaxseed, and chicory root) selectively feed beneficial bacteria. When these fibers are fermented, they produce butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids that fuel colon cells and directly stimulate bowel movements.
Movement after meals – A short 10–15 minute walk after eating activates the gastrocolic reflex, a natural wave of contractions that helps move food and stool through the intestines. Gentle stretching — such as torso twists, knee-to-chest stretches, or forward bends — can massage the intestines and stimulate motility.
Stress resets – The gut and nervous system are inseparably connected. Chronic stress keeps the body in “fight or flight,” which shuts down digestion. Activating the parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode through prayer, deep breathing, singing, or humming helps switch digestion back on and restore motility.
Magnesium & minerals – Magnesium relaxes intestinal muscles and draws water into stool. Oral magnesium citrate or glycinate can help, but topical magnesium (lotions, sprays, or Epsom salt baths) is often gentler. Other minerals like calcium and potassium also play key roles in healthy motility, making a mineral-rich diet essential for long-term gut health.
Essential oils – Young Living oils such as peppermint, fennel, or ginger can be massaged on the abdomen or taken internally as directed. They may help relax intestinal muscles, reduce gas, and support motility.*
Mineral baths – Warm baths naturally relax muscles, and adding Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) or Dead Sea salts provides transdermal magnesium that further supports regularity. Many people find a relaxing soak in the evening can help stimulate the bowels the following morning.
Chiropractic care – The nerves that control digestion branch off the spine. Misalignment can affect communication between the brain and digestive tract. Gentle chiropractic adjustments may relieve pressure on these nerves, improving overall motility and bowel regularity.
The key: restoring balance isn’t about forcing the bowels — it’s about supporting hydration, movement, minerals, nervous system calm, and natural tools that honor the way God designed the body. And remember, sometimes the body is “holding on” because the heart is too. Learning to release burdens through prayer and forgiveness brings freedom. “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Supplement of the Month: GutRenew
You may recall from our very first blog that GutRenew quickly became one of our cornerstone supplements — and with good reason. Constipation is one of the body’s clearest signals that the gut microbiome is out of balance. GutRenew was carefully designed to address that imbalance from every angle: probiotics, enzymes, minerals, and prebiotics working together. That’s why we’re bringing it forward again. Unlike single-strain probiotics or simple fiber blends, GutRenew goes further — combining probiotics, enzymes, prebiotics, minerals, and herbs to help reset and restore the foundation of gut health.
✅ 11 Diverse Probiotic Strains – Broad-spectrum microbiome support. These include strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum which soften stool and support motility, plus Saccharomyces boulardii which calms inflammation and balances yeast.
✅ Systemic & Digestive Enzymes – Serrapeptase, bromelain, papaya, and cellulase not only break down food but also reduce biofilms and mucus build-up that can slow digestion.
✅ Gentle Prebiotic Support – Oat fiber, inulin, chicory root, and FOS selectively feed the good bacteria, increasing production of butyrate (the short-chain fatty acid that fuels colon cells and stimulates bowel movements).
✅ Herbal & Mineral Support – Amla and alfalfa add antioxidants and gentle detox support, while fulvic acid and ionic minerals (calcium, magnesium, manganese) replenish what’s often depleted in constipation.
✅ Clean Formula – No dairy, soy, or artificial additives, making it safe for long-term use.
Key Benefits:
Promotes microbiome balance & gut flora diversity*
Enhances enzyme activity for smoother digestion*
Reduces bloating, gas & discomfort*
Improves nutrient absorption & bowel regularity*
Provides long-term gut resilience through prebiotic fueling*
That’s why we consider it not just a supplement, but a daily reset button for your gut.
Special Offer: Take 20% off either formula with code BLOG20 at checkout — valid through September 25th.
Featured Modality: Free 15-Minute Consult with Dr. Tina
New to the clinic? Our Free 15-Minute Consult is the perfect place to start. This short call is designed as a discovery session — an opportunity to connect directly with Dr. Tina, share your health concerns, and learn how our clinic’s approach may serve you best.
During your consult, Dr. Tina will:
Listen to your health concerns and where you’re struggling most
Share the foundation of our clinic’s beliefs and natural approach — healing that honors God’s design for the body
Help you identify whether you need a personalized consultation, follow-up care, or specific testing
Loosely map out a plan to set you up for success on your healing journey
Whether you’re dealing with constipation, chronic fatigue, or simply seeking better health, this call is the first step toward uncovering truth and finding lasting solutions.
A Call to Truth & Healing
Constipation is your body’s way of saying, “Pay attention.” Covering it up with stimulants may bring short-term relief, but true healing begins when we uncover the root cause and restore the way God designed the body to work.
If you’re ready to go deeper, we invite you to:
Set up a Free 15-Minute Consult to uncover what’s really going on
Or schedule your follow-up with Dr. Tina for personalized guidance
The more truth you know, the less time you spend chasing symptoms — and the more you can step into lasting healing.
Be the first to know about new wellness tips, blog posts, and special offers. |
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Comments